Before you open the computer cover, perform the following steps in the sequence indicated.
NOTICE: Do not attempt to service the computer yourself, except as
explained in your online Dell documentation or otherwise provided to you.
Always follow installation and service instructions closely.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Perform an orderly computer shutdown using the operating system
menu.
Turn off the computer and any devices.
Wear a wrist grounding strap, and clip it to an unpainted metal
surface, such as the padlock loop on the back of the computer. If a
wrist grounding strap is not available, ground yourself by touching an
unpainted metal surface on the computer, such as the power supply, to
discharge any static charge from your body before touching anything
inside your computer.
While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components. Also avoid touching components or contacts on a card and avoid touching pins on a chip.
Disconnect your computer and devices from their power sources.
Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20 seconds after disconnecting the computer from its electrical outlet. Before removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate this light, see "System Board Components."
Also, disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer. Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
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 disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
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 microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.
Also see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge." In addition, Dell recommends that you periodically review the safety instructions in your Setup and Quick Reference Guide or System Information Guide.
