Dell Inspiron 1545 (PP41L) Palmrest / Touchpad Removal and Installation

Created by Roscoe Dyer on January 20, 2011

In this Dell laptop tutorial we are going to show you how to install and replace the Palmrest Touchpad on your Dell Inspiron 1545 (PP41L) laptop. These installation instructions have be made into 13 easy to follow printable steps. We have also create a video tutorial that shows you how to install your Dell Inspiron 1545 (PP41L) Palmrest Touchpad.

Before you begin

Please take the time read the following safety guidelines when working on static sensitive electrical components.
Dell repair manual service precautions

Tools needed for this laptop repair

1 x small phillips head screw driver
1 x small plastic scribe

Inspiron 1545 Touchpad Palmrest

Dell Laptop Replacement Parts Needed

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Inspiron 1545 Touchpad Palmrest

Video tutorial repair manual

Installation and Removal Instructions
Dell Inspiron 1545 Palmrest Touchpad

Step 1

Remove the battery.

Unscrew the 4 screws holding the Bottom Base Access Cover and remove the cover, starting from right to left.

Step 2

Unscrew the 4 screws holding the Bottom Base Access Cover and remove the cover, starting from right to left.

Remove the (2) 2.5mm x 5mm hinge screws from the base of the laptop.

Step 3

Carefully dislodge the cables until they are completely loose from the base.
Remove the (2) 2.5mm x 5mm hinge screws from the base of the laptop.

Remove two 2mm x 3mm screws that hold the 1545 center control power button cover to the base of the computer.

Step 4

Remove the (11) 2.5mm x 5mm screws on the base of the laptop.
Remove two 2mm x 3mm screws that hold the 1545 center control power button cover to the base of the computer.

Lift and unsnap the 1545 center control power button cover using a small flat head screw driver or a plastic scribe from the backside of the computer, from right to left. **Be very careful removing it because the plastic can be fragile.

Step 5

Turn the computer over (as if you were typing on it), and fully open the display (approximately 180 degrees, or as far as possible).
Lift and unsnap the 1545 center control power button cover using a small flat head screw driver or a plastic scribe from the backside of the computer, from right to left. **Be very careful removing it because the plastic can be fragile.

Unscrew the (2) 2.5mm x 5mmscrews above the keyboard and gently lift up the keyboard to reveal the ribbon cable. Be careful lifting the keyboard because it is very easy to cause damage to the ribbon cable or the motherboard connector. (If the motherboard connector breaks, it is very hard to find replacements for them without replacing the entire motherboard.)

Step 6

Unscrew the (2) 2.5mm x 5mmscrews above the keyboard and gently lift up the keyboard to reveal the ribbon cable. Be careful lifting the keyboard because it is very easy to cause damage to the ribbon cable or the motherboard connector. (If the motherboard connector breaks, it is very hard to find replacements for them without replacing the entire motherboard.)