Are case screws supposed to fall out?

my macbook is just over a year old, i purchased it a few weeks before the graphics chip set refresh in oct 07, it's a black macbook.
in the past few weeks, the two screws near the rear of the case on the bottom, on each side of the designed by apple and FCC text, have just fell out. i find this rather perplexing and annoying considering this equipment cost sixteen hundred dollars and this problem convieniently arose almost immediately upon my one year warantee expiring...
my question is will getting the screws replaced do anything?
should i take it into apple even though my warranty is up?
what is the purpose of these two screws anyway? obviously i am stil using my macbook it is still working, so they cant be that important can they?
please help!

From what I've read about taking the MB apart, the screws are different lengths. So, IF you could get screws from somewhere else, you would have to know the length as well as the size.
Even if your MB is out of warranty, I would think Apple would replace the screws for no cost IF you took it into a Apple store. If that is a problem because of distance, they might send you the correct screws if you call Apple Tech Support. Certainly worth a try.
As to why your missing screws "backed" out on their own, that's the big question. Hard to believe they were not screwed down tight when you picked up the computer.
Good Luck

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I've had two screws fall out of the INTERIOR of my Satellite Protege R705. The first one hit my right hand as I picked up the laptop off my lap. The second one fell off today when I picked the laptop up by the top of the screen (while it was open). I did not see this one fall but heard it hit the floor & it was exactly the same type of screw as the first one. Again, there are not screws missing from the exterior of my computer, or the opened DVD player.
Has anyone else had this happen and what do I do? My computer is physically functioning OK other than it keeps saying one of my USB ports is not working even though both USB ports do work so I've ignored that warning.

Kathy,
A couple things. First, this post is a bit dated, so probably better for you to start your own thread instead of posting to an old one.
Also, when posting, please provide the entire model number (which the OP did not). It is provided on the bottom of the computer and looks something like Portege R705-P40.
Check the bottom of the computer and look in each one of the holes to see if you can find which one is missing a screw. If you find it, just replace the screw using a jeweler's screwdriver. If not, it likely is not going to be an issue as the case is held together with many screws.
Finally, as has been posted already, never pick up your computer from the screen, as you could break one of the hinges, and they are difficult to repair.
If your computer is working then don't wory about it losing a screw.
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Apple tried to repair my Macbook Pro Retina when I first got it. They took the back off, replaced the motherboard (which was not the problem), and returned it to me the next day (via FedEx). When I got the machine back, half of the screws on the back shell were falling out... and one was in crooked. Apple told me to take my machine to the authorized computer repair place to have the screws tightened. The screws were tightened and now, they are falling out again! I've read about needed some sort of locktight product to put the screws back in. I don't understand why an authorized repair place would not do this the first time! Can you tell me what the process should be on replacing the screws in the bottom (shell) of the Macbook Pro Retina? I've heard that the shell should be replaced when the new screws are put in. Is this true? (I have AppleCare and will take my machine in next week for repair.... again!) Thanks!

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The Lifeproof case will provide reasonable protection from accidents and liquid intrusion. Screen protectors themselves provide essentially no protection, other than from minor scratches.
You can use the ones Lifeproof included, or less expensive ones. The cheapest ones you can find on the market are adequate. More expensive ones don't do anything better. Some can damage the glass, which won't be covered under AppleCare.
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My Yoga 13 physically fell apart after just 18 months of quiet, academic use. I'm trying to have it repaired with the extended credit card company policy -- but I'm afraid Lenovo will block my attempt based on what appears to be a not uncommon response to these complaints: the warranty does not cover abuse. A warranty claim must imply a measure of culpability on the manufacturer.
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Link to image
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Problem #3. There is no duplication of this critical component (this tiny screw). Your $1000 depends on it being there and very tightly in place.
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For others whose Yoga hasn't broken yet, you might want to buy a bit set with the Torx T-5 that allows to tighten your hinge screws (other case screws loosen, too).
If your hinge becomes the slightest loose, you must check your screw!!!!!!
But that by itself is a temporary solution: the screws need to be fixated.
I don't know how to do that. Perhaps Lenovo should do a recall on the whole series? Otherwise, customers will get quite unhinged as well....
Moderator note: large image(s) converted to link(s): About Posting Pictures In The Forums

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Thus my extended warranty claim was easily denied, because this warranty extends the original warranty!! More wasted work.
So, I have my Yoga back, though, for almost three hundred dollars. The repair was fine. Nightmare is over. But I won't hide my feelings: I'm profoundly unhappy this treatment. Also, I'm abstaining from using the Yoga in tablet mode: it's simply not sturdy enough, the flexing of the case will lead to the same problem again.
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Message was edited by: ScarCrow28
Message was edited by: ScarCrow28

Are case screws supposed to fall out?

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