Disassembly top
This is a description of how to disassemble the top portion of an XO laptop. This is part of the Disassembly section of the Troubleshooting Guide and Repair Manual.
Similar Guides
The following guides refer to disassembly of the laptop to reach a particular component:
- Disassembling to replace an antenna, (B4 preproduction version)
- Disassembling the display to replace the backlight
- Disassembling to replace the XO icon on the back cover
- Disassembling the bottom
Video walkthroughs
These instructions are also available in video format with English subtitles, courtesy of ILXO.
OLPC Australia maintain a set of Help Videos.
PDF walkthrough
XO 1.5 Disassembly Top (33-page PDF, 4.7MB)
XO before disassembly
As a precaution, remember to remove the battery.
Removing the front panel
Step 1
Open the laptop and flip the screen up. Rotate it a 90 degree angle as shown in the sequence below. Next, remove the screws from the bottom of the screen - there are two on each side (right/left) of the XO, so make sure to get all four.
Step 2
Remove the two green panels from the side of the XO. Slide them upwards and lift them off as shown.
Step 3
Finally, pull off the front panel. It is tabbed, so it can simply be pulled out. Pull the bottom out (where the screws came out), and gently slide the piece downwards and out.
Note that the game pad is now free to fall out -- be careful not to lose it!
Removing the screen
Note that if the screen and motherboard aren't being changed, it is not necessary to actually disconnect the screen in order to access the motherboard. Follow step 1, then gently move the screen to perform the rest of the steps (to remove the back cover).
Step 1
To get the screen out, remove the four screws highlighted.
Step 2
Next, carefully slide the screen out, pulling the bottom out. Do not tug it or let go, as it will still be connected to the motherboard by two cables.
If you are just accessing the motherboard, and not replacing it or the display, do not unplug the display cables. Simply move the display slightly to access the back cover screws behind it. With every connect/disconnect cycle, there is a chance of damage to the display cable connectors on the motherboard. If you decide not to disconnect the screen, then after removing the back cover screws (which are behind the screen) the screen should be reattached with at least two screws in order to prevent damage to its cables or the connectors while moving the laptop.
The cable connectors have a black plastic bar holding the cable down. To unclamp the cable you have to lift that bar by tugging on the little tab away from the circuit board.
Removing the back cover / reaching the motherboard
Step 1
Replacing the back cover
Step 1
Replacing the screen
Step 1
Reattach the screen by sliding the connection cables into place and clipping them back down (it is generally easier to clip the thinner one that has a longer tether first). Reseat the screen, making sure that it sits flat and that none of the spacers are gone.
Replacing the front panel
Step 1
Slide the front panel out for these hooks
Step 2
Slide the green side pieces back into place. Then, rotate the XO 90 degrees and put the remaining screws back. Don't forget that the screws go in on both sides (right/left).
