This section 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 Owner's Manual.
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 floppy disk or CD
Shutting Down Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your own personal safety.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Owner's Manual.
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.
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 microprocessor by its edges, not by its pins.
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.
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from
being scratched.
Shut down the computer.
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
computer, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
If the computer is connected to a media base (docked), undock it. See the
documentation that came with your media base for instructions.
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.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network wall jack and then
plug it into the computer.
Remove any installed PC Cards from the PC Card slot.
Remove any installed Secure Digital memory card from the Secure Digital memory
slot.
Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you
service the computer.
Slide and hold the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer, and then
remove the battery from the bay.
1
battery latch release (2)
Remove any installed modules, including a second battery, if installed.
When you are removing and replacing components, photocopy the placemat as a tool to lay out and keep track of the screws. The placemat provides the number of screws and their sizes.
NOTICE: When reinstalling a screw, you must use a screw of the correct diameter and length.
Ensure that the screw is properly aligned with its corresponding hole, and avoid overtightening.
