Actually, I have run into cases that have "case" locks on them.  I am
racking my brain trying to figure out the manufacturer, but I am nearly
certain it was NOT Compaq.  If the case is indeed a lockable one, I remember
getting around this (beings how the keys were long lost by the time we got
to them) by using a strong, flat-head screwdriver, inserting it into the key
portion, and turning it until the lock breaks.  Good luck.

Kyle


>From: Bob Wright <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Locked Case....No Key.... = :-{
>Date: Wed, 3 Nov 1999 14:21:33 -0700
>
>At 03:31 PM 11/02/1999 , Jim Meagher wrote:
>>Tom,
>>Most PCs of that era had a keylock to electrically disable the keyboard
>>NOT
>>lock the case.  If the PC is a true Compaq, there would be a prominent
>>label
>>on the front of the box, since you didn't mention it, I would assume that
>>the monitor and keyboard did not come with the unit originally.
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: Tom Cohick <[log in to unmask]>
>>
>> > My son acquired an old 486 computer. It's a tower case (thing is huge
>>and
>> > heavy), possibly a workstation of some type. It contains a  3.5 floppy,
>>a
>> > small hard drive, and some other goodies that don't appear to be
>>working;
>> > e.g.,  5.25 floppy, optical disc drive, CD Disc drive, and etc..
>> > I believe it's a Compaq as that's the brand on the monitor and
>>keyboard.
>> > Seems like a good project for him (me ;->) to fool around with, but the
>> > problem is we can't get the case open. There is a lock on the top of
>>the
>> > front panel, but we don't have a key for it. Any suggestions as to how
>>to
>> > get into this thing without destroying the case? Thanx in advance for
>>all
>> > help.
>
>Jim is right about the case probably not locked together with the key lock.
>
>Typically, those key locks are only to shut down power to the motherboard
>to keep someone from accessing the system when you are not about...
>though they are easy to disable if you remove the cover.  Just unplug the
>wires from the keylock to the motherboard.
>
>I am willing to bet the case will come apart if you just investigate it a
>bit
>more.  It probably is not a design you have seen before.  The very large
>server tower cases often have a pry off cap on them and then hidden
>screws that remove each side panel independently.
>
>If we are wrong and someone actually built a case at one point that is
>locked together by a key, you probably can take it to a local locksmith
>and have the lock opened by him for only a few dollars...
>
>   Bob Wright

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