You can work on a notebook but it is not as easy as a desktop. There are 
LOTS of small parts and fasteners to keep track of. Pictures as you 
proceed might help when it comes time for reassembly.

And when you get to the USB port, a magnifier lamp and very small tools 
will be helpful/needed. Depending on the cause of the looseness, you may 
need a small soldering iron and a steady hand to repair/replace the port.

I've built numerous desktops and I've only taken one laptop apart a 
couple of times. I'm not sure I would do it again. You might start into 
the project and back out if things start to get too complicated. OR you 
might leave the situation as is since it is working. Right now I have a 
USB port on a laptop that only works when the cable connection is 
drooping. If it is plugged in straight, it does not work. And the laptop 
does not have PS2 or serial ports that can be used in place of the USB 
port. But as long as it works, I'm living with it as is.

Good luck.

Tom Mayer  

Susan Llewellyn wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a Dell Latitude CSx laptop, approx 6 years old (no longer under 
> any warranty).  When I plug into the USB port, the port moves and the 
> connection is gone.  If I prop something  under the cable going into 
> the port, it is okay, but that is not how I want to work things.  My 
> question is this: Is it possible for me to open the laptop and repair 
> the loose USB port, what should I look for and do or should I take it 
> somewhere to have it repaired.  I have worked on desktop towers, so 
> the inside workings don't scare me, just not sure if I should attempt 
> this on my own.
> I am running Windows 98, the USB (listed under device manager) is 
> Intel 83271AB/EB PCI to USB Universal Host Controller.
> Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.
> Susan Llewellyn
>
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