Member Avatar for PhotoshopGod

Hi All,

I have a Gateway Portable SOLO 5300. I need to get the case off and I am having problems with one spot. Right above the phone modem port I can't seem to get it loose. I can't see any clip right around that area.

Does anyone know what is holding this thing together?

Thanks in advance for the help.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Mic_rugg

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A few solid tips to add to the good crowd-sourced suggestions from , , and — aimed at avoiding damage and making reassembly painless.

Before you start: remove AC and the battery, and work on a clean, well-lit surface. Photograph each step and keep screws sorted by location (small paper cups or a tray with labeled sections work well). Use a plastic spudger or old credit card rather than metal pries to separate the case halves — the Solo’s plastics get brittle with age and snap if forced.

A compact, reliable workflow that avoids surprises: (1) remove battery, HDD/optical drive and any bottom access covers; (2) remove all visible bottom screws and set them aside by type; (3) gently pry the palmrest/keyboard edge with a plastic tool and lift just enough to expose the keyboard ribbon; (4) unlock the ribbon’s latch (do not pull); (5) disconnect display/antenna cables before fully removing the lid. Ground yourself or touch metal periodically to reduce ESD risk. If a seam still won’t open, inspect the drive bays and underside of the chassis for additional screws or small captive fasteners — don’t force a pry where a last screw is hiding.

Reassembly notes for and others replacing the lid: feed display/antenna cables through the hinge area before seating the lid, align hinge plates and tighten hinge screws evenly (finger-tight first, then snug). Test the screen and hinge motion before snapping bezels or reinstalling the keyboard. If plastic standoffs or clips are broken, avoid brute force — source a replacement palmrest/top cover or use a proper laptop-repair part rather than over-tightening screws, which will only create more damage.

Member Avatar for darctones

I had problem with the same spot. The natural assumption is to blame a clip. Double check to make sure you got all the screws. I remember tearing my box to shreds, trying to get an imaginary clip. If all your screws are removed I can re-check my old unit and hopefully help you out. However, i don't remember any clips-- but I do remember a hang by the modem.

A few other problems I had were picking up the keyboard (two clips: 1- on the right side between the windows key and control and 2- on the left side between the alt key and the space bar) and pulling out the motherboard (2 screws on the back panel)... just for future reference and future visitors.

Member Avatar for PhotoshopGod

Thanks darctones,

I actually was able to get what I needed by just reaching in from the other side. I have taken apart quite a few laptops but this one was a challenge. Thanks for the help.

Member Avatar for manleyj

There is a hidden security screw under the corner of the keyboard directly under the "Fn" key. If you look closely to the left of the Shift and Fn kets you can see a gap between the keyboard edge and the case edge. Once you have the other screws removed you should be able to gently pry up the edge of the keyboard with a flat screw driver (or butter knife), slip in a small phillips head screw driver, and loosen the hidden screw. I discovered this a few months ago by trial and error.
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" I have a Gateway Portable SOLO 5300. I need to get the case off and I am having problems with one spot. Right above the phone modem port I can't seem to get it loose. I can't see any clip right around that area.

Does anyone know what is holding this thing together?

Thanks in advance for the help."

Member Avatar for PhotoshopGod

Thanks Manleyj,

I took a look and did find that screw. I'm definitly going to remember this for next time. Thanks again.


There is a hidden security screw under the corner of the keyboard directly under the "Fn" key. If you look closely to the left of the Shift and Fn kets you can see a gap between the keyboard edge and the case edge. Once you have the other screws removed you should be able to gently pry up the edge of the keyboard with a flat screw driver (or butter knife), slip in a small phillips head screw driver, and loosen the hidden screw. I discovered this a few months ago by trial and error.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
" I have a Gateway Portable SOLO 5300. I need to get the case off and I am having problems with one spot. Right above the phone modem port I can't seem to get it loose. I can't see any clip right around that area.

Does anyone know what is holding this thing together?

Thanks in advance for the help."

Member Avatar for jwmarshall

manleyj,
Perhaps you could guide me in the reassembly of my SOLO 5300. I replaced the broken LCD and now have forgotten how the LCD Lid and all fits back to the main unit. Tell me does the LCD side brackets fasten under the hinges or what. I am really confused and now know my digital camera should have been used.

Member Avatar for Mic_rugg

if you look at the bottom of the keyboard on the left and right you will see 2 release points under the ALT key on the left and the Ctrl key on the right with a small flat tip press tab and pry up keyboard and you will see your last screw to remove on the left by the modem jack

Member Avatar for Dino C

I'll try this.

Member Avatar for Mic_rugg

I'll try this.

make sure you remove all the keyboard screws on the bottom first

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