Slowtwitch Forums: Lavender Room: Help! More laptop stuff!

Calendar Coaches Fitters Retailers Triathlon Clubs Stack & Reach Custom Geometry Calculator Training Log
		MAIN INDEX	RULES & LEGEND	LOG IN

Search for (options)

Newsletter Signup

Slowtwitch Forums: Lavender Room:
Help! More laptop stuff!

mmrocker13

Nov 2, 09 16:25

Post #1 of 6 (140 views)

Help! More laptop stuff!	Can't Post

So, I was replacing my keyboard on my Dell Inspiron 1525. Fine. As I was putting the last two screws back in (the ones that go under the battery and hold the keyboard bezel on)...I dropped one into the hole the battery clips into (the one on the outer side, closest to the DVD drive--not the one closest to the back bot of the computer you can remove.)

I KNOW it went in, I saw it. I can't hear it in there, and nothing came out when I opened the DVD drive manually and gently shook it. I also removed that back panel (sort of L shaped, where the Windows Vista sticker/product key is...but it wasn't any help.

My question is...where did teh screw go, and what happens if I just turn the laptop on? Will the screw short something out in there>

I can't call Dell support, as my warranty expired a couple of months ago...

Thanks!

--------------------------------------------------------
This country has far too many special interest folks who think that every human is just one hug away from redemption - when the fact is that some humans are just a burden to society. --R10C

chainpin

Nov 2, 09 16:47

Post #2 of 6 (130 views)

Re: Help! More laptop stuff! [mmrocker13] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

Not sure where it went, but try shaking at different angles to get it out.

If it's still stuck, I wouldn't worry too much about it, it won't short anything out.

But, if your fan makes funny noises it might be a place to look!

"I really wish you would post more often. You always have some good stuff to say. I copied it below just in case someone missed it." BarryP to Chainpin on 10/21/06

Helitech

Nov 3, 09 3:14

Post #3 of 6 (106 views)

Re: Help! More laptop stuff! [mmrocker13] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Find a refrigerator magnet " those credit card type " . Make a scotch tape leash for it and cut to fit in a cd drive tray or battery area . Unless its 100% stainless , it may catch the screw . As described turn -shake - roll the laptop over a bed , to dislodge the screw .

May the screw gods be with you !

mmrocker13

Nov 3, 09 9:16

Post #4 of 6 (81 views)

Re: Help! More laptop stuff! [Helitech] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

Wait...I thought magnets near computers was bad? Or is that credit cardss... or...?

--------------------------------------------------------
This country has far too many special interest folks who think that every human is just one hug away from redemption - when the fact is that some humans are just a burden to society. --R10C

chainpin

Nov 3, 09 9:26

Post #5 of 6 (77 views)

Re: Help! More laptop stuff! [mmrocker13] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

Wait...I thought magnets near computers was bad? Or is that credit cardss... or...?

Yeah, magnets and computers don't play well together, I would NOT use a magnet to retrieve the screw.

Your hard drive will probably be ok if the magnet is not that strong, but really, do you want to screw--no pun intended--around with that potential mess?

"I really wish you would post more often. You always have some good stuff to say. I copied it below just in case someone missed it." BarryP to Chainpin on 10/21/06

Helitech

Nov 3, 09 14:13

Post #6 of 6 (52 views)

Re: Help! More laptop stuff! [mmrocker13] [In reply to]	Can't Post

With all the travel , metal detectors , trash magnets on conveyor belts. A low flux magnet in a CD tray is away from all the sensitive gear . Not a problem , I have never seen a damaged drive or laptop from civilian magnets .

(This post was edited by Helitech on Nov 3, 09 14:14)