crwdns2934065:0crwdne2934065:0: 47
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Trying to upgrade memory but can't open the memory access door on my Mac. Apple says use a Phillips #2 screwdriver, which I did, but screw won't come out. It seems to be turning (somewhat) but after a half hour it hasn't advanced at all.
crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0
crwdns2934065:0crwdne2934065:0: 9,8crwdns2936485:0crwdne2936485:0
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It sounds like it is stripped and you have a few options.
1. Try to pry the door out anyway with the screw in there. Chances are with the stripped threads on the screw, it will come out and you can push the screw out from the back.
2. Try to use an easy out tool if you can find one small enough.
3. Drill it out carefully
4. Grind it out with a dremel.
5. Use a left handed drill bit to help it out.
Option 3, 4 and 5 will require to find an alternative to refastening when you are done.
Good Luck,
Frank
crwdns2934105:0crwdne2934105:0
excellent +
Just had the identical problem with the center screw on the access door.
I bought my iMac as a refurb. Some overzealous owner or technician over-torqued the screw damaging the threads so the screw wouldn't turn. And the screw head was stripped so there was no way to remove it.
The dremel suggestion is your best bet as Frank recommended.
I carefully drilled out the head with a bit that matched the shaft diameter of the captive screws. Once the drilled hole passed just beyond the depth of the access door the head fell off and the door became free.
After that everything was easy.
Helpful hint: Use scotch tape to cover the vent holes while you are drilling to prevent those microscopic metal shavings from entering your Mac.
Rich
crwdns2934065:0crwdne2934065:0: 23
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The screw could be stripped or... it could have indeed been unscrewed but you may not be able to tell since it is a "captured" screw. Captured means that the screw is retained by the memory access door even though it is unscrewed.
So if-in-fact, it has been unscrewed from the frame then you may need to gently, again gently, pry out the memory access door using a plastic spudger tool. If the screw has indeed been unscrewed from the frame, the door ought to come right out. If not then screw most likely is stripped.
crwdns2934105:0crwdne2934105:0
Good suggestion +
crwdns2934065:0crwdne2934065:0: 13
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I also had a problem with the screw. I finally got it out. When you're unscrewing it, it doesn't look like it's coming out or loosening up, but it is. The head still looks recessed in the hole. I finally got the panel out by sticking a nail file into one of the holes in the grating of the cover and the cover pulled right out. Once the panel was out, installing the memory was easy.
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crwdns2942667:0crwdne2942667:0 6,713
crwdns2947414:01crwdne2947414:0
Thanks, everyone. Pags, that's exactly what happened. The screw was out as far as it would go (barely noticeable) but the door was still snug in its opening. When I noticed a tiny bit of play in the door I managed to pop it out. The new memory has been running fine for about two months now.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Tom crwdne2934271:0