Hardware access

[PtBetsie]

Working on a donated Presario 5320 US and a Sony Vaio desktop. Problem: accessing the hard ware with out a manual. The Compaq has clips of a sort on the optical drives but they don't release; the front of the case does not appear to come off, and there isn't room to remove them from the rear if I could get them to release. Any suggestions?
The Sony Vaio I haven't even figured out how to get the side off yet. I'm looking for hidden buttons or screws but so far haven't found them. Again any suggestions?:)

[Paul Komski]

the front of the case does not appear to come offFrom memory it does but may come off complete with the all the sides. I expect there is either a release button at the back or a button on each side of the front panel or the sides themselves. If you can find something to depress then holding onto the front panel and a bit of shaking to and fro should, I think, release things enough to let you see what's going on.

[awaj]

I'm working on a similar computer, I found the release for the right side to be in the upper right portion of the back. with the top off, one can remove the disk drives, and the side allows one to get at the hard drive. I don't know how to remove the drives though, I don't want to pull too hard on the power cord and break it... let me know what you find out about that

[PtBetsie]

The Sony is accessed. Just had to find the right button under all that dirt and dust. Surprisingly it was working even though there was not a single component covered with a greasy dusty, and not a light dusting either. Tonight I will tackle the Presario. Somewhere on the front/side there has to be a release.

[PtBetsie]

I found the access on the Presario. Just under the top smoke colored face plate are two finger holes, one on each side of the power button. Pulling gently takes the faceplate off and the hard drives are now accessible.