Editing Sinclair QL Maintenance Guide (section)

== Opening the case ==

Follow the Service Manual sequence:<ref name="sm" />

# Unplug every lead.
# Turn the QL upside down. There are '''eight self-tapping screws''': four short ones along the front edge under the overhang, and four longer ones along the rear edge. Remove all eight.
# '''Do not remove the two screws visible on the base immediately below the Microdrives''' — these hold the Microdrive assemblies, not the case.
# Holding the halves together, turn the machine right side up and lift the top half. It stays connected by two flexible keyboard ribbons and the LED leads.
# To separate fully, free the membrane tails from their edge-connector sockets by pinching the ribbon next to the socket and pulling straight up. Release the LED and speaker leads from the snap-action wire post socket next to the TV modulator can.

To remove a Microdrive, first take off the heatsink by releasing the +5 V regulator's screw (keep the M3 × 10 mm screw and its brass plain and crinkle washers), then remove the three self-tapping screws holding the drive — two at opposite corners of the chassis and one from the underside — taking care not to confuse them with the countersunk motor screws.<ref name="sm" />