You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See "Memory" for information on the memory supported by your computer. Be sure to add only memory modules that are intended for your computer.
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
CAUTION: Before working inside your Dell™ computer, read the safety instructions in your Product
Information Guide.
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
Remove all installed batteries, and disconnect the AC adapter cable and any external devices
from the computer. Wait 5 seconds before proceeding.
Ground yourself by touching a metal connector on the back of the computer, and continue to
do so periodically during this procedure.
NOTICE: While you work, periodically touch unpainted metal on the computer to dissipate static
electricity that might harm internal components.
Turn the computer over, remove the screw from the memory module cover, and lift the cover.
NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the inner metal
tabs that secure the memory module.
If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module.
NOTICE: Handle memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the components on a module.
Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory
module connector until the module pops up.
Remove the module from the connector.
NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the
connector labeled "JDIM (DIMMA)" before you install a module in the connector labeled "JDIM2
(DIMMB)."
Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
Align the notch in the module with the slot in the center of the connector.
Slide the edge of the module firmly into the connector, and rotate the module down until
you feel a click. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer does not boot. No error message indicates this failure.
Replace the cover and screw.
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.
Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an
electrical outlet.
Turn on the computer.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.
NOTICE: When you turn on your computer, you might receive a message stating that you need to shut
down your computer and upgrade your computer memory. If this message appears, see your User's
Guide on the Dell Support website (support.dell.com) for instructions about upgrading your computer
memory.
Adding a Mini PCI Card
If you ordered a Mini PCI card at the same time that you ordered your computer, Dell has already installed the card for you.
CAUTION: FCC rules strictly prohibit users from installing 5-GHz (802.11a, 802.11a/b, 802.11a/b/g)
Wireless LAN Mini PCI cards. Under no circumstances should the user install such a device. Only
trained Dell service personnel are authorized to install a 5-GHz Wireless LAN Mini PCI card.
If you are removing and/or installing a 2.4-GHz (802.11b, 802.11b/g) Mini PCI card, follow the instructions
noted below. Only products approved for use in your portable computer may be installed. Approved
Mini PCI cards may be purchased only from Dell.
NOTE: 2.4-GHz Wireless LAN PC Cards may be removed and installed by the user.
NOTE: Handle components and cards by their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety instructions in your Product
Information Guide.
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent scratching the computer cover.
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
Remove all installed batteries, and disconnect the AC adapter cable and any external devices
from the computer. Wait 5 seconds before proceeding.
Ground yourself by touching a metal connector on the back of the computer, and continue to
do so periodically during this procedure.
Turn the computer over, and remove the screw from the Mini PCI card cover.
Place your finger under the cover at the indentation, and lift and slide the cover open.
If a Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step 9. If you are replacing a Mini PCI card,
remove the existing card:
Disconnect the Mini PCI card from any attached cables.
Release the Mini PCI card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops up
slightly.
Lift the Mini PCI card out of its connector.
Align the new Mini PCI card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI
card into the connector.
Connect the antenna cables from the Mini PCI card to the antenna connectors on the
computer.
NOTICE: The connectors are keyed for correct insertion; do not force the connections.
1
antenna connectors on card (2)
2
antenna cables (2)
Lower the Mini PCI card toward the inner tabs to approximately a 20-degree angle.
Continue lowering the Mini PCI card until it snaps into the inner tabs of the connector.
Replace the cover.
Replacing the Hard Drive
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, shut down 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.
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 working inside your computer, read the safety instructions in your Product
Information Guide.
NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell.
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent scratching the computer cover.
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
Remove all installed batteries, and disconnect the AC adapter cable and any external devices
from the computer. Wait 5 seconds before proceeding.
Ground yourself by touching a metal connector on the back of the computer, and continue to
do so periodically during this procedure.
Turn the computer over. Use a small screwdriver to loosen the captive hard drive screw.
1
captive screw
Turn the computer over so that it is upright.
NOTICE: You cannot remove your hard drive unless you open your display first.
Open the display approximately 2.54 cm (1 in).
NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. See
"Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in your Product Information Guide."
Pull the hard drive cover out of the computer.
Remove the bezel screw and the bezel from the hard drive.
Remove the new drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for use when storing or
shipping the hard drive.
Attach the bezel to the new hard drive with the bezel screw.
NOTICE: You cannot replace your hard drive unless you open your display first.
Ensure that the display is open approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch).
NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you force the hard drive into place
using excessive force, you may damage the hard drive connector.
Press the hard drive cover into the bay until it is fully seated in the bay.
Turn the computer over. Use a small screwdriver to tighten the screw.
Removing and Replacing the Hinge Cover and Keyboard
CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, read the safety instructions in your System
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 the back panel) on the computer.
Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent scratching the computer cover.
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and shut down the computer.
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation
that came with your docking device for instructions.
Remove all installed batteries, and disconnect the AC adapter cable and any external devices
from the computer. Wait 5 seconds before proceeding.
Ground yourself by touching a metal connector on the back of the computer, and continue to
do so periodically during this procedure.
Turn the computer right-side up and open it.
Remove the center control (hinge) cover:
Open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it lies flat against your work surface.
Starting on the right side of the computer, use a plastic scribe to pry up the center control
cover. Lift it away from the computer, and lay it aside.
Remove the keyboard:
Remove the two M2.5 x 6-mm screws across the top of the keyboard.
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be
careful when removing and handling the keyboard.
Rotate the keyboard up and slide it forward.
Hold the keyboard up and slightly forward to allow access to the keyboard connector.
Pull up on the keyboard connector tab to disconnect the keyboard connector from the
system board.
To replace the keyboard and hinge cover, perform the steps in reverse order.
NOTE: When you replace the keyboard, ensure that the keyboard tabs are completely in place to avoid scratching the palmrest.
Connecting a Television to the Computer
Your computer has an S-video TV-out connector that enables you to connect the computer to a television. Using a commercially available S-video cable or composite video cable, you can connect the computer to a television in one of two ways:
S-video (for a television with S-video input)
Composite video (for a television with only a composite video input; also uses the Dell-supplied composite TV-out adapter cable)
NOTE: Diagrams for each connection combination appear at the beginning of each subsection to help you determine which method you should use.
The audio connector on the side of the computer enables you to connect the computer to your television or audio device, using a commercially available audio cable.
To connect the computer to a television that has a composite video input only, Dell provides a composite TV-out adapter cable. Before you begin, ensure that you have the following cables:
1
composite TV-out adapter cable
2
composite video cable
3
audio cable
Turn off the computer and the television and/or audio device you want to connect.
Connect the composite TV-out adapter cable to the S-video TV-out connector on the
computer.
1
S-video TV-out connector
2
S-video connector
3
composite TV-out adapter cable
4
composite video connector
Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite video connector on the
composite TV-out adapter cable.
Plug the other end of the composite video cable into the composite video connector on the
television.
Plug the single-connector end of the audio cable into the headphone connector on the
computer.
Plug the two RCA connectors on the other end of the audio cable into the audio input
connectors on your television or audio device.
Enabling the Display Settings for a Television
ATI Video Controller
NOTE: Ensure that you properly connect the television before you enable the display settings.
Open the Control Panel window.
In Microsoft® Windows® XP, click the Start button and then click the Control Panel icon.
In Windows 2000, click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.
Double-click the Display icon, click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.
Click the Displays tab.
Click the upper-left corner of the TV button to enable the television.
To play a DVD on the television, click the small "primary" button (resembles a bull's-eye) at
the bottom-left under the TV picture.
NOTE: Various programs access the hardware in different ways. You may or may not need to click the primary button for operations other than playing DVDs.
Click Apply.
Click Yes to keep the new settings.
Click OK.
DVD video is visible only on the display that is set to primary. While the DVD is playing, the DVD player window on your computer display is blank or (if the DVD player window is set to full-screen mode) the entire computer display screen is blank.
