Keys to this Dell

[finger51]

SORRY- NOT A DELL

Well I'd love to get inside of this HP Vectra XA to pull out a malfunctioning drive but somebody lost the key to it. (Wasn't me)
Aside from a crowbar, can anyone offer any advice as to how to crack this mother? I've already broken 2 letter openers trying to jimmy it.

[This message has been edited by finger51 (edited 03-19-2001).]

[sharder8]

How about a couple of wraps of Det cord? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

OR

!/4 stick of C4? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Are there any numbers on the key cylinder? If there is, a Locksmith should be able to make you a new key. If there isn't, some Locksmiths will pick your lock for a price.

Harder

[KMBALO]

I have a key to a Dell, it's round.
But before I realized there was a key, my boyfriend bent the metal tabs above the key hole in back, and the cover slid off with a little coaxing. After a finally getting it opened I discovered there was just a 486SX and two ram slots and only 1 IDE port!

[Nighthawk]

FrozenLiquidity had some luck on an old HP case with the blade from a hacksaw.

If you can pry the side away a bit where the key is, you can see what it's caught on. Usually that's just a protruding piece of plasic.

[voogru]

Chainsaws work Nicely http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

or a 12 Gauge Shotgun! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

but i recomend dynomite http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

gor real try prying it open with a Hammer (the backend)

-voogru

[DaveLewis]

I've drilled out the locks on a couple of machines. Once you get it open make sure that you blow it out real well with compressed air to get the metal chips out of the chassis.

[FrozenLiquidity]

Thanks for the positive reference Nighthawk.

If you got a case thats locked and you can't open it, I'm the guy to look for. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif
If its one of the desktop models, it is most likely just a piece of plastic thats keeping the case locked. If it is a tower computer, then it can be plastic or metal, see if you can find a way to get a good view of the locking mechanisim so you can think of the best way to get it off. Or better yet, just send it to me, and I'll have it off in a jiffy http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

FrozenLiquidity

Edit-> Dave, it is NEVER a good idea to drill into a metal case if there are components inside. As harmless as they look, those little metal shavings mean instant death for computer components.

[This message has been edited by FrozenLiquidity (edited 03-19-2001).]

[finger51]

no numbers on the cylinder. thanks though.

don't tempt me with the explosives. I told my wife I'd stop.

[finger51]

ok thanks peeps but my patience wore thin - a screwdriver with some heavy leather gloves got me into this b***h.

Thanks! Especially you voogru, for scaring me with your 'dynomite' comment. I hope anyone who mispells dynamite does not have access to it. Darwin award waiting to happen.

-finger