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 that shipped with your computer.
A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Technical Specifications
For information on technical specifications of your computer, see the Setup Guide that shipped with your computer or see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small flat-blade screwdriver
Small Phillips screwdriver
BIOS upgrade CD or the BIOS executable update program available on the Dell Support website at support.dell.com
Turning Off Your Computer
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
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,
and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is
complete.
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.
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information
that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information,
see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: 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: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors 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.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
Press and hold the power button while the computer is unplugged to
ground the system board.
CAUTION: 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 static electricity, which could harm internal components.
