iBook HD upgrade

Part 3- Upper Case Removal

The upper case is retained using a number of screws from both the bottom and top of the unit. The bottom ones will be removed first.

a. Remove the screws 'A' which go through the main circuit board to the top case half.

b. Remove two screws 'B' from the battery compartment area, and two similar screws from each end of the CD drive opening.

c. Remove the single screw 'C' retaining the sleep LED in place.

d. Turn the unit over and open the screen to its widest opening position. Unclip the keyboard and lay it down on its keys on the front part of the computer. Take great care not to strain the film ribbon cable. Remove (if fitted) the Airport card.

e. Remove two screws from the memory cover plate, and remove it, taking care to keep the airport antenna connector out of the way.

f. CAREFULLY lift the keyboard ribbon cable retainer - you may need to insert a small screwdriver gently into each end of the plastic retainer, and with a slight twisting motion, unlock the retainer. Lift away the keyboard and set it aside

g. Lift the mousepad ribbon cable retainer and lift the cable out of the connector.

h. Unscrew 3 screws in the keyboard recess area. These screws are very tight and you may need to use pliers or another means to increase the torque available from the screwdriver. Take great care not to apply excessive force, and guard against slipping.

i. Remove the small magnet located adjacent to the FCC compliance label by prising it out with a small screwdriver. This reveals another screw, unscrew it.

j. The upper case half can now be lifted away. There are two sets of wires connected to the motherboard - a blue and white pair at the rear, and a red and black pair towards the front on the left. Carefully disconnect these from the motherboard by very gently pulling on the wires - take great care not to break the wires, they are quite thin. Once disconnected the upper case half is fully freed and can be set aside. The mousepad and button is attached to the case and requires no disassembly.