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.
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.
CAUTION: If your computer has only one memory module, install the memory module in the socket labeled "DIMM A".
CAUTION: 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 optimally.
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
Removing a Memory Module
Your computer supports the following modules:
Size
Slot
Windows XP
Windows Vista
512 MB
DIMM A
X
X
1 GB
DIMM A or DIMM A and DIMM B
X
X
2 GB
DIMM A or DIMM A and DIMM B
X
X
3 GB
DIMM A and DIMM B
X
X
4 GB
DIMM A or DIMM A and DIMM B
X
8 GB
DIMM A and DIMM B
X
Your computer has two user-accessible SODIMM sockets, referred to as DIMM A and DIMM B. DIMM A is the slot closest to the system board and always contains a memory module. The DIMM B socket may contain an additional module for improved system memory performance. If the module in the DIMM A socket must be replaced and DIMM B is installed, DIMM B must be removed first.
The DIMM B socket may or may not be populated with a memory module, depending on the configuration of your computer. When viewing the memory compartment from the underside of the computer, the DIMM B socket is uppermost and DIMM A is closest to the system board.
Removing the DIMM B Module
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module retaining clips.
To remove the DIMM B module, spread away the retaining clips from the
side edges of the memory module and lift the free edge of the module so
that it sits at about a 45-degree angle to the system board.
1
memory-module retaining clips (2)
2
memory module
Grasp the module at the side edges and pull it straight away from the
connector. Place the module into anti-static packaging.
DIMM A
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module retaining clips.
To remove the DIMM A module, spread away the retaining clips from the
side edges of the memory module and lift the free edge of the module so
that it sits at about a 45-degree angle to the system board.
Grasp the module at the side edges and pull it straight away from the
connector. Place the module into anti-static packaging such as an anti-
static bag.
Replacing a Memory Module
DIMM B
Ground yourself by touching a bare-metal part in the computer chassis.
Remove the memory module from its anti-static packaging and, grasping
the module at the side edges, align the slot in the module edge connector
with the key in the socket connector.
Gently slide the memory module into the DIMM B connector at a
45-degree angle to the system board until it is fully seated.
Push the long edge of the memory module down until retaining clips lock
the module in place.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the retaining clips will not hold the module securely and the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
DIMM A
The DIMM A socket is the one closest to the system board. If a memory module is installed in the DIMM B socket, it must be removed before a memory module in the DIMM A socket can be replaced.
Ground yourself by touching a bare-metal part in the computer chassis.
Remove the memory module from its anti-static packaging and, grasping
the module at the side edges, align the slot in the module edge connector
with the key in the DIMM A socket connector.
Gently slide the memory module into the socket connector at a 45-degree
angle to the system board until it is fully seated.
Push the long edge of the memory module down until retaining clips lock
the module in place.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the retaining clips will not hold the module securely and the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.
If a memory module is installed into the DIMM B socket, replace it using
procedures in DIMM B.
Operation of the Computer
To verify your computer operates correctly:
Slide the bottom of the base assembly into place and tighten the captive
screw.
Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your
computer and an electrical outlet.
Set the computer upright and open the display.
Start your computer. As the computer boots, it detects the additional
memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.
Verify that the memory capacity shown on the display is what is expected.
To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer:
In the Microsoft® Windows Vista® operating system, click Start ® Help and Support ® Computer Information.
In the Microsoft Windows® XP operating system, right-click the My Computericon on your desktop, click Properties, and then click General.
