Member Avatar for mystic666

I have a Sony VIAO laptop PCG-F690K with a dead CD/DVD drive. Just wont read anything anymore. Bought a replacement, but nowhere can I find how to install it. Instructions I have start with knowing how to take the keyboard off, first. Called Sony and I discover answers are in their Service Manual, part #987214811 -- but it is 2 months back ordered - LOL!
Anybody out there who can help me? I am an old Clipper-head and pc builder from the 80s-90s but never did laptops (for good reasons :-) )

Mucho appreciado.
Barry

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Quick, practical notes to get a replacement slimline optical drive into a Sony Vaio with minimal guesswork. was right to look for hidden fasteners; this is one of those laptops that hides clips and screws under bezels. The goal is to remove power first, free the keyboard/palmrest safely, then remove the drive retaining screw(s) and slide the drive out.

Tools and safety: small Phillips drivers (00/0), a thin plastic pry tool or old credit card, tweezers, and a small container for screws. Power off, unplug and remove the battery before you touch anything. Work on a nonconductive surface and take photos as you go so reassembly is straightforward.

Keyboard/palmrest removal (what to expect): release the top bezel with a plastic tool—there are plastic clips along the top edge that lift out. Once the bezel/top edge is free, the keyboard usually hinges forward to expose the flat ribbon (ZIF) cable. Open the tiny ZIF latch (flip or slide, depending on the connector) and withdraw the cable before fully removing the keyboard. If the keyboard still feels held in the center or bottom, look carefully for one or two hidden screws under small bezels, rubber plugs, or the speaker/power button assembly before applying more force.

Optical drive removal and fitment: after the top parts are out of the way you should see the drive and its retaining screw(s). Remove those screws and slide the drive straight out. Confirm the replacement matches the original form factor (slimline height 9.5mm vs 12.7mm) and connector type (slimline SATA or slimline PATA). If the new drive lacks the Sony front bezel, transfer the old bezel to get a clean fit. Test the drive before reassembling everything: power up, check BIOS/boot for the drive, and try an OS-level read/eject.

If anything resists, stop and recheck for hidden screws or clips. If the drive is still not recognized after a correct install, test it in an external USB enclosure to rule out incompatibility or a DOA unit.

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Member Avatar for chewbacca810

keyboards are usually screwed down at the very top of the keyboard and the screws are hidden under a faceplate. if it looks like there is a removable faceplate above the keyboard, try prying it up.

don't put too much pressure on the faceplate, sometimes they are screwed down in the back/underneath or have something else securing them.

this is just how a good chunk of laptops are designed, probably about 50-60% i'd say. Sometimes they are secured with screws from the bottom, apple secures some of theirs with screws under keys, hidden by stickers.

all you can do sometimes is tinker with them and remember what you took out of where.

commented: excellent attempt to help +1
Member Avatar for mystic666

Thanks, Chewie. When I came up with more parts than I put back in, is when I stopped tinkering with laptops, in 1993 :cheesy: :cheesy: thanks for you help and I do see a screw on the left side of the Vaio which appears to hold down the "faceplate" part which covers the speakers and start/sleep button. I will try it.
BarryG

keyboards are usually screwed down at the very top of the keyboard and the screws are hidden under a faceplate. if it looks like there is a removable faceplate above the keyboard, try prying it up.

don't put too much pressure on the faceplate, sometimes they are screwed down in the back/underneath or have something else securing them.

this is just how a good chunk of laptops are designed, probably about 50-60% i'd say. Sometimes they are secured with screws from the bottom, apple secures some of theirs with screws under keys, hidden by stickers.

all you can do sometimes is tinker with them and remember what you took out of where.

Member Avatar for mystic666

Hi Chewie
I did get the faceplate off. I can bend the KB back about an inch but I dont want to force it. Seems like something is holding down from the center bottom. Or maybe it needs to just be yanked out slowly?
Your advice? I dont see any screws on the bottom which may be doing it at that point.
thanks.

Thanks, Chewie. When I came up with more parts than I put back in, is when I stopped tinkering with laptops, in 1993 :cheesy: :cheesy: thanks for you help and I do see a screw on the left side of the Vaio which appears to hold down the "faceplate" part which covers the speakers and start/sleep button. I will try it.
BarryG

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