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Today I will try to explain how to take apart Dell Inspiron 5100 series laptops and clean the cooling fan. You can also use this guide if you need to replace thermal compound between the heatsink and the CPU. Unfortunately in this model the cooling module cannot be accessed from the outside and you’ll have to remove the keyboard first but don’t worry, it is not so difficult.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the following procedures, turn off the laptop , unplug the power adapter and remove the battery. Note that computer parts are very sensitive to static electricity so ground yourself before touching anything inside you computer by using grounding strap or touch a metal faucet  pipe.

1. Using flat screwdriver remove the keyboard bezel located above the    keyboard.

2. Remove four screw securing the keyboard.

3. Carefully move the keyboard towards the display so that you have access to its connector.

4. Unplug the ribbon cable from the motherboard.

5. Remove one screw, that secure the heatsink cover.

6. Disconnect the cooling fan cable from the motherboard. Cable is attached to the heatsink with a small metal clip so you have to remove it first. Then remove three screws securing the fan to the heatsink.

7. You can easily clean the heatsink using compressed air.

8. Unscrew the four screws securing the heatsink to the motherboard. Do not attempt to remove the screws, because there are special washers on their lower side, that do not allow them to fall out of the heatsink.

8. Carefully lift up the heatsink from the CPU.

Note: It is very important to unlock the ZIF socket before trying to pull the heatsink out since in most cases the CPU sticks to the heatsink because of over-dried thermal compound. Otherwise, the processor could be damaged.

Now after the CPU and heatsink are removed you can separate them apart using small screwdriver.

Be careful not to push very hard. If you encounter any problems, then maybe it would be better to contact a specialist.