Help needed - disassembling Dell notebook

[normo]

Hi, I apologize for making my first post such a trivial one but I'm stuck. I'm a retired diehard DIYer that has assembled a few computers and decided to attempt repairing a Dell M140 notebook with a bad power jack?

1. I'm nearing the end of the dissasembly but ran into a snag trying to disconnect the touch pad and LED cable connectors. A photo of the connector is attached.

Dell's Service Manual, which is very helpful in most places, says to "Use a plastic scribe to release the locking clips on both sides of the system board connector, gently pull to disconnect the touch pad connector from the system board connector." Not sure how the "locking clips" work and gentle didn't work. Now I'm hesitant to apply additional force to these fragile parts without knowing exactly where to apply it. Can anyone help?

2. Both screws which secure one of the memory module covers are so tight I'm afraid of damaging something if I apply more force. What is the likelihood of damaging a memory module if I don't remove it before soldering on the motherboard?

Advice is greatly appreciated.

Norm

 

[Pc Fixed Right]

umm thats not good. You have already broken it from what I can see. The black plastic piece on the front where the cable is held is what you were supposed to move towards you to release it.

 

[usacvlr]

<shakes his head and mumbles to himself>
yes you broke it, or someone did

 

[normo]

Questions answered

Advanced Computer Group - worked as you described, thanks so much.

 

[usacvlr]

I didn't even see the friction fit piece. The sides should not be bent out like that. Someone has pulled the black friction fit piece all the way out and bent the white locking tabs backwards. you might want to put a drop of heat glue on either side of the cable to keep it in place when you put it back together.