Q: How can I dissassemble/reassemble the Rainbow 100?
The first step is to disconnect any cables connected to the CPU, especially the power cord. Next, look for two tabs located on the sides of the CPU box, just under the vented walls. Pull the tabs forward and outward. The tabs should lock into a new position. Now simply lift the plastic case upward. To replace, simply place the cover over the CPU again and slide the tabs backward and inward until they snap back into their original position. You do not need to force the tabs.
To remove the disk drives, first disconnect any cables leading to the drives. On some hard disks, you may not be able to remove the cables as the first step. Next, locate and push the small metal tabs located at the front center of each disk drive. The drives should pop forward slightly. If no cables are connected, such as on the floppy drives, simply slide the disk drive forward and off the computer. If cables are still attached, slide the drive forward enough to remove the cables, remove them, and continue to slide the drive off the computer. To reinsert, simply slide the drives back into the guide rails. For floppy drives and some hard drives, slide them all the way in until the metal tabs in the front center of the drive bays pops up. Then reconnect all necessary cables. For most hard drives, slide the drive in until the cables can reach their ports. Connect the cables and slide the drive in until the metal tab pops up.
To remove the power supply, first disconnect the ribbon cable that leads to the motherboard at the rear right of the system and the cables leading to the fan and switch housing on the left side of the system. Also remove any power cables leading to any disk drives present. Next, undo the clasp located at the rear left side of the system. Move the metal tab located at the same place toward the rear of the computer. Finally, lift the power supply upward on the left side and pull it off the system at a forty five degree angle. It can be placed back on by following the exact opposite directions.
To remove the motherboard, first disconnect the ribbon cable that leads to the power supply. If present, disconnect the hard disk cable. Then disconnect any floppy cables. Next, loosen the four thumb screws using your hands or a coin. Finally, pull on the rear plastic panel and slide the motherboard with daughterboards out. To replace the motherboard, simply follow the steps backwards.