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Memory Module(s)

Dell™ Inspiron™ 300/400 Service Manual

  Inspiron 300

  Inspiron 400

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

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.

CAUTION: 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 your computer).

Inspiron 300

Removing the Memory Module

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the top cover (see Removing the Top Cover).
   
   
3. Remove the top bracket (see Removing the Top Bracket).
   
   
4. Remove the optical drive (see Removing the Optical Drive).
   
   
5. Remove the drive bay (see Removing the Drive Bay).
   
   

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory module securing clips.

6. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-module connector until the memory module pops up.
   
   
7. Remove the memory module from the memory-module connector.
   
   

1

memory-module connector

2

securing clips (2)

Replacing the Memory Module

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module connector.
   
   

1	cutouts (2)	2	tab
3	notch	4	memory-module connector
5	memory module

3. Insert the memory module into the connector until the memory module snaps into position.
   If you insert the memory module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the memory module. If the securing clips do not snap into position, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
   
   

NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot.

1

cutouts (2)

2

securing clips (2) (snapped in position)

4. Replace the drive bay (see Replacing the Drive Bay).
   
   
5. Replace the optical drive (see Replacing the Optical Drive).
   
   
6. Replace the top bracket (see Replacing the Top Bracket).
   
   
7. Replace the top cover (see Replacing the Top Cover).
   
   

CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.

8. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
   If the message appears stating that memory size has changed, press <F1> to continue.
   
   
9. Log on to your computer.
   
   
10. To verify that the memory is installed correctly:
    
    

Windows^® XP:

Click Start® Control Panel® System.

Windows Vista^®:

Click the Start button ® Control Panel® System and Maintenance.

Windows 7:

Click the Start button ® Control Panel® System and Security® System.

11. Check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.
    
    

Inspiron 400

Removing the Memory Module(s)

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the bottom cover (see Removing the Bottom Cover).
   
   

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory module securing clips.

3. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-module connector until the module pops up.
   
   
4. Remove the memory module from the memory-module connector.
   
   

1	tab	2	memory-module connector
3	memory module	4	securing clips (2)

Replacing the Memory Module(s)

CAUTION: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMM 1" before you install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMM 2."

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Align the notch in the memory module with the tab in the memory-module connector.
   
   
3. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and press the memory module down until it clicks into place. If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
   
   

NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot.

4. Replace the bottom cover (see Replacing the Bottom Cover).
   
   

CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.

5. Connect your computer and all attached devices to electrical outlets, and then turn them on.
   If the message appears stating that memory size has changed, press <F1> to continue.
   
   
6. Log on to your computer.
   
   
7. To verify that the memory is installed correctly:
   
   

Windows^® XP:

Click Start® Control Panel® System.

Windows Vista^®:

Click the Start button ® Control Panel® System and Maintenance.

Windows 7:

Click the Start button ® Control Panel® System and Security® System.

8. Check the amount of memory (RAM) listed.
   
   

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