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 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
Flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
Shut down the operating system:
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
In the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system, click Start®Shut Down®Shut down.
In Microsoft Windows Vista®, click the Windows Vista Start button™, , in the lower-left
corner of the desktop, click the arrow in the lower-right corner of the Start menu as shown below,
and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.
NOTICE: Ensure that the computer and all 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 about 4 seconds to turn them off.
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.
Turn off your computer.
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 telecommunication lines from the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the
power button to ground the system board.
If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the
stand) and the cable cover, if attached (see Cable Cover (Optional)).
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.
NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.
