The iron needs a new power cord; however, the screw at the back of the iron seems to need a hollow star driver. What tool do I need?

ANSWER : You’ve identified it in your question. These screws are just one type of so-called “security” screws (there are many others) that are designed to be turned only with a driver that matches the head. You can often get these screws to turn with a small flat-blade driver, provided it’s a tight fit. Or you can buy the proper tool, of course.

ANSWER : Since I do not know your specific model I can only supply you with general instructions. Be aware that most of the time you only need to gain access to the on/off switch to replace the power cord. Also Make sure that you are replacing the existing cord with a comparable one. Vacuum cleaner cords are different from most other types. They need to with stand being run over repeatedly and subjected to a spinning brush that would burn through other types in a matter of seconds.
If you keep that in mind then……

One of the most important rules in the universe is “If it was put together it can be taken apart”. I take my vacuum apart just for fun. I will use as an example the most common type of vacuum, an upright bagless. You will need to remove the lower unit. You will find after the top section has been removed four screws, (two on each side), holding the upper section to the lower with two plastic half circles clamps. In most newer vacuums of this type these are the only things holding the two pieces together aside from the hose. The motor housing is usually held together by several screws. Once you get the upper and lower sections separated you will be able to gain access to the screws.
Probably the most important thing I can tell you is to keep track of the screws. Use a piece of styrofoam draw a shape of a vacuum on it and press the screws into it in the area that they came out.
If you need more specific instructions you will have to clarify this with the exact make and model.
Hope this helps.

ANSWER : Which model do you have..

ANSWER : I’ve successfully used a compatible belt – Royal 104425001 .It’s still new, but for the time being at least – it works.

ANSWER : When you say taking handle back I assume you mean the action to start rotation of brushes. Had simular problem and found by removing brush from tube and then cleaning “baked on rubbish” in plastic tube (so you can see clearly through tube) Clean with stiff brush and also making sure brush drive belt housing is also clean and allows brush to rotate square to housing did improve the suction power.
I assume you have cleaned all filters by wahing under running water and applying a little pressure to remove water and attached dirt?

ANSWER : JUST LIFT OFF THE TOP HALF. CAREFULLY REACH IN FROM THE LEFT SIDE AND DISCONNECT THE CLEAR PLASTIC HOSE THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE “DIAL” ON TOP OF THE MACHINE. THEN LAY THE TOP HALF OF THE MACHINE TO THE RIGHT. DON’T DISCONNECT ANY WIRES. YOU’LL HAVE TO HAVE A NEW CORD WINDER (LOOK ON E-BAY). THE MOTOR AND CORD WINDER ARE ATTACHED TO EACH OTHER BY WIRES AND CAN BE LIFTED OUT OF THE CANISTER.EVERYTHING YOU DO JUST REMEMBER THAT ALL OF THESE PARTS ARE ATTACHED TO EACH OTHER BY WIRES. THE ONLY WIRES YOU’LL NEED TO DISCONNECT ARE THE ONES ATTACHED TO THE CORD WINDER ASSEMBLY. THEY JUST PULL OFF, NO TOOLS ARE NEEDED.
.QUITE FRANKLY THIS IS A ROYAL PAIN AND YOU’LL PROBABLY WISH YOU TOOK IT TO A REPAIR (AERUS/ELECTROLUX) SHOP. IF YOU DECIDE TO DO IT YOUR SELF TAKE PICTURES OF EVERY STEP…’CAUSE YA GOTTA PUT IT ALL BACK TOGETHER.
.GOOD LUCK!

ANSWER : Yes you are absolutely right.you would save on shipping cost if order both together.
.
.and for parts you can also order it from
.www.radioshack.com
.or from the source which you already have it with you.
.thanks.you are on the right track.you can continue ordering the parts.
.please do rate the solution.
.keep updated.thank you for using fixya.
.

ANSWER : You can buy one at a oreck store but i would tell you to use an extention cord