HEllo! I've been asked to backup everything I can from a hard disk that refuses to boot. I plan to do a straight copy onto the server, but to do this I need to open the case. The case has no model number, no screws, but ALOT of rivets. Please tell me that I dont need to drillt he rivets out to open the case... PLease tell me there is another way to open the case... Spinal

Yeah, I know, those proprietary cases are pains. I am sure that there is a way to open the case, there is no way that they riveted the thing shut. Unfortunately each manufacturer has its own way, and each case design varies from year to year so I can't exactly tell you. However, general principle is to look where an unsealed edge is located and start from there. I remember the old IBMs had a sliding cover that had to be slid PARTway open, not fully open, before I could see the fastener screws and remove them. That took me an hour to discover. If you can't find an unsealed edge, then carefully examin the front of the case; you may have plastic overlay that has to be "popped" open in order to access the screws, etc. Wish I could offer more info. I see that it's an older case, so even if you damage it it's no great loss... Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime; Then industry pollutes the water and kills all the fish.

Thanks for the help. I guess Ill just use a bit more strength and offer to replace the case if I damage it. Michele

Some cases require popping off the front. Look for a hand hold on the bottom and a tug might pop it loose.

i had a desk top case and struggled for an hour, you had to pull the plastic front off, but there was no clues that this was the way (eg notches). i was sure it was going to break but did come off eventually and turned out to be the right way. It was just a push fit, but an incredibly tight one