What kind of key do I need?

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Boxerworld

Boxerworld

BW owner
Staff member
Hi,

I had a kind of hard drive failure with my laptop (I can't reinstall windows XP) and would like to remove the disk to use it as an external USB drive and hopefully to transfer all the data into the main computer that way. The problem is I need an unusual key to open it. It doesn't work with all the allen keys I have as it doesn't have a hole.
Here is a macro photo of the screw:
http://boxerworld.com/olly/laptop.jpg
The real size is pretty tiny, like the end of a match.
Thanks in advance.
 
mancin

mancin

Boxer Insane
Have you tried a small star screwdriver? Maybe one like the size of those used for repairing glasses?
 
Boxerworld

Boxerworld

BW owner
Staff member
Yes, I also used a small star screwdriver for glasses but unfortunately it can't enter into the screw. If you look closely to the center of that screw, you can see a dot almost coming out. I have never seen that kind of screw before.
 
myrocky

myrocky

Boxer Insane
It looks like you need a Hex Wrench (sometimes called an Allen Wrench). :)

Hex Wrench Set

Or a torq bit for a drill or screwdriver.

Torq bit Click on the "larger image" link and at the top you'll see what the bit looks like. :)
 
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olearyse

Boxer Pal
I look like a very small torx head screw not an allen key. I would look into that to see if it can work for you. Other than that I would look into a computer repair store at least they maybe able to give you a better answer.

Hope that helps,
Sean
 
Evie&Adam

Evie&Adam

Boxer Insane
Olly, DH says "That looks like a torx head with security, those can usually be purchased at Home Depot or a tool supplier. I wonder if thats where the Hard Drive is located, I've never seen a torx like that on a laptop berfore."

If you PM the brand and model number, he can give you more info!!
 
Boxerworld

Boxerworld

BW owner
Staff member
Thanks everyone for your help! Andie, Sean and Jenny you were right :) It's a torx indeed. I have been looking for it for almost two months now and it was so annoying not being able to have access to the data!

Jenny: it's a JVC MP-XP7230
There is a review of it at http://www.itreviews.co.uk/h440-jvc-mobile-mini-note-pc-mp-xp7230-review.htm
I have a old Dell laptop that's easy to open, same with my mother's Fujitsu laptop but that JVC is really "special". I don't think your husband will find more information. Even the memory ram used in that laptop is uncommon... I couldn't upgrade it.

Thanks again! It was very appreciated :)
 
MacFish

MacFish

Super Boxer
That is not a regular Torx. I work for a computer reseller and take laptops apart all the time. I know torx and that isn't what they look like.
I am guessing it is something JVC uses to keep people from taking their computers apart. I would look for a JVC service provider and ask them.


edit: just clicked the link above and saw the "security torx". Looks like it to me. I'm glad Apple doesn't pull that kind of crap :)
 
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