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 program (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, and 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, turn them off
now by pressing and holding 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 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 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.
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, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive.
Turn the computer upside-down, and remove the two screws that secure the hard drive carrier to the
chassis.
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screws (2)
2
hard drive
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 carrier 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 new hard drive into the bay and into the connector 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
2
hard drive
Media Bay
NOTE: If the device security screw is not present, you can remove and install devices while the computer is running and connected to a docking device (docked).
Removing the Device Security Screw
If present, you must remove the device security screw before you remove the device:
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
Close the display and turn the computer upside-down.
Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the device security screw from the bottom of the computer.
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device security screw
2
device latch release
Removing and Installing Media Bay Devices
NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, 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.
NOTE: If the device security screw is not installed, you can remove and install devices while the computer is running and connected to a docking device (docked).
If the computer is running, double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, click the
device you want to eject, and click Stop.
Press the device latch release.
Pull the device out of the media bay.
Push the new device into the bay until it clicks.
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: The hinge cover is fragile and can be damaged if extreme force is used. Be careful when removing the hinge cover.
Turn the computer top-side up, and then 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.
Insert a scribe in the indent to carefully pry up the hinge cover on the right side.
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hinge cover
2
indent
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).
Remove the three screws at 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.
Rotate the keyboard forward and lay it on the palm rest to allow access to the keyboard connector on
the system board.
Pull up on the pull-tab to disconnect the keyboard cable connector from the keyboard connector on
the system board.
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keyboard
2
keyboard screws
3
cable connector
4
keyboard connector
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 connector to the system board.
Place the tabs along the front edge of the keyboard into the palm rest and lay the keyboard down on
the palmrest.
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 on 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 avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
The computer has two memory slots, DIMM A and DIMM B. DIMM A is located on top of the computer under the keyboard, and DIMM B is located on the bottom of the computer under the memory module cover. DIMM A holds the basic memory module as configured from the factory. If you did not order additional memory, DIMM B is empty. Generally, if you add memory, you use DIMM B. If you are upgrading memory, you may need to install memory in DIMM A and DIMM B, depending on the extent of the upgrade.
To install a memory module in the DIMM A connector:
Ground yourself by touching one of the metal connectors on the back of the computer.
NOTICE: If you leave the 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.
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memory module
2
securing clips (2)
NOTICE: 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.
Turn the computer upside-down, loosen the captive screw on the memory module cover, and then
remove the cover.
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captive screw
2
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
2
securing clips (2)
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.
Replace the memory module cover and tighten the screw.
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 Start or®Help and Support®Computer Information.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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.
If a card is not already installed, go to step 6. If you are replacing a card, remove the existing card:
Disconnect the antenna cables from the card.
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antenna cables
Release the card by pushing the metal securing brackets away from the card until the card pops up
slightly.
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WLAN card
2
metal securing brackets (2)
Lift the card out of its connector.
NOTICE: The card connector is keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, reinstall the card to realign it in the connector.
NOTE: Do not insert a WWAN network card into the WLAN card slot.
NOTE: The WLAN card may have two or three antenna connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered.
Install the card:
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the WLAN card, never place cables on top of or under the card.
Move any antenna cables out of the way to make space for the WLAN card.
Align the card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card into the connector until
it clicks.
NOTE: Your WLAN card may have two or three antenna connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered. Most antenna connectors have color-coded markings that correspond to the color of the cable.
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 WLAN card, ensuring that you route the cables correctly.
Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Cards
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.
If a card is not already installed, go to step 6. If you are replacing a card, remove the existing card:
Disconnect the antenna cables from the card.
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antenna cables
Release the card by pushing the metal securing brackets away from the card until the card pops up
slightly.
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WWAN card
2
metal securing brackets (2)
Lift the card out of its connector.
NOTICE: The card connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, reinstall the card to realign it in the connector.
Install the card.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the WWAN card, never place cables on top of or under the card.
Align the card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card into the connector until
it clicks.
NOTE: Most antenna connectors have color-coded markings that correspond to the color of the cable. For more specific information about which cable to connect to which connector, see the documentation that came with your WWAN card.
Connect the antenna cables to the WWAN card, ensuring that you route the cables correctly.
FCM (Flash Cache Module)
The FCM, or Flash Cache Module, is an internal flash drive that helps improve the performance of your computer.
NOTE: This card is only compatible with the Microsoft Windows Vista® operating system.
NOTE: If you ordered a FCM card with your computer, the card is already installed.
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.
Release the card by pushing the metal securing brackets away from the card until the card pops up
slightly.
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FCM card
2
metal securing brackets (2)
Lift the card out of its connector.
NOTICE: This card works only in the WWAN card connector. When installing this card, do not install it in the WLAN card connector. Doing so may cause damage to your 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 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.
NOTICE: Be careful when removing the card to avoid damaging the card, card cable, or surrounding components.
Remove the card from its compartment in the computer.
With the front of the computer facing you, slide the card to the right.
Rotate the card toward the front of the computer.
Lift the card out of the computer.
Disconnect the card from the cable connector.
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card
2
card connector
3
cable connector
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 avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.
Recommended Tools
