Opening an old Gateway Profile 2 (All-In-One)

[guptasa1]

Hey all,

I do computer repair (mostly software troubleshooting stuff, but some hardware like RAM and drive upgrades, etc.)

A client had a computer that didn't turn on, and I told him I'd take a look at it. Turns out, it's an old (and I doubt very useful at this point even when working) Gateway Profile 2. The thing's built a lot like an iMac in an all-in-one enclosure (but with an LCD screen - not CRT). I can access the hard drive fairly easily, but that's about it. The rest seems like it's built so only they can access it. (I can see an orange LED lit up somewhere inside for what it's worth).

Anyone know how to easily open the case (preferably without damaging it) to access the motherboard so I can check it out? I'm thinking it's probably a lost cause but thought I'd make a last ditch effort. I did do a Google search and found a few items (apparently from the Profile 3 on its easier, but that doesn't help me). Some people seem to have been able to do it, but their descriptions of exactly how leave a lot to be desired, and I'm just not seeing it.

Thanks for any help!

 

[jaqie]

Don't risk it. Flyback voltages can reach well over 25kV, and that ain't something to play with, especially if you haven't had training in such. Yes, it can store that voltage even when unplugged... not to mention there are usually some high voltage caps on the CRT board as well.

 

[Knavish]

I knew a guy who opened an CRT TV about 10 yrs ago. He left it unplugged for a few days thinking the charge would dissipate. When he started poking around, the voltage physically threw him backwards. (or at least the effect of the voltage on his muscles) He then decided that it must be discharged, and started working on it again. He got zapped badly again & then decided it was in his best interests to give up!

 

[guptasa1]

Actually, I think my original post was a bit misleading with the whole like an iMac statement - I guess I meant the All-In-One aspect and a slick look (if you like that sort of thing), but sorry for the confusion. It's actually got an LCD screen (so I don't think any riskier than a normal computer to get into, though I appreciate the warning and please tell me if I'm wrong about that).

These are the best pictures I can find:

http://assets.gateway.com/s/Ma...file/8505558/index.htm

Of course that doesn't show the bottom - the plastic is around a metal bottom with several screws and a couple of plastic "clips" hooking into the metal. Unscrewed them all...tried prying the clips...doesn't budge. I see a couple more screws completely unaccessable via a normal tool (you'd need an L shape) and I would bet it requires a propietary tool. The panel on the back of the unit comes out and allows hard drive access, but that's all. I think it either requires a special tool or breaking into the case to get into.

From what I can tell, it runs Windows 98, and the Profile 2's usually had a 500 MHz processor and 64 MB of RAM with a maximum resolution of 1024 x 768 (ie. a perfect system for Crysis =oP). Though the source I found also lists it as having a 20 GB hard drive, and this one has a 40 GB manufactured in 2003, so either it has been replaced or this is something a bit different.

Hmmm - perplexing.

 

[jaqie]

It looks like the case was plastic welded. See the seam on the side view picture you showed that runs along the side near the front of the main "stand-case" part of the case? I bet you will have to break that plastic welding to get any real access to the innards. Still, more trouble then it's worth IMO.

As for LCDs, yes there is high voltage for the fluorescent tube for backlighting of the LCD, but that circuitboard to drive the CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent) isn't nearly as dangerous as a CRT. Still, that driver board is small and will probably be in the LCD module, so not as much worry, but do be careful if you get into the LCD portion, the backlight driver board usually has some high volt caps on it (which stay charged after the fact). In a nutshell, it's nowhere near as deadly as a CRT flyback, but there is a bit of risk there in the backlight driver board.

 

[guptasa1]

Thanks for the great information! There were other posts I found via Google talking about a plastic seam that needs broken, but it didn't click which one until your post. I think this is a case of more trouble than it's worth as you say - I'll look at it again, but will probably just tell the client the news. If they want me to break into it, I can try, but I doubt they will. Thanks for the help!

 

[RebateMonger]

I took apart a Gateway "Media Center" PC once. This was another Gateway "all-in-one" box with built-in LCD, TV tuner, etc. The hard drive had failed, and the drive needed to be removed and data recovered.

It took me six hours to disassemble and re-assemble it. I found a single web site with photos, but they weren't nearly detailed enough to locate where assembly tabs were, etc. In the case of the "Media Center", EVERYTHING had to be completely disassembled. The hard drive was the last thing to be removed in a complete disassembly. My conclusion: Never Again! And if you do, NEVER quote a fixed price for the disassembly.

 

[guptasa1]

Yikes - that sounds like it was a mess! They really make these things tough to crack, that's for sure.

Yeah, it's going back Monday. I dunno how they'd react to a broken case, and even looking at the seams (though I think this is right and a seam does need to be broken), it's not very intuitive what to do. There also doesn't seem to be much on the web about it, so, better safe than sorry. If anyone has any other suggestions, ya've got til Monday to let me know.

 

[nevet9]

I just had occasion to work on a relative's Gateway Profile 2 and ran into this apparently now dormant topic in looking for help on how to open it. After not finding much here or elsewhere, I managed to figure it out finally myself. I won't go into any details on how now unless someone posts they still need the info, but thought I'd at least post that there's a lot of mis-information in this topic and that the Profile 2 can be opened without having to break any non-existent 'welded seams' or use any special tools.

 

[mfenn]

Welcome to the forums nevet9! This is your first post, so I'm going to let you know that posting in years old topics (commonly known as "necro posting") is generally frowned upon. Many people don't check the dates before posting and will complain about having read old information.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator