This section provides procedures for removing and replacing the components, assemblies, and subassemblies in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
You have read the safety information in your Owner's Manual.
You have opened the computer cover.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
#1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers
8-inch #2 Phillips screwdriver
Precautionary Measures
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Owner's Manual.
CAUTION: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions in the Owner's Manual that came with the computer.
CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a microprocessor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on
the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this
type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors
apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a
cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin
working inside the computer.
Save any work in progress and exit all open programs.
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer
and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your
computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
NOTICE: To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds (or wait until the
standby light is extinguished) after turning off the computer and unplugging the power cable
before you remove a component from the system board or disconnect a device from the
computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then
unplug it from the network wall jack.
Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and
then press the power button to ground the system board.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
Do not remove components from their antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, discharge static electricity from your body.
When transporting an electrostatic sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.
Handle all electrostatic sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.
