Removing Dell Inspiron 1150 Optical drive

Place the laptop upside down on a clean, flat surface.

Locate the battery release button with the padlock symbol above it.

Slide the battery release button towards the padlock symbol and hold it there. Note that the button is spring loaded and will return if released.

Gently remove the battery from the side of the laptop.

Position the computer upside down on a clean, flat surface.

Remove the twelve M2.5 × 8 mm screws from the bottom case.

Remove the M2.5 × 4 mm screw from the battery bay.

Position the computer keyboard side up.

Remove the two M2.5 × 5 mm screws from the top edge of the palm rest.

Disconnect the touchpad (mouse-pad) ribbon cable from the main board by lifting the locking bar and pulling the cable straight out.

Starting at the back center, lift the inside edge of the palm rest to release the clips, then work toward the sides.

Locate the optical disk drive on the bottom left hand side of the laptop.

Remove the single screw holding the optical disk drive in the chassis.

Remove the optical disk drive by gently pulling on the outer edge.