Emac Optical Drive Removal Repair Guide

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

                          15 - 30 minutes

Sections

RAM Door
1 step
Shell
4 steps
Motherboard Access Panel
1 step
Optical Drive
3 steps

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Introduction

What you need

Step 1

              Door Removal

It should be noted that these guides are written based on a late-model eMac (2005, 1.42GHz, DDR). They will differ slightly from the older model eMacs that use PC-133 RAM.
Lay the eMac screen-down on a flat surface. I’ve found it convenient to use a carpeted floor because the computer is so heavy.
Remove the single phillips #2 screw on the RAM door, and remove the door
The screw is captive in the door, so don’t worry about losing it.

It should be noted that these guides are written based on a late-model eMac (2005, 1.42GHz, DDR). They will differ slightly from the older model eMacs that use PC-133 RAM.

Lay the eMac screen-down on a flat surface. I’ve found it convenient to use a carpeted floor because the computer is so heavy.

Remove the single phillips #2 screw on the RAM door, and remove the door

The screw is captive in the door, so don’t worry about losing it.

1024

Step 2

              Bottom Screw Removal

Before starting this process it’s important to note that the eMac can have some seriously dangerous voltages inside of it, thanks to the CRT display. Before working on an eMac, you should unplug it, press the power button to clear any stored charge on the motherboard, and then let it sit for 24-hours (or more) to allow the CRT to discharge.
You can read more about CRT safety procedures here. If you aren’t experienced with working on devices featuring a CRT, it’s recommended that you don’t proceed any further.
On the bottom side of the eMac, remove the following screws:
A single 2.5mm hex screw
Two #2 phillips screws

Before starting this process it’s important to note that the eMac can have some seriously dangerous voltages inside of it, thanks to the CRT display. Before working on an eMac, you should unplug it, press the power button to clear any stored charge on the motherboard, and then let it sit for 24-hours (or more) to allow the CRT to discharge.

You can read more about CRT safety procedures here. If you aren’t experienced with working on devices featuring a CRT, it’s recommended that you don’t proceed any further.

On the bottom side of the eMac, remove the following screws:

A single 2.5mm hex screw

Two #2 phillips screws

Step 3

              Top and Side Screws

Remove two 2.5mm hex screws from each of the other sides of the computer.

Remove two 2.5mm hex screws from each of the other sides of the computer.

Step 4

              Power Button Cable

Now, the shell can almost be separated from the computer.
There is a cable that connects to the power button. This must be disconnected before removing the housing completely.
Lift the housing enough to allow you to fit your hand through the access door, and disconnect the cable at the power button.

Now, the shell can almost be separated from the computer.

There is a cable that connects to the power button. This must be disconnected before removing the housing completely.

Lift the housing enough to allow you to fit your hand through the access door, and disconnect the cable at the power button.

Step 5

              Shell Removal

Now the entire shell can be removed from the computer.

Now the entire shell can be removed from the computer.

Step 6

              Panel Removal

The motherboard access panel is held on by 4 phillips #2 screws.
Remove the screws, then use your fingers to pull on the top tabs to separate the panel from the computer frame.

The motherboard access panel is held on by 4 phillips #2 screws.

Remove the screws, then use your fingers to pull on the top tabs to separate the panel from the computer frame.

Step 7

              Cable Removal

The eMac uses a standard 5.25" IDE optical drive. Most off-the-shelf drives should work as a replacement with minor modification. The jumper setting for the drive should be “CS”.
Start by disconnecting the IDE and power cables from the drive.

The eMac uses a standard 5.25" IDE optical drive. Most off-the-shelf drives should work as a replacement with minor modification. The jumper setting for the drive should be “CS”.

Start by disconnecting the IDE and power cables from the drive.

Step 8

              Screw Removal

The drive is held in by two phillips #2 screws on each side. Remove these.

The drive is held in by two phillips #2 screws on each side. Remove these.

Step 9

              Drive Removal

The drive should now come free.

The drive should now come free.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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                    Chris Green

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