Opening Laptop for first time

[imported_queondatavo2]

Hello.
I recently bought an old laptop for my mom (P3 450mhz) so she could surf the web and use word. Yesterday I recieved my wireless router and PCMCIA card. When I tried to put the card into the laptop, the card wouldn't go in. I tried pushing harder and then it got in, but Windows didn't detect new hardware. It turns out that I bended 5 pins in the laptop.

Now I want to fix it. I've had experience fixing PCs but I've never oppened a laptop before. So I'm asking you guys if you have any suggestions for me on what to expect and what not to do.

Thank you. I would appreciate any help.

EDIT: Here is the hyperlink to the laptop specifications:
Link

 

[simbawang]

Originally posted by: queondatavo2
Now I want to fix it. I've had experience fixing PCs but I've never oppened a laptop before. So I'm asking you guys if you have any suggestions for me on what to expect and what not to do.

I have worked on several Acer, IBM, and compaq laptops. Opening them is generally easy, but if there is anything major, it is likely that you won't be able to fix (other than to swap parts). A few things you want to make sure: ALWAYS remove the battery first and unplug the AC. And, since the small parts in laptops are more sensitive to static, try not to work on carpets and ground yourself if possible.
80% of the laptops start by removing a plastic piece in front of the keyboard below the screen. And this piece is always secured by a few screws. Once this piece is off, you can pull the keyboard out and let the party begin

 

[phisrow]

I hate to say it; but this fix is going to be ugly even if you can get the case open, which as simbawang mentioned, is likely to be fairly simple. Give http://www.compaq.com/athome/s...800t-1825/removal.html a look for specifics, from Compaq, on how to take the system to bits. If you take it slowsly, don't lose any screws, and keep yourself grounded it should be pretty smooth. The trouble is that fixing 5 bent PCMCIA pins is going to be a real mess. The connector will (almost) certainly be soldered directly to the motherboard and is functionally irreplaceable. I suppose you may be able to work a very fine pair of needlenose pliers or something in there; but the pins are pretty close together. I certainly wish you the best of luck, and it may be possible after all; but you might have a much easier time just getting a USB WIFI stub.