Installation

1. Disconnect your computer from the power source and remove the case side that best shows the insides of your computer. On most cases when looking directly at the front panel with your CD ROM it is the left side.

2. Decide where on the side panel you would like your window. Be creative and picture what will actually be behind the window once it is installed. Also remember that you'll need about 1\4" - 1\2" clearance between the window edge and inside edge of the case. This clearance is needed for the rubber molding.

3. Remove the side of the case and place it on a flat surface, like a table or the floor. Place it so the outside surface is facing you and inside surface in contact with table.

4. Cover your case door completely with masking tape, then turn the door around and do the same thing for the other side. If you are experienced at cutting metal you do not need to cover your door with masking tape. It is recommend that less experienced users should use it.

5. Place the tip of your pencil inside a washer that will leave the required space between the case hole and your Plexiglas window. Read your instructions for the correct spacing measurement. Hold your window firmly in place and draw a line on the masking tape and around your window, always keeping the washer in flat contact with your side panel and the windows edge. This will create a line that is a little wider than your window. Make sure you get this right. If the line is too close to the window it'll be harder to fit the rubber mold. If it is too far out the window will be too loose.

6. First drill a starter hole for your cutting tool. Now cut the side panel along the line drawn in step 5 using your nibbler, jigsaw or dremel. If you intend on using a jigsaw make sure the speed setting is correct. If there is too much upward/downward force you risk warping your case metal badly.

7. Using a file or deburring tool and smooth out the rough edges.

8. Install the narrow edge of the rubber molding in contact with the case and the wider edge in contact with the window. If the molding is too long trim it to fit.

9. Work your way around the edge of the window and case, pushing the window into it's groove and making sure it doesn't slip out of the case. This is a fairly tight fit so take your time. If you have cut the window too wide you're facing a problem. You will need to find a wider rubber mold somewhere or you can try adding in some sort of silicone filler.

10. Once the window is installed, make sure there are no metal shavings by vacuuming the side panel and place the side panel back on your computer.

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by FastEddie