Dot MU
Disassembly
Guide
Chapter 3
Machine Disassembly and Replacement
This chapter contains step-by-step procedures on how to disassemble the notebook computer for
maintenance and troubleshooting.
Disassembly Requirements
To disassemble the computer, you need the following tools:
• Wrist grounding strap and conductive mat for preventing electrostatic discharge
• Flat screwdriver
• Philips screwdriver
• Plastic flat screwdriver
• Plastic tweezers
NOTE: The screws for the different components vary in size. During the disassembly process, group the
screws with the corresponding components to avoid mismatch when putting back the components.
Related Information
The product previews seen in the disassembly procedures may not represent the final product color or
configuration.
IMPORTANT: Cable paths and positioning may not represent the actual model. During the removal and
replacement of components, ensure all available cable channels and clips are used and that the cables are
replaced in the same position.
Replacement Requirements
NOTE: Cabling and components require adhesive to be applied during the replacement and reassembly
process.
NOTE: During manufacture a cyanoacrylate glue is used provided by Holdtite Adhesives LTD. This is not a
specified requirement. The reassembler is free to select an alternative appropriate adhesive.
Chapter 3 41
Pre-disassembly Instructions
Before proceeding with the disassembly procedure, make sure that you do the following:
1. Turn off the power to the system and all peripherals.
2. Unplug the AC adapter and all power and signal cables from the system.
3. Place the system on a flat, stable surface.
42 Chapter 3
Disassembly Process
The disassembly process is divided into the following sections:
• External components disassembly
• Main unit disassembly
• LCD module disassembly
The flowcharts provided in the succeeding disassembly sections illustrate the entire disassembly sequence.
Observe the order of the sequence to avoid damage to any of the hardware components. For example, if you
want to remove the Mainboard, you must first remove the Keyboard, and LCD Module then disassemble the
inside assembly frame in that order.
Main Screw List
Screw Quantity Acer Part Number
M2.0X2.5-I(BNI)(NYLOK) IRON 4 86.SA107.002
M2*3.0 I (BNI,NYLOK)IRON 16 86.SA107.001
M2*5-I(BZN)(NYLOK) 20 86.TG607.004
Chapter 3 43
External Module Disassembly Process
NOTE: The product previews seen in the disassembly procedures may not represent the final product color or
configuration.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Part No.
WAN Module 2*3 1 86.SA107.001
Disassembly
External Modules Disassembly Flowchart
Turn off system
and peripherals
power
Disconnect power
and signal cables
from system
Remove
Battery
Remove
Dummy Card
Remove
Lower Covers
Remove Remove Remove
HDD DIMM WLAN Board
44 Chapter 3
Removing the Battery Pack
1. Turn the computer over.
2. Slide the battery lock/unlock latch to the unlock position.
3. Slide and hold the battery release latch to the release position (1), then slide out the battery pack from the
main unit (2).
Chapter 3 45
Removing the Dummy Card
1. Press the dummy card in to allow it to spring out.
2. Pull the dummy card out.
46 Chapter 3
Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module
DISCLAIMER: The notebook sample in the following images shows an FFC. The actual model
includes an FPC as pictured in the image on the right.
1. See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 45.
2. Loosen the four captive screws.
3. Lift the HDD cover up and away by the corner.
4. Grasp the FPC cable and lift to remove.
NOTE: The cable pictured in the following images may differ from the actual sample.
Chapter 3 47
5. Grasp the plastic tab at the top of the HDD and lift to bring the HDD out of its bay. At the same time, hold
the HDD with the other hand and lift to remove from the chassis.
6. Unlock the HDD FPC and pull the FPC away.
48 Chapter 3
Removing the DIMM Module
1. See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 45.
2. Loosen the four captive screws in the memory cover.
3. Lift the memory cover away.
4. Push outwards the memory module clips.
Chapter 3 49
5. Pull the memory module out.
50 Chapter 3
Removing the WLAN Module
1. See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 45..
2. Loosen the four captive screws in the memory cover.
3. Lift and remove the memory cover.
4. Detach the two cables from the Wireless LAN module.
IMPORTANT:Take note of the Main (1. black) and Auxiliary (2. white) connectors.
Chapter 3 51
5. Remove the one screw. Ensure the cables are well clear of the module
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
WAN Module 2*3 1
Disassembly
6. Pull the WLAN module out and away.
52 Chapter 3
Main Unit Disassembly Process
IMPORTANT: Cable paths and positioning may not represent the actual model. During the removal and
replacement of components, ensure all available cable channels and clips are used and that the cables are
replaced in the same position.
NOTE: The product previews seen in the disassembly procedures may not represent the final product color or
configuration.
Main Unit Disassembly Flowchart
Remove External
Modules before
proceeding
Remove
Keyboard
Remove Remove
Upper Cover Button Board
Remove
LCD Module
Remove Remove Remove
I/O Board Bluetooth Module LED Board
Remove Remove
Mainboard Speaker Module
Remove Remove Remove
CRT Board Thermal Module RTC Battery
Chapter 3 53
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Part No.
Remove Upper Cover M2*3 3 86.SA107.001
M2*5 18 86.TG607.004
Remove Button Board M2*3 2 86.W4107.002
Remove LCD Module M2*5 2 86.TG607.004
Remove LED Board M2*3 1 86.SA107.001
Remove I/O Board M2*3 1 86.SA107.001
Remove Mainboard M2*3 4 86.SA107.001
54 Chapter 3
Removing the Keyboard
IMPORTANT: The keyboard is easily warped or damaged during the removal process. Take care not to use
excessive force when removing to prevent damage.
1. See “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 45.
2. See “Removing the Hard Disk Drive Module” on page 47.
3. See “Removing the DIMM Module” on page 49.
4. See “Removing the WLAN Module” on page 51.
5. Using the plastic pry, press in the four latches along the top of the keyboard to release the keyboard from
the cover.
NOTE: The keyboard will spring up slightly when all retaining clips are unlocked.
Chapter 3 55
6. Using the plastic pry, lift up the top edge of the keyboard and then lift the keyboard up.
7. Flip the keyboard over.
a. Unlock the FCC b. Pull the keyboard away
56 Chapter 3
Removing the Upper Cover
1. See “Removing the Keyboard” on page 55.
2. Disconnect the button board FCC from the main board by unlocking the FCC cable and pulling away.
3. Remove the nine screws in the upper cover.
Screw List
Step Size Quantity Screw Type
Upper Cover M2*3 3 (blue call out)
Disassembly
M2*5 6 (red call out)
Chapter 3 57
4. Turn the computer over and remove the twelve screws in the bottom cover.
Screw List
Step Size Quantity Screw Type
Upper Cover M2*5 12
Disassembly
5. Turn the computer over and grasp the upper cover under the top edge. Then pull the upper cover up and
away from the computer.
58 Chapter 3
Removing the Button Board
IMPORTANT: The Touchpad Board cannot be removed individually. To replace the Touchpad, replace the entire
Upper Cover.
1. See “Removing the Upper Cover” on page 57.
2. Unlock and remove the touch-pad to mainboard FCC.
3. Unlock and detach the touch-pad to touch-pad FCC.
4. Remove the two screws holding the button board.
Chapter 3 59
Screw List
Step Size Quantity Screw Type
Button board M2*3 2
5. Lift the button board away
6. Peel the touch-pad FCC away from the adhesive.
7. Unlock the touch-pad FCC and pull the cable away.
60 Chapter 3
8. Lift up and pull the button board to main board FCC free.
Chapter 3 61
Removing the LCD Module
1. See “Removing the Upper Cover” on page 57.
2. Pull the WLAN cables through and away from the computer.
3. Lift the transparent adhesive tape off the LCD connector.
62 Chapter 3
4. Push out the LCD connector.
5. Remove the two screws of the LCD module hinges.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LCD Module M2*5 2
Disassembly
6. Lift the LCD module away.
Chapter 3 63
Removing the LED Board
1. See “Removing the Upper Cover” on page 57.
2. Unlock and remove the LCD board FCC.
3. Remove the single screw securing the LED Board to the Lower Cover.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LED Board 2*3 1
Disassembly
64 Chapter 3
4. Lift off the LCD Board.
5. Unlock and remove the LED board FCC from the mainboard.
Chapter 3 65
Removing the Bluetooth Module
1. See “Removing the Upper Cover” on page 57.
2. Detach the Bluetooth module cable from the mainboard.
3. LIft the Bluetooth module away from the
computer.
4. Detach the Bluetooth module cable from the module.
66 Chapter 3
Removing the I/O Board
1. See “Removing the Upper Cover” on page 57..
2. Unlock and remove the I/O board FCC from the main board
3. Unlock and remove the I/O board FCC from the I/O board.
4. Remove the one screw from the I/O board.
Chapter 3 67
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type.
I/O Board Disassembly M2*3 1
5. Lift the board up from the internal edge and then pull away diagonally.
68 Chapter 3
Removing the Mainboard
1. See “Removing the Upper Cover” on page 57.
2. See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 62.
3. See “Removing the LED Board” on page 64.
4. See “Removing the Bluetooth Module” on page 66.
5. See “Removing the I/O Board” on page 67.
6. Disconnect the speaker cable from the mainboard.
7. Remove the four screws of the main board and the CRT board.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type.
Main Board 2*3 4
Disassembly
Chapter 3 69
8. Lift the main board and the CRT board out together. Lift the internal edge up first then pull out the external
connector edge.
NOTE: The hand in the photograph holding on to the CRT board.
70 Chapter 3
Removing the CRT Board
1. See “Removing the Mainboard” on page 69.
2. Disconnect the CRT cable from the CRT board.
3. Disconnect the CRT cable from the main board.
Chapter 3 71
Removing the Thermal Module
1. See “Removing the Mainboard” on page 69.
2. See “Removing the CRT Board” on page 71.
3. Remove the five captive screws of the thermal module.
4. Lift the thermal module up slightly and then disconnect the thermal module cable from the main board.
5. Lift the thermal module away from the main board.
72 Chapter 3
Removing the RTC Battery
IMPORTANT:Observe local regulations in the disposal of all batteries.
1. See “Removing the Mainboard” on page 69.
2. Pry the RTC battery out of the holding clips.
Chapter 3 73
Removing the Speaker Modules
1. See “Removing the Mainboard” on page 69.
2. Remove the tape from the speaker cable.
3. Lift the modules away.
NOTE: The modules have adhesive on the base and may require force to free.
74 Chapter 3
LCD Module Disassembly Process
IMPORTANT: Cable paths and positioning may not represent the actual model. During the removal and
replacement of components, ensure all available cable channels and clips are used and that the cables are
replaced in the same position.
NOTE: The product previews seen in the disassembly procedures may not represent the final product color or
configuration.
LCD Module Disassembly Flowchart
Remove LCD
Panel from Main
Unit before
proceeding
Remove
LCD Bracket
Bezel
Remove
Camera Module
Detach
Microphone
Remove Remove
LCD Brackets LCD Panel
Remove Remove
LCD FPC Cable Antennas
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Part No.
Remove LCD 2*2.5 4 86.SA107.002
Brackets
Remove LCD 2*3 4 86.SA107.001
Panel
Chapter 3 75
Removing the LCD Bezel
1. See “Removing the LCD Module” on page 62.
2. Pry the bezel away from the top and then work down one side, along the bottom, then up the other side.
3. Roll the bezel up and away from the hinges.
76 Chapter 3
Removing the Camera Board
1. See “Removing the LCD Bezel” on page 76.
2. Disconnect the camera connector.
3. Pull up the camera board.
Chapter 3 77
Removing the LCD Panel
1. See “Removing the Camera Board” on page 77.
2. Pull up the microphone.
3. Remove the four screws.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LCD Panel 2x3 4
Disassembly
78 Chapter 3
4. Lift the LCD panel out lifting the bottom of the panel first.
Chapter 3 79
Removing the LCD Brackets
1. See “Removing the LCD Panel” on page 78.
2. Remove the four LCD bracket screws.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LCD Brackets M2*2.5 4
Disassembly
80 Chapter 3
Removing the FPC Cable
1. See “Removing the LCD Panel” on page 78.
2. Place the panel face down on a clean smooth surface. Pull the microphone/camera cable off the
adhesive.
3. Lift up the protective plastic tab.
4. Disconnect the LCD connector.
Chapter 3 81
Removing the Antennas
1. See “Removing the LCD Panel” on page 78.
2. Lift up the right antenna pull the cable away from the LCD module.
3. Lift up the left antenna and pull the cable away from the LCD module.
4. Pull up the two adhesive foil tabs from the cables.
82 Chapter 3
5. Remove the antennas completely.
Chapter 3 83
LCD Reassembly Procedure
NOTE: Adhesive is required to be added at various steps to cables and components. Locations of adhesive to
be added is designated with a:
NOTE: During manufacture a cyanoacrylate glue is used provided by Holdtite Adhesives LTD. This is not a
specified requirement. The reassembler is free to select an alternative appropriate adhesive.
Replacing the Antennas
1. Relay the cables around the module edge for the left antenna.
2. Relay the cables around the module edge for the right antenna.
84 Chapter 3
3. Stick the two antennas down pressing firmly.
4. Stick down the two foil tabs ensuring the screw holes are properly aligned.
Chapter 3 85
Replacing the FPC Cable
1. Connect the FPC cable connector.
2. Place the protective clear adhesive tape down firmly over the connector.
3. Apply adhesive behind the cable and stick the FPC cable down on the rear of the panel.
86 Chapter 3
Replacing the LCD Brackets
1. Replace the four screws holding the LCD brackets in place.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LCD Brackets M2*2.5 4
Disassembly
Chapter 3 87
Replacing the LCD Panel
1. Place the LCD panel into LCD module as shown top edge first, making sure the cable is not trapped
behind the panel.
2. Replace the four screws while ensuring the cables pass through the hinges correctly.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LCD Panel Assembly 2x3 4
88 Chapter 3
3. Apply adhesive and stick the microphone down.
Chapter 3 89
Replacing the Camera Board
1. Apply adhesive and lay the Camera Board board down pressing firmly.
2. Connect the cable to the Camera Board.
90 Chapter 3
Replacing the LCD Bezel
1. Place the bezel hinge covers over the hinges.
2. Ensure the cables are correctly exiting the hinges.
Chapter 3 91
3. Press down around the bezel starting from the bottom and working simultaneously around the edges to
the top.
92 Chapter 3
Main Unit Reassembly Process
Replacing the Speaker Modules
1. Apply adhesive in two places under the speaker modules.
2. Press down firmly on the two speaker modules.
3. Place tape over the speaker module cables.
Chapter 3 93
Replacing the RTC Battery
1. Place the RTC battery into the holding clips on the main board.
94 Chapter 3
Replacing the Thermal Module
1. Connect the thermal module connector to the main board.
2. Place the Thermal Module onto the main board. Then first tighten the three captive screws marked 1, 2, 3
on the thermal module in order: 1-2-3. First tighten Screw 1, then screw 2, then screw 3.
3
1
IMPORTANT: Incorrect order of screw replacement could harm the CPU.
3. The tighten the other two captive screws
Chapter 3 95
Replacing the CRT Board
1. Connect the CRT board cable to the main board.
2. Connect the CRT board cable to the CRT board.
3. Align the CRT board cable carefully between the main board and the CRT board and stick down the
attached tape of the cable.
96 Chapter 3
Replacing the Main Board
1. Slide the main board external connector edge in first to the lower case.
2. Replace the four screws to secure the mainboard to the lower cover.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
Main Board Assembly 2x3 4
Chapter 3 97
3. Connect the speaker connector.
98 Chapter 3
Replacing the I/O Card
1. Place the I/O card into the lower case edge first.
2. Replace the one screw.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
I/O Card Assembly 2x3 1
Chapter 3 99
3. Connect and lock the I/O card FCC to the I/O board.
4. Connect and lock the I/O card FCC to the main board.
100 Chapter 3
Replacing the Bluetooth Module
1. Connect the Bluetooth module cable to the Bluetooth module.
2. Apply adhesive and place the Bluetooth module into place pressing down firmly.
3. Connect the Bluetooth module cable to the main board.
Chapter 3 101
Replacing the LED Board
1. Connect and lock the LED board FCC to the mainboard.
2. Place the LED board into place ensuring the slide switches on the front are properly aligned in the lower
cover slots.
3. Replace the one screw.
102 Chapter 3
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LED Board Assembly M2*3 1
4. Connect the LED board FCC to LED board.
Chapter 3 103
Replacing the LCD Module
1. Place the LCD module hinges into position on the lower case.
2. Replace the two screws.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
LCD Module Assembly M2x5 2
104 Chapter 3
3. Reconnect the LCD module connector.
4. Press the adhesive plastic tape of the LCD module connector down firmly.
Chapter 3 105
5. Relay the WLAN cables around and through the lower case.
106 Chapter 3
Replacing the Button Board
1. Put the button board to main board FCC through the upper cover and lay out correctly.
2. Apply adhesive and stick the touch pad FCC down onto the upper cover.
3. Connect the touch pad FCC to the touch pad.
Chapter 3 107
4. Place the button board onto the upper cover and replace the two screws.
Screw List
Step Screw Quantity Screw Type
Button Board M2*3 2
Assembly
5. Connect and lock the touch pad FCC to the button board.
108 Chapter 3
6. Lay the button board FCC down carefully on the upper cover.
7. Connect the button board FCC to the button board.
Chapter 3 109
Replacing the Upper Cover
1. Place the upper cover onto the lower cover aligning the hinges first and then press down around the
edges.
2. Replace the nine screws.
110 Chapter 3
Screw List
Step Size Quantity Screw Type
Upper Cover M2*3 3 (blue call out)
Assembly
M2*5 6 (red call out)
3. Turn the computer over and replace the bottom cover twelve screws.
Screw List
Step Size Quantity Screw Type
Upper Cover M2*5 12
Assembly
4. Turn the computer back over and connect the button board FCC to the main board.
Chapter 3 111
Replacing the Keyboard
1. Connect the FCC to the mainboard.
2. Turn the keyboard over and insert the bottom edge in push down ensure the four latches across the top
are fully secured.
112 Chapter 3
Replacing the Wireless LAN Module
1. Place the wireless LAN module into its connector.
2. Replace the one screw.
Screw List
Step Size Quantity Screw Type
WLAN Assembly M2*3 1
Chapter 3 113
3. Replace the connectors. The white (Aux) cable attaches to the connector marked 2 on the board. The
black (Main) cable attaches to the connector marked 1 on the board.
114 Chapter 3
Replacing the DIMM Module
1. Slide the DIMM module into the connector and press down till the locking springs click into place.
2. Place the DIMM module door down edge first.
3. Tighten the four captive screws.
Chapter 3 115
Replacing the Hard Disk Drive
DISCLAIMER: The notebook sample in the following images shows an FFC. The actual model
includes an FPC as pictured in the image on the right.
1. Connect the HDD FPC to the HDD.
2. Lift up the clear plastic tab and place the HDD into its bay.
3. Connect the HDD FPC to the main board.
NOTE: The cable pictured in the above images may differ from the actual sample.
116 Chapter 3
4. Place the HDD cover in from one edge.
5. Tighten the four captive screws.
Chapter 3 117
Replacing the Battery
1. Slide the battery into position.
2. Close the locking latch.
118 Chapter 3
Replace the Dummy Card
Push the dummy card into the slot until it clicks into place.
Chapter 3 119
120 Chapter 3
