Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4GHz, Late 2007 CTO, Early 2008, and Late 2008) - Manual (Page 31)

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Take Apart — Top Case 31
Check that the perimeter screw tabs and ribs are not bent. 5.
Note: The metal can quickly fatigue and break off. Be extremely careful to gently straighten
tabs, if needed.
Verify that the screw tabs in back are straight and guide them inside the bottom case. Work 6.
your way around guiding the screw tabs into the bottom case along both sides.