This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:
You have performed the steps in "Turning Off Your Computer" (see this page) and "Before Working Inside Your Computer" (see page 110).
You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.
A component can be replaced—or if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Small plastic scribe
Flash BIOS update (see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com)
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.
Shut down the operating system:
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click
Turn Off Computer.
In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.
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 operating system, press and hold
the power button for 4 seconds.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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 processor by its edges, not by its pins.
NOTICE: 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.
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.
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
Remove any installed media memory cards from the 5-in-1 media memory card reader. See Media
Memory Card Blanks.
Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
Hard Drive
CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer (see page 109) before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard drive while the computer is on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode.
NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile; even a slight bump can damage the drive.
NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell.
NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive.
Turn the computer over, and loosen the two captive screws in the hard drive cover.
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screws (2)
NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the Product Information Guide.
Lift the cover off the computer and set it aside.
Use your finger to slide the hard drive toward the screw holes, and then use the pull-tab to lift the hard
drive straight up to remove it from the computer.
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pull-tab
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hard drive
Remove the new drive from its packaging.
Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.
NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector.
Seat the new hard drive into the bay, and then slide it into the connector by sliding it away from the
screw holes until it is fully seated.
Return your old hard drive to Dell in its original or comparable foam packaging. Otherwise, the hard drive may be damaged in transit.
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foam packaging
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hard drive
Optical Drives
About the Device Security Screw
NOTE: You do not need to install the device security screw unless you want to prevent the module from being easily removed.
Your Dell™ computer ships with an optical drive installed in the module bay and a device security screw, which may not be installed in the optical drive but packaged separately. When you install a module in the bay, you can install the device security screw to prevent the module from being easily removed.
Removing and Installing Optical Drives
NOTICE: To prevent damage to drives, store them in a safe, dry place when they are not installed in the computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.
While the computer is turned on, double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, click
the device that you want to eject, and click Stop.
Close your display and turn the computer upside-down.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the device security screw from the bottom of the computer.
Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the screw hole to push the drive out of the module bay.
Pull the drive straight out of the module bay.
Push the new drive straight into the module bay until it clicks.
Replace the security device screw.
Turn the computer right-side up and open the display.
The operating system automatically recognizes the drive. If necessary, enter your password to unlock
your computer.
Memory
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See Specifications for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.
NOTE: This computer supports both 533MHz and 667MHz memory modules. If installing another memory module, you need to ensure both DIMMs have a speed of 667MHz. If one is 533MHz and the other is 667MHz, the computer will only run at the lower speed of 533MHz and not the maximum memory speed of 667MHz.d
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
The computer has two memory module connectors labeled "DIMM A" and "DIMM B." Connector DIMM A (located under the keyboard) holds the basic memory module as configured from the factory. If you did not order additional memory, connector DIMM B (located on the bottom of the computer under the memory module cover) will be empty. Generally, if you are adding memory, you will install a memory module in connector DIMM B. If you are upgrading memory, you may need to install memory in both the DIMM A and B connectors, depending on the extent of the upgrade.
Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
NOTE: If you leave the area, ground yourself again when you return to the computer.
Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the memory module cover, and then remove the
memory module cover.
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screws (2)
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memory module cover
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module securing clips.
If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:
Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module
connector until the module pops up.
Remove the module from the connector.
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memory module
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securing clips (2 per connector)
NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMM A" before you install a module in the connector labeled "DIMM B." Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.
Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it
clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.
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tab in connector slot
Replace the memory module cover and tighten the screws.
NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may damage your computer.
Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical
outlet.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module securing clips.
If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:
Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module
connector until the module pops up.
Remove the module from the connector.
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memory module
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securing clips (2 per connector)
NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMM A" before you install a module in the connector labeled "DIMM B." Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.
Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it
clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.
If a Mini-Card is not already installed, go to step . If you are replacing a Mini-Card, remove the existing
card:
Disconnect both antenna cables from the Mini-Card.
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antenna cables (2)
Release the Mini-Card by pushing the metal securing clips toward the back of the computer until
the card pops up slightly.
Lift the Mini-Card out of its connector.
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metal securing tabs (2)
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Mini-Card
NOTICE: The connectors are color-keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and realign the card.
Install the replacement Mini-Card:
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mini-Card, make sure the antenna cables are not under the card when you click the card into place.
Align the Mini-Card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini-Card into the
connector until it clicks.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mini-Card, never place cables under the card.
Connect the antenna cables to the antenna connectors on the Mini-Card by matching the color of
the cable to the color of the triangle above the connector. Connect the main antenna cable (white)
to the antenna connector with the white triangle. Connect the auxiliary antenna cable (black) to
the antenna connector with the black triangle.
NOTE: If your computer has a gray cable, connect it to the connector with the gray triangle, if one is available on your card.
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antenna cables (2)
Hinge Cover
Removing the Hinge Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
NOTICE: The hinge cover is fragile and can be damaged if extreme force is used. Be careful when removing the hinge cover.
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 109.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard.
Lift the keyboard and hold it up and slightly forward to allow access to the keyboard connector.
Release the lever on the system board connector to disconnect the keyboard cable from the system
board.
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keyboard
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keyboard cable
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lever on system board connector
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tabs (6)
Replacing the Keyboard
NOTICE: To avoid scratching the palm rest when replacing the keyboard, hook the six tabs along the front edge of the keyboard into the palm rest, and then secure the keyboard in place.
Connect the keyboard cable to the system board.
Fasten the keyboard cable with the lever on the system board connector.
Place the six tabs along the front edge of the keyboard into the palm rest.
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
If you ordered a card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, the card is already installed.
Loosen the captive screws in the modem/Mini-Card/wireless cover, and then remove the cover.
Remove the screw securing the card carrier.
Pull the carrier out of the compartment so that you can disconnect the card from its cable and remove
the card from the computer.
To replace the card, connect the card to the cable.
Then carefully insert the card into the carrier and insert the carrier into the compartment.
Replace the screw securing the card carrier into place.
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screw
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card carrier
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card
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card connector
Coin-Cell Battery
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery
CAUTION: Before you perform the following procedures, see the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
