Compaq. This is going to be fun. I can't even get the cover off. :)

[Terry]

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=93710&lang=en&

I am told there are instructions at the web page. I can't even find
the manual.

Compaq Presario 5BW284 Desktop

I have the side cover off and there is a plastic latch that has a lock
symbol on it, but I can't tell which postion is lock or unlock.

Help

 

[peter]

how about this site..even has video
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...cc=us&dlc=en&product=93710&rule=45076&lang=en

peter

 

[Terry]

That computer looks nothing like the one I have.
It is going to look less like it when I throw it out in the yard.
I feel like a retard. (I probably am)

 

[Peter]

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=93710&lang=en&

I am told there are instructions at the web page. I can't even find
the manual.

Compaq Presario 5BW284 Desktop

I have the side cover off and there is a plastic latch that has a lock
symbol on it, but I can't tell which postion is lock or unlock.

Help

http://www.fixya.com/support/p356246-ompaq_presario_5bw284_202493_003_pc

Is that a picture of it in the top left of this web page?

I think I knew someone who had one of these, or very similar. Trouble
is it was 2/3 years ago so things are a little vague but I did have to
get it open a few times. Not sure if I tried removing the front of it
first, but I doubt that should have been necessary. Thing with these
is, sometimes if pulling doesn't work, then try pushing or vice versa.
It's amazing how obvious and simple it is once you've been successful.
I know that's not much, but it's the only real advice I can give.

 

[pcbuilder98]

http://www.fixya.com/support/p356246-ompaq_presario_5bw284_202493_003_pc

Is that a picture of it in the top left of this web page?

I think I knew someone who had one of these, or very similar. Trouble
is it was 2/3 years ago so things are a little vague but I did have to
get it open a few times. Not sure if I tried removing the front of it
first, but I doubt that should have been necessary. Thing with these
is, sometimes if pulling doesn't work, then try pushing or vice versa.
It's amazing how obvious and simple it is once you've been successful.
I know that's not much, but it's the only real advice I can give.

This link works:
http://www.fixya.com/support/p356246-compaq_presario_5bw284_202493_003_pc
Good Luck
pcbuilder98

 

[pcbuilder98]

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=93710&lang=en&

I am told there are instructions at the web page. I can't even find
the manual.

Compaq Presario 5BW284 Desktop

I have the side cover off and there is a plastic latch that has a lock
symbol on it, but I can't tell which postion is lock or unlock.

Help

There is no manual on that page. Compaq screwed up. I was unable to find a
manual for that machine. If I can't find it then it isn't on the internet.
You now have two choices. Take your PC to a local repair shop and ask them
how to do whaterver it is you want to do or take some photos and upload them
so we can see what your talking about. What is it that you want to do inside
the PC? You never said.
Good Luck
pcbuilder98

 

[Terry]

This link works:http://www.fixya.com/support/p356246-compaq_presario_5bw284_202493_00...
Good Luck

The picture in this link does look like the machine I am trying to get
into.
The front wraps around the actual case.
I am trying to get the CD player off.
I either have to take the clear plastic cover off the front or the
entire front.
The clear plastic cover flips open at the center and there looks like
there is a latch in the center that you have to squeeze. I have
squeezed it together with a pair of needle nose pliers but I can't get
anything to give.

I don't' want to break anything. I am stumped on how to get the front
off.

 

[Peter]

The picture in this link does look like the machine I am trying to get
into.
The front wraps around the actual case.
I am trying to get the CD player off.
I either have to take the clear plastic cover off the front or the
entire front.
The clear plastic cover flips open at the center and there looks like
there is a latch in the center that you have to squeeze. I have
squeezed it together with a pair of needle nose pliers but I can't get
anything to give.

I don't' want to break anything. I am stumped on how to get the front
off.

Does it have that silly cd holder on the bottom half of the front? If
so, then that is the very same one. Trouble is it's just too long ago
now. I just have a vague memory of struggling to figure it out. Don't
think the manual was much help anyway so don't waste your time trying to
find it, because I did have access to it at the time it didn't help me.
I'm sure you're going down the right path in removing the front, though.
Unfortunately, after that, unless I have a sudden total memory
flashback, it looks like you're on your own.

 

[pcbuilder98]

works:http://www.fixya.com/support/p356246-compaq_presario_5bw284_202493_00.
...

The picture in this link does look like the machine I am trying to get
into.
The front wraps around the actual case.
I am trying to get the CD player off.
I either have to take the clear plastic cover off the front or the
entire front.
The clear plastic cover flips open at the center and there looks like
there is a latch in the center that you have to squeeze. I have
squeezed it together with a pair of needle nose pliers but I can't get
anything to give.

I don't' want to break anything. I am stumped on how to get the front
off.

Without photos I can only guess. I doubt the CD will come out with the front
still on, not on a case like that. I would shine a bright light into the
case and see what is holding the front fascia. Possibly there are screws
that come from the inside and go into the front fascia. You might also see
the ends of clips that are holding the fascia on and that may give a clue.
If I were certain that there are no screws holding the front on then I would
try to pull/pry gently on the front.
Good Luck
pcbuilder98

 

[pcbuilder98]

works:http://www.fixya.com/support/p356246-compaq_presario_5bw284_202493_00.

Without photos I can only guess. I doubt the CD will come out with the front
still on, not on a case like that. I would shine a bright light into the
case and see what is holding the front fascia. Possibly there are screws
that come from the inside and go into the front fascia. You might also see
the ends of clips that are holding the fascia on and that may give a clue.
If I were certain that there are no screws holding the front on then I would
try to pull/pry gently on the front.
Good Luck
pcbuilder98

Read the reply from Rick in this post:
http://www.motherboardpoint.com/t36992-help-w-removing-cd-drive-out-of-presario-5000.html

pcbuilder98

 

[pcbuilder98]

<snip>

I spoke to HP support last night via an online chat session at:
http://ipgweb.cce.hp.com/psgna/call...383&submitHUB.y=6&lang=en&submitHUB.x=7&cc=us

They sent me two PDF documents. The photo in these manuals look like the
photo at:
http://www.fixya.com/support/p356246-compaq_presario_5bw284_202493_003_pc
Don't know why photos/video at HP site for 5BW284 doesn't match. Can only
assume your model number is wrong or HP site is wrong. I suspect HP site
wrong.

Believe I have answer for your questions. You may follow my interpretation
of the instructions that I read in the manual or you may request that HP
email you manuals via online chat. May be hard for tech to explain in chat
session so have them email manuals.
NOTE: Links in PDF manuals to pages at HP site are broken. HP moved
referenced documents. Page down through document to see needed information
or click links in this order: Removal and Replacement Procedures >
Preparation for Disassembly > Side Access Panel > Next Step > Removing the
Top Door > Next Step > Removing the Top Door Continued > Next Step >
Removing the Top Door Continued > Optical and Mass Storage Devices >
CD/CD-RW and or DVD Drive > Next Step > Next Step > Next Step.

My instructions for removing CD drive: Remove side cover. Find plastic tab
with lock symbol inside case located directly below CD drive. Grasp tab and
rotate downwards. The tab appears rotate on a shaft.

On the outside of the case: Press the indention at the top of the CD Storage
door and open door. Press your fingers into the indentations at the bottom
of the plastic fascia that surrounds the CD drive and pull the fascia
forward until the top tabs release from the slots on the chassis. To release
the drive, press inward on the metal spring tabs at the front of the drive
mounting rails on both sides of the drive and pull out the drive.
NOTE: Drive rails mounted on both sides that allow the drive to side in and
out of case. Uncommon but my preferred method of drive mounting.
Good Luck
pcbuilder98

 

[Terry]

There is no manual on that page. Compaq screwed up. I was unable to find a
manual for that machine. If I can't find it then it isn't on the internet.
You now have two choices. Take your PC to a local repair shop and ask them
how to do whaterver it is you want to do or take some photos and upload them
so we can see what your talking about. What is it that you want to do inside
the PC? You never said.
Good Luck
pcbuilder98

I got the cover off. I had to just be brave enough to pull.

You only get one chance with plastic parts. I have broken more than
my share of plastic parts.

This story had a happy ending.

Thanks everyone

BTW I am still not sure what the inside latch (with the lock symbol)
does. That might come later. It doesn't have anything to do with
taking the front cover off, though. I think it may be to take the
entire front cover off, but I don't think I need to do that. I got
the CD player out.