ITCC102 (Computer Systems and Troubleshooting)

GROUP NAME: One Man Army

DATE:12/02/2025
SECTION: 106I
MEMBERS (who contributed to the activity):
JV Miguel L. Salamat
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Lab 5.2 Computer Disassembly/Reassembly

Objective:
To disassemble and reassemble a computer correctly

Parts:
A computer to disassemble
A tool kit
An anti-static wrist strap

Note:
Observe proper ESD handling procedures when disassembling and reassembling a
computer.

Procedure:
Complete the following procedure and answer the accompanying questions. You are to
include images of the performance of each group member as they perform the exercise.

1. Gather the proper tools needed to disassemble the computer.

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2. Clear as much workspace as possible around the computer.

3. Power on the computer.

Why is it important to power on the computer before you begin?
It’s imporant to power on the computer befor you begin because it allows you to check if the
system is working properly befor making any changes

External Cables
4. Turn off the computer and all peripherals. Remove the power cable from the wall outlet, and
then remove the power cord from the computer.

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5. Note where the monitor cable plugs into the back of the computer. Disconnect the monitor
including the power cord and move it to a safe place. Take appropriate notes.

6. Remove all external cables from the back of the computer. Take notes on the location of each
cable. Move the peripheral devices to a safe place.
Did the mouse cable connect to a PS/2 or USB port?
Older mouse PS/2 but modern USB

Computer Case Side Access or Removal

7. If possible, remove one or both sides of the case. This is usually the hardest step in disassembly
if the computer is one that has not been seen before. Diagram the screw locations. Keep the cover
screws separated from other screws. An egg carton or a container with small compartments makes
an excellent screw holder. Label each compartment and reuse the container. Otherwise, open the
case as directed by the manufacturer.
<Insert the appropriate image, if possible>

Adapter Placement
8. Make notes or draw the placement of each adapter in the expansion slots.
<Insert the appropriate image, if possible>

9. On your notes, draw the internal cable connections before removing any adapters or cables from
the computer. Make notes regarding how and where the cable connects to the adapter. Do not
forget to include cables that connect to the motherboard or to the computer case.
List some ways to determine the correct orientation for an adapter or cable.

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The motherbord and components often have printed labels or diagrams to show proper
connection points.

Internal Cable Removal

10. Remove all internal cables. WARNING: Do not pull on a cable; use the pull tab, if available,
or use the cable connector to pull out the cable. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs.
Release the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. Make appropriate notes regarding the
cable connections. Some students find that labeling cables and the associated connectors makes
reassembly easier, but good notes usually suffice.
<Insert the appropriate images, if possible>

Adapter Removal
11. Start with the left side of the computer (facing the front of the computer) and locate the leftmost
adapter.

12. If applicable, remove the screw or retaining bracket that holds the adapter to the case. Place
the screw in a separate, secure location away from the other screws already removed. Make notes
about where the screw goes or any other notes that will help you when reassembling the computer.
<Insert the appropriate image, if possible>

13. Remove the adapter from the computer.

Why must you be careful not to touch the gold contacts at the bottom of each adapter?
You must be careful not to touch the gold contacts at the bottom of each adapter because oils, dirt,
bacause static electricity from your fingers can interfere with the connection.

14. Remove the remaining adapters in the system by repeating Steps 11–13. Take notes regarding
screw locations, jumpers, switches, and so forth, for each adapter.

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Drives
15. Remove all power connections to drives, such as hard drives, floppy drives, CD/DVD/BD
drives, and so on. Note the placement of each drive and each cable, as well as any reminders needed
for reassembly.

16. Remove any screws holding the drives in place. Make notes about where the screws go. Keep
these screws separate from any previously removed screws.

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17. Remove all drives.
Why must you be careful when handling a mechanical hard drive?
Not touching the bottom PCB because the circut board on the bottom is sensitive and can
damage components if done so.
What would you do differently when handling an SSD than a SATA hard drive?
HDDs need careful handling to avoid impact damage, while SSDs can handle more rough
movement, but still should be kept in anti-static bags. So I'd be handle the SSD with more
ease of mind

Power Supply

18. Before performing this step, ensure that the power cord is removed from the wall outlet and
the computer. Remove the connectors that connect the power supply to the motherboard.

19. Take very good notes here so you will be able to insert the connectors correctly when
reassembling.
<Insert the appropriate image, if possible>

20. Remove the power supply.

What is the purpose of the power supply?
To direct power towards the components of your computer

Motherboard
21. Make note of any motherboard switches or jumpers and indicate whether the switch position
is on or off.
What is the importance of documenting switches and jumpers on the motherboard?

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Because it can help with restoring original settings and If you need to reset or replace
components, your notes help you return everything to the correct configuration.

22. Remove any remaining connectors. Take appropriate notes.

23. Remove any screws that hold the motherboard to the case. Place these screws in a different
location from the other screws removed from the system. Write any notes pertaining to the
motherboard screws. Look for retaining clips or tabs that hold the motherboard into the case.

24. Remove the motherboard. Make notes pertaining to the motherboard removal. The computer
case should be empty after you complete this step.

Reassembly
25. Reassemble the computer by reversing the steps for disassembly. Pay particular attention to
cable orientation when reinstalling cables. Before reconnecting a cable, ensure that the cable and
the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned before pushing the cable firmly in place.

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Refer to your notes. The first step is to install the motherboard in the computer case and reconnect
all motherboard connections and screws.

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26. Install the power supply by attaching all screws that hold the power supply in the case. Reattach
the power connectors to the motherboard. Refer to your notes.

27. Install all drives by attaching screws, cables, and power connectors. Refer to your notes. Attach
any cables that connect the drive to the motherboard.

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28. Install all adapters. Attach all cables from the adapter to the connecting device. Replace any
retaining clips or screws that hold adapters in place. Refer to your previous notes and diagrams.

29. Connect any external connectors to the computer. Refer to previously made notes, when
necessary.

30. Replace the computer cover. Ensure that slot covers are replaced and that the drives and the
front cover are aligned properly. Ensure that all covers are installed properly.

31. Reinstall the computer power cable.

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32. Once the computer is reassembled, power on all external peripherals and the computer. A
chassis intrusion error message might appear. This is just an indication that the cover was removed.
Did the computer power on with POST error codes? If so, recheck all diagrams, switches, and
cabling.

Also, check a similar computer model that still works to see whether you made a diagramming
error. The most likely problem is with a cable connection or with a part not seated properly in its
socket.
<Insert the appropriate image, if possible>

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