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August 21st, 2025 23:33

Dell Precision T3500 optical drive being blocked by inaccessible screw

I tried to remove my T3500's optical drive and I removed the two bottom screws, and I tried to pull it out and only then is when I realized there are two inaccessible screws on top of the bay. I am removing the optical drive because I pirated the data cable for it, and because I am attempting to further diagnose my PC farther than the 1-3 flashing amber 4 times. If you know how to remove these screws without physically damaging the case, please tell me.

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August 22nd, 2025 08:41

Hopethis helps...Hi

https://dl.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_dell_precision_workstation/precision-t3500_Service%20Manual_en-us.pdf

Seems to suggest it is on a clip/lever and no screws involved.

Code Light/Pattern Likely Fault Additional Advice
1-3 Blinking Amber Power supply (most likely) Try new PSU, check cables
1-3 Blinking Amber RAM (less often) Reseat/test RAM

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August 22nd, 2025 15:59

@anne_droid​ I know my tower has the 1-3 blinking amber, and I physically cannot remove the optical drive because of these two screws. I forced the drive downwards just enough to see if the screw was actually blocking something or I was stupid, but the screws moved with the optical drive so I have determined that there is a screw blocking the optical drive from being removed. If this helps, my tower was designed with the optical drives in a vertical position instead of the standard horizontal.

(edited)

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846 Posts

August 22nd, 2025 19:47

I wish you luck.

BYE.

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