There are two hidden screws under the cord retractor. To remove the cord retractor, stick a flat head screw driver straight down between the retractor and the main body. There are three tabs on the retractor with catches on them. Push each one of them back with the screw driver and work the retractor off.
I opened up my vacuum to retrieve the power cord after the plug came off. If you are doing this, you will need to rewind the spring reel. When doing this, pay attention to the instructions on the metal plate that say "wind this direction eight extra times". I wound mine the wrong way and broke the spring. One step forward, one step back!
Scott
September 2009