m1330 motherboard replaced, reassembly issues

[santos.]

Hey guys. Some of you might remember my post about a bluescreen I was getting. It was determined that there was an issue with speedstep, and the motherboard/cpu were replaced. The guy did a decent job, but it seems something isn't fitting together right, please see attachment.

I've pressed on it in several directons but it seems it's not just a popping-it-back-into-place issue. It can get quite annoying, especially at night, as the angle points right to my eyes.

I've considered taking off the palmrest and seeing what's up, but I'm not sure I want to go through the trouble if I don't have to. Is there supposed to be something surrounding the LEDs to block the light from escaping where unintended? Or is this a fitment issue?

[Les]

There should be a screw just to the right. Is it tight? Further, if it is...loosen it a bit and see if there is a small plastic chunk stuck in there.

[santos.]

Thanks flamenko. I just took out a few screws and took a look inside. Nothing was stopping it from being screwed in completely. I think I figured it out though: the clear plastic front bezel that surrounds the headphon ports, etc. seems to have shifted downward. Pushing it up closes the gap, but it won't stay. As far as I can tell, it's stuck on ther with adhesive. Also, there is a scuff on it. I'm wondering if something pushed it out of place. Is this a piece that dell could send me? Or since it is attached to the base of the lappy, would they have to send me a whole new bottom?

[nizzy1115]

Thanks flamenko. I just took out a few screws and took a look inside. Nothing was stopping it from being screwed in completely. I think I figured it out though: the clear plastic front bezel that surrounds the headphon ports, etc. seems to have shifted downward. Pushing it up closes the gap, but it won't stay. As far as I can tell, it's stuck on ther with adhesive. Also, there is a scuff on it. I'm wondering if something pushed it out of place. Is this a piece that dell could send me? Or since it is attached to the base of the lappy, would they have to send me a whole new bottom?

probably take it apart and putting it back together. i would call them up and make them do it.

[Les]

Cant answer that one big guy..

[ACHlLLES]

Call the tech and compaint about this.

Darn field tech should do a job like he's working on his own laptop.

Leaving gap like that is just shameful IMO.

I hate people who don't take their job seriously.

[santos.]

Yeah, I probably would but I doubt he can do anything I can't to fix it. I wish I had done the replacement myself in the first place, I know I could have done it more carefully. You're right, he was definitely not taking as much care with it as he probably would have on his own. He didn't strip any of the screws, but he insisted on using an electric screwdriver which really bothered me considering how small they are. It's all about how many of these they can get done in a day, and like I said, I know I could have easily done better as I would have taken my time. Oh well, lesson learned. I'm going to call and ask if thy can send me another bezel.

[Les]

The actual tech problem stems back to Dell. Techs are supposed to be trained on the assembly/dissassembly of new laptoops before the release...not this time.

[santos.]

Unfortunately I don't think it was relative to the m1330, just a general lack of professionalism.

I just got done with a chat w/ Dell, they are (hopefully) sending me the parts to replace the bezel. After reading this thread though I'm afraid I'll just be getting the base without the bezel. If it comes to that, I might have to just rip it off and reattach it somehow...

I'll post an update when I receive the parts, wish me luck!