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 (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 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
several seconds until the computer turns 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 help 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.
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.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you service the computer.
NOTE: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Dell computer. Do not use other batteries designed for other Dell computers.
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 then lift the battery from the bay.
1
battery-bay latch release
2
battery
Press the power button to ground the system board.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Turn the computer off.
Turn the computer over and remove the device security screw.
Insert a scribe into the notch and push it to the side to release the drive
from the bay.
Slide the drive out of the bay.
1
optical drive
2
device security screw
3
notch
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 (see Turning 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.
1
hard drive 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 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.
Return your old hard drive to Dell in its original or comparable foam packaging. Otherwise, the hard drive may be damaged in transit.
1
foam packaging
2
hard drive
Memory
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
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.
Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the memory module
cover, and then remove the memory module cover.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module securing clips.
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).
If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module:
Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the memory-module
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
memory-module securing clips (2 per 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.
1
notch
2
tab
NOTICE: If the memory module cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may damage your computer.
Replace the memory module cover.
Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your
computer and an electrical outlet.
Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screws on the modem cover,
and then remove the modem cover.
Remove the existing modem:
Remove the modem screw.
Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to lift the modem out of its
connector on the system board, and disconnect the modem cable.
1
modem screw
2
modem pull-tab
3
modem connector on system board
4
modem
5
modem cable
Install the replacement modem:
Connect the modem cable to the modem.
NOTICE: The connector is keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connector and realign the card.
Align the modem with the screw holes and press the modem down
into the connector on the system board.
Replace the screw that secures the modem to the system board.
Replace the modem cover.
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: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you begin working inside the computer.
Open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it lies flat against
your work surface.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the hinge cover, do not lift the cover on both sides simultaneously.
Insert a scribe into the indent to lift the hinge cover on the right side.
Ease the hinge cover up, moving from right to left, and remove it.
NOTE: When replacing the hinge cover, first insert the left edge and then press from left to right until the cover snaps into place.
1
hinge cover
2
scribe
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: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you begin working inside 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.
Slightly slide the keyboard toward the back of the computer, and then
lift the keyboard only enough to hold it up and slightly forward to
allow access to the keyboard connector.
To release the keyboard cable from the keyboard connector on the
system board, rotate the plastic bar on the keyboard connector to the
front of the computer.
1
keyboard screws (2)
2
keyboard
3
tabs
4
keyboard cable
5
plastic bar on 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 press on the right edge near the top to snap the keyboard into place before replacing the two screws.
Wireless Mini-Card
If you ordered a Mini-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 help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you begin working inside the computer.
If a Mini-Card is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a
Mini-Card, remove the existing card:
Disconnect the two antenna cables from the Mini-Card.
1
Mini-Card
2
antenna cable connectors (2)
Release the Mini-Card by pushing the metal securing tabs toward the
back of the computer until the card pops up slightly.
Lift the Mini-Card out of its system board connector.
1
metal securing tab
2
Mini-Card
3
metal securing tab
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the card and on the system board, and realign the card.
Install the replacement Mini-Card:
Insert the Mini-Card connector into the system board connector at a
45-degree angle, and then press the other end of the Mini-Card down
into the securing tabs until the card clicks into place.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the Mini-Card, never place cables under the card.
Connect the two antenna cables to the Mini-Card (black cable to the
connector labeled "aux" and the white cable to the connector labeled
"main").
1
system board connector
2
antenna cables (2)
3
antenna cable connectors (2)
Coin-Cell Battery
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: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you begin working inside the computer.
Insert a plastic scribe into the guide on the side of the coin-cell battery
compartment, and pop the battery out.
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.
Display
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: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you begin working inside the computer.
