how to remove heat sink and fan

i have this weird heat sink latch/retainer/holder/whatever. I was just cleaning out the dust in my computer today because the heatsink was clogged with dust anyways. So I was able to take off the fan and clean everything out, but just out of curiosity, how would you remove this heatsink?

 

I'd try cleaning it without removing it. By using a toothpick or some small object to loosen dust between the heatsink fins and then using a can of compressed air/gas to blow the remaining dust out, you should be able to get it cleaned up quite well.

 

No, I have already cleaned it. I just wanted to know how to remove the entire heat sink so if I wanted to, I could replace my processor in the future. Because seeing that I have a Celeron, I think that a new processor would be nice.

 

This video is for AMD processors but I believe it's the same for Intel processors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfhb8pdwMYI&feature=related

 

It is the same, but the problem is, my heatsink doesn't go on that way. If you look carefully, there are tabs on the side. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with them. I've pushed and pulled and everything, so I don't know what to do next. Then again, it might just be Compaq being dumb and preventing me from upgrading, like having no AGP slot on the mobo.

 

I see some type of tab on two opposing corners. Is that what you're talking about?

 

It is a similar attachment method as http://www.arctic-cooling.com/cpu2.php?idx=23&data=3&disc=

there are .pdf instructions: http://www.arctic-cooling.com/downloads/installation/install_ss4ultra.pdf

they're not really flash though
You may be able to find better instructions for your own heatsink (if you know what it is) or a similar one

All you do is push down on the 2 levers (one of which is in the lower right-hand corner of your pic, the other is on the opposing corner), they will 'spring' out (away from the heatsink) and they release the 4 attachment clips.

 

yes, it is

 

I'm guessing I have to press hard? I'll try that some other time. I don't feel like taking my computer out again. Thanks

 

Not knowing your mobo, I would say upgrading from a Celeron might not really be worthwhile. I had a tough time replacing my AMD CPU for a dual core. One thing not to do is remove the heat sink if and when you are ready to switch, otherwise you'll have to clean the surfaces with %70 isopropyl alcohol and reapply thermal paste.