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 the 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:
1/4 inch flat-blade screwdriver
#1 Phillips screwdriver
Small plastic scribe
Flash BIOS-update program floppy disk or CD
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 Shut Down.
In the Shut Down window, click OK.
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 do not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system,
press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.
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.
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being
scratched.
If the computer is connected to a docking device, undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network port or device.
Disconnect any telephone, network, and USB cables from the computer.
Disconnect your computer power supply and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface.
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network port or device and then plug it into the computer.
Remove any installed PC Cards from the PC Card 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 battery bay
When you are removing and replacing components, print this section as a guide to keep track of the screws. The placemat provides the number of screws and their sizes.
