I can't remove the cover from my Deskpro

[Penny Williams]

I have a an older Deskpro (Pentium II) and I need to install a new hard drive. I can't get the cover of the machine. Any ideas how to do this? Greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Shivakumar .B.S]

Hi,
What is the model of the Deskpro system?
You could refer the following link
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_179146r4/TPM_179146r4.pdf

Regards.

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

There are ~400 Deskpro models. You'll get more response if you post the exact model. Look for a printed label somewhere on the case (don't forget to check the bottom). On some machines, the label is in the CD tray.

HTH

Make a great day!

Roger

[Penny Williams]

I'm not sure about the model. I looked for a sticker, but it's been scraped to the point I can't see the writing. On the top of the computer is a sticker with the following information:

DPEND-P400/6.4/W5C US
Compaq Serial No: 6922 BW42 G003

I received this computer from a family member and they don't remember what model it was specifically.

It is a Pentium II with Windows NT 4.0/98 factory installed.

Does that help?

Sorry I can't be more clear.

[Penny Williams]

I wish I could edit the points allotted to a response. The person who sent me the link to the Compaq manual should have got 8.5 points. I found the proper information on how to open the case. Now I have a new problem. The instructions refer to something called the "Smart Cover Lock" and I can't find where to check if this is activated. I know I'm being a pain, but this is really starting to bug me.

Thanks again for all your help.

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

Does your system resemble the attached file?

Roger

[Penny Williams]

Roger,

Almost exactly.

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

Item 11 in the .jpg I posted is a quick cover release button. I believe there's one on each side of the front cover. Press both simultaneously and pull the cover towards you. If that doesn't work, let us know.

Roger

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

In case it's not obvious, clear the top of the case first (monitor, etc.)

Roger

[Penny Williams]

Roger;

Got the physical release buttons worked out, but the cover still won't budge. I think it has something to do with the smart cover lock. Any ideas on that little gem?

Penny

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

If it has a smart cover lock, do you know how to disengage it? See:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&docname=c00035551

Roger

FYI:

"If unable to access Computer Setup to unlock the cover, the locking solenoid will need to be removed by using the Smart Cover FailSafe Key (spare part number 166527-001 or 166527-002). Once the solenoid has been deactivated or removed, the access panel can be removed.

The Smart Cover FailSafe Key will be needed in any of the following circumstances:

Power outage
Startup failure
Processor or power supply failure
Lost password"

The failsafe key part numbers may be different for your system.

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

I may be getting in over my head now. If you're problem is still not solved, post a message here:

http://forums1.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/categoryhome.do?categoryId=271

The people there are much more hardware knowledgeable about your system. I'm more of a hardware/software generalist.

Roger

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

BTW, HP describes your S/N system as follows:

DPEND P400/6.4/64/W5C

Deskpro EN 40BX-AGP - Indy

HTH

Roger

[Penny Williams]

Roger;

Thanks for all your help. I checked the status of the cover lock in the BIOS and it says it is not engaged. So, I guess I'm just not trying hard enough with removing the cover now that I have the instructions. I'll just have to try a little more muscle.

Thanks again,

Penny

[Roger Faucher]

Penny:

There may be some screws that need to be removed on the rear of the case. It's also possible that a defect in the locking mechanism is causing it to be locked mechanically although unlocked electrically. I assume you don't have the special tool, is that right?

Sorry I'm not being much help!

Roger

[Kim Torkelson]

Penny:
The Deskpro's I've worked on (lots) all had thumb screws in the back. Some were green on certain models, and on those there was ONE, the others were silver in color, and on those there were two. They need to be removed to remove the cover.
HTH
~kim

[Michael Dillman]

I have several P350's with the same configuration. There aren't any thumbscrews, but the covers will occasional jam in the track. See if one side seems to move but not the other.

[Ralph_24]

Hi, i hope u have been enable to install your new hard drive, i have a old computer DPEND P450+/6.4/64/W5n this what compaq tell about the model. I'm trying to restore the factory settings but i have lost the restore CD do you know where can i download it or any advice please. Thanks a lot