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 read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.
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 Start®Shut Down.
Select Shut down®OK.
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: 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 pull-tab, 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 prevent damage to 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.
Press the power button to ground the system board.
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 before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard
drive while the computer is turned 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 (see
Restoring Your Operating System) and drivers (see Drivers) on the new hard drive.
NOTE: Since this computer does not have an optical drive, you will need to use the Media Base (sold separately)
to install any software on this computer.
NOTE: Before you remove the hard drive, ensure that you removed the main battery.
Turn the computer upside down, and loosen the two captive screws on the metal bracket that holds the
hard drive.
Holding the bracket by the sides, slide it toward the back of the computer to dislodge the bracket from
underneath the two metal clips.
Remove the metal bracket from the hard drive and lay the bracket aside.
1
captive screws (2)
2
metal bracket
3
hard drive
4
metal clips (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.
Use the pull-tab to disconnect the hard drive cable from the system board connector and remove the
hard drive from the computer.
1
pull-tab
2
hard drive cable
3
hard drive
4
system board connector
Dismantling the Hard Drive
NOTICE: The replacement hard drive ships with the protective cover and the hard drive cable. Only a certified
service technician should dismantle the hard drive. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not
covered by your warranty.
Use your fingers to carefully remove the protective cover from the hard drive.
1
protective cover
2
hard drive
Use a hard drive tool to carefully pry up the ZIF connector that holds the hard drive cable, and remove
the cable.
1
ZIF connector
2
hard drive cable
Replacing 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.
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: The hinge cover is fragile and can be damaged if extreme force is used. Be careful when removing the
hinge cover.
Open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it rests on your work surface.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the hinge cover, do not lift the cover on both sides simultaneously.
Starting on the right side of the computer, use a plastic scribe to pry up the hinge cover.
1
hinge cover
2
plastic scribe
Ease the hinge cover up, moving from right to left, and remove it.
To replace the hinge cover, insert the left edge of the cover into the hinge cover slot, and press from left
to right until the cover snaps into place.
Keyboard
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: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful
when removing and handling the keyboard.
Remove the keyboard:
Remove the three M2 x 3-mm screws across the top of the keyboard.
NOTICE: Lift the keyboard carefully in step b to ensure that you do not pull the keyboard wire.
Slide the keyboard forward to gain access to the two keyboard connectors.
Pull up on the plastic bar on the keyboard connectors to disconnect the keyboard connectors
from the system board.
1
M2 x 3-mm screws (3)
3
tabs (4)
2
keyboard
4
plastic bar on keyboard connectors
NOTICE: To avoid scratching the palm rest when replacing the keyboard, hook the tabs along the front edge of the
keyboard into the palm rest, and then secure the keyboard in place.
To replace the keyboard, connect the keyboard cable to the connector on the system board.
Place the tabs along the front edge of the keyboard into the palm rest, and lay the keyboard down on
the palm rest.
Replace the three screws at the top of the keyboard.
Replace the hinge cover.
Memory
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See Specifications for information about the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.
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.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery before you service the computer.
This computer has one memory module connector labeled "DIMM A." To install a memory module in DIMM A:
Turn the computer upside-down, loosen the three captive screws on the memory/mini-card module
cover, and remove the cover.
Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: If you leave your work area, ground yourself again when you return to the computer.
If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module
securing clips.
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.
1
memory module
2
securing clips (2)
NOTICE: Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to prevent damage to connectors.
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.
Replace the memory/mini-card module cover and tighten the three captive screws.
Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical
outlet.
Turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.
To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click Start, click Help and Support, and then click Computer Information.
Mini-Cards
If you ordered a WLAN card with your computer, the card is already installed.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery before you service the computer.
Turn the computer upside-down and remove the memory/Mini-Card module cover.
Disconnect the antenna cables from the card.
NOTE: Depending on the type of WLAN-Card you have, either two or three of the three antenna cables may be in
use.
1
antenna cables (2)
Disconnect the antenna cables from the WLAN card.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the connector, do not use tools to spread the securing clips.
Release the card by pushing the metal securing clips toward the back of the computer until the
card pops up slightly.
Lift the card out of its connector.
1
metal securing clips (2)
2
WLAN card
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and
realign the card.
NOTE: Do not insert a Mobile Broadband (WWAN) network card into the WLAN card connector.
Install the WLAN card:
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the WLAN card, never place cables on top of or under the card.
NOTE: The WLAN card may have two or three antenna connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered.
Move any antenna cables out of the way to make space for the WLAN card.
Align the WLAN card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card down into the
securing clips until the card clicks into place.
NOTE: For more specific information about which cable to connect to which connector, see the documentation
that came with your WLAN card.
Connect the antenna cables to the antenna connectors on the WLAN 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.
Connect the antenna cables to the WLAN card, ensuring that you route the cables correctly.
Replace the memory/Mini-Card module cover.
Mobile Broadband (WWAN) Cards
NOTE: Mobile Broadband cards may not be available in all regions.
If you ordered a Mobile Broadband card with your computer, the card is already installed.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
If a Mobile Broadband card is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a Mobile
Broadband card, remove the existing card:
1
Mobile Broadband card
2
antenna wires (2)
Disconnect the Mobile Broadband card from any attached cables.
1
Mobile Broadband card
2
metal securing tabs (2)
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the connector, do not use tools to spread the securing clips.
Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the metal securing tabs until the card pops up slightly.
Slide and lift the Mobile Broadband card out of its connector.
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and
realign the card.
NOTE: Do not insert a WLAN card into the Mobile Broadband card slot.
NOTICE: The Mobile Broadband card may have one or two connectors, depending on the type of card you
ordered.
To install a Mobile Broadband card:
Move any antenna cables out of the way to make space for the card.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mobile Broadband card, never place cables on top of or under the card and
ensure that you route the cables properly.
NOTE: Cable routing for the Mobile Broadband card may vary.
Align the card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card into the connector until
you feel a click.
1
system board connector
2
Mobile Broadband card
NOTE: For more specific information about which cable to connect to which connector, see the documentation
that came with your Mobile Broadband card.
Connect the white antenna cable with the black stripe to the connector on the card marked with a
white triangle; connect the black antenna cable with the white stripe to the connector on the card
marked with a black triangle.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card
NOTICE: To protect the SIM card from electrostatic discharge (ESD), do not touch the SIM card connector. Also,
take care when removing the card to slide the card completely out of the metal tabs before lifting the card out of
the slot. The card is brittle and may easily break otherwise.
NOTE: The SIM card is located in the battery bay. You must remove the main battery before you can access the
SIM card.
Slide the SIM card out of the SIM card slot with the cut-off corner of the card facing toward the back
of the computer.
1
metal tabs (2) on SIM card slot
2
SIM card with cut-off corner
NOTE: When you replace the SIM card, ensure that you slide the SIM card under the two metal tabs on the SIM
card slot with the cut-off corner of the card facing toward the back of the computer.
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, read the safety instructions in your Product Information
Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically
touching a connector on the back panel of the computer.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery before you service the computer.
If you ordered an internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, it is already installed.
Remove the M2 x 3-mm screw from the card holder and lay the holder aside.
Lift the card away from the aligning pin.
Disconnect the card cable connector from the card.
1
internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology
2
card cable connector
3
M2 x 3-mm screw
4
card holder
5
aligning pin
NOTICE: Be careful when removing the card to avoid damaging the card, card cable, or surrounding components.
Coin-Cell Battery
CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, follow the safety instructions in your Product
Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically
touching a connector on the back panel of the computer.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery before you service the computer.
Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable connector from the system board connector.
Remove the coin-cell battery from the system board.
1
cable connector
2
coin-cell battery
When you replace the battery, insert it at a 30-degree angle under the clip with the positive (identified by a plus [+] symbol) side up, and then push it into place.
