Sure but use at least 95%+ IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) so no residue is left on the contacts.

swestonj is incorrect. The manual clearly states that you must remove the screws:

Service Manual

Removing the Keyboard

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the battery (see Removing the Battery).

3. Remove the two screws that secure the keyboard to the computer base.

etc.

If I was doing this job I would disconnect the battery first before the mother board cable. What do you think?

Might add “Optical” to drive title to save some confusion.

These name branded external drives are the worst possible choice. Always, always purchase a SEPERATE case/controller and hard drive. Again, why? Often the branded ones have the drive’s circuit board and the USB port imbedded in the same circuit board. If that circuit screws up you are often lost. The component solution (like a good hi-fi sound systems) allows you to easily take the drive out, if the USB part goes bad, and recover your software in another system or case. If the drive dies replace it or upgrade to SSD or larger capacity. A no brainer!