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.
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 program floppy or CD
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.
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
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 network cables from the computer.
Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.
Remove any installed modules, including a second battery, if installed.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, slide and
hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer and remove the battery
from the bay, and then press the power button to ground the system board.
Remove any installed PC Cards from the PC Card slot.
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.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: If your computer has only one memory module, install the memory module in the connector labeled "DIMMA."
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not function at optimal performance.
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
Your computer has two user-accessible SODIMM sockets, one accessed from beneath the keyboard (DIMM A), and the other accessed from the bottom of the computer (DIMM B).
To add or replace a memory module in the DIMM A connector:
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, ground yourself and 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.
1
securing clips (2 per connector)
2
memory module
NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMMA" before you install a module in the connector labeled "DIMMB." Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.
Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
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.
To add or replace a memory module in the DIMM B connector:
Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screw in the memory module cover, and then
remove the cover.
1
captive screw
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, ground yourself and 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.
1
securing clips (2 per connector)
2
memory module
NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMMA" before you install a module in the connector labeled "DIMMB." Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.
Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
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 cover.
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.
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 the Start button, click Help and Support, and then click Computer Information.
Modem
If you ordered the optional modem at the same time that you ordered your computer, the modem 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 Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step 4. If you are replacing a Mini PCI card,
remove the existing card:
Disconnect the Mini PCI card from any attached cables.
1
Mini PCI card
2
metal securing tabs (2)
Release the Mini PCI card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops up
slightly.
Lift the Mini PCI 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.
1
Mini PCI card
2
metal securing tabs (2)
Align the Mini PCI card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI card
into the connector until you feel a click.
1
Mini PCI card
2
antenna wires (2)
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mini PCI card, never place cables on top of or under the card.
Connect the antenna cables to the Mini PCI card.
Replace the cover and screws.
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 working inside your computer, 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 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.
Turn the computer over, and remove the hard drive screws.
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.
Slide the hard drive out of the computer.
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.
Slide the hard drive into the bay until it is fully seated.
Replace and tighten the screws.
Use the Operating System CD to install the operating system for your computer.
Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to install the drivers and utilities for your computer.
Keyboard
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 an unpainted metal surface (such as the back panel) on the computer.
Open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it lies flat against your work surface.
Starting on the right side of the computer, use a plastic scribe to pry up the center
control cover. Lift it away from the computer, and lay it aside.
1
center control cover
Remove the keyboard:
Remove the two M2.5 x 6-mm screws across the top of the keyboard.
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard.
NOTE: Lift the keyboard carefully in step b to ensure that you do not pull on the keyboard wire.
Rotate the keyboard up 90-degrees and slide it forward to gain access to the keyboard
connector.
Pull up on the keyboard connector tab to disconnect the keyboard connector from the
system board.
NOTE: When you replace the keyboard, ensure that the keyboard tabs are completely in place to avoid scratching the palm rest.
1
M2.5 x 6-mm screws (2)
2
keyboard connector pull-tab
3
keyboard tabs
4
palm rest
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 avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
If you ordered an internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, it is already installed.
Remove the battery.
Open the card door.
Using a plastic scribe or screwdriver, gently pry the module from the plastic guide bracket and
the compartment so that you can disconnect the card from its cable and remove it from the
computer.
1
card connector
2
card
3
door
Coin-Cell Battery
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 avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
Turn the computer over and release the captive screw on the modem cover.
Place your finger under the cover at the indentation and lift the cover open.
1
captive screw
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, make sure you do not remove the plastic film between the battery and the system board as you remove the double-sided tape from the coin-cell battery.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board or modem card, retain the double-sided tape and secure the replacement coin-cell battery to the plastic film between the battery and the system board.
Gently draw the coin-cell battery from the coin-cell-battery pocket, and disconnect the
battery cable.
