Compaq Case

[patannee]

Now I really feel stupid. I have been building and repairing computers for friends and family for years. Now my sister-in-law bought a used Compaq Desktop En Series 6266/3 and it needs a modem and CD Rom. I have the hardware to install, but could not figure out how to open the case. It is really nuts..and I am really frustrated. Can anyone help me?? Thanks!!

[Budfred]

I am not up to braving their wretched website to try to find the details on this system, but if it is like other Compaq desktops I have worked on, it has two latches on each side of the case that you have to slide to unlocked position and slide/lift the case off toward the back.

Another option I have seen has a keyed lock on the front and you have to unlock the case to open it. That was a tower. If it is that type and you don't have the key, you may not be able to get it open without totally disabling the locking mechanism which will leave a hole in the front of the case.

And Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

[patannee]

Thanks...I spent a couple of hours on HP/Compaq website to find nothing helpful. You're right it is horrible. I'll go to my sister-in-law's tomorrow and give this a try. I saw the latches (or whatever they were) on the front sides, but couldn't figure out what to do with them. I'll take a closer look at them. Thanks again!

[Budfred]

I could never remember if you slide the latches forward or backward, so what I did was slide them as far as I could, press in on the back sides of the case by the latches and did a quick shove back and up. When I hit the right position, it would come loose and I would life it up. It was quite easy after that initial shove...;) :)

[Vic 970]

back to lock, forward to unlock. I spent considerable time looking at mine before I figured it out, as the case/catches can be a bit stiff.

there is a tiny little picture of a lock underneath the catches, which exposes either locked or unlocked as you slide the catch.

[PtBetsie]

It must be that all compaq's are nightmares. I just finished struggling with an 8702. Was ready to try dynamite when I found the hidden latches. Since I wasn't the owner, Compaq info was negligible, no nice diagrams or such. This one suffered from permanent coma status, sleep mode gone bad. Now I have lots of Compaq parts if someone needs them Just send postage. Owner of this disaster is now convinced to buy anything but Compaq.

[patannee]

Know what you mean...I've worked on them before, but not wone with this type of case. My sister-in-law's son bought this one for her from his work when they updated...probably to get rid of the Compaq computers. When I saw what she had I was sick...as far as I'm concerned they are nothing but trouble. Finding the right upgrades is a nightmare. But I will keep you in mind if I need parts. Thanks so much for the info.