Recommended Tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Small flat-blade screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • Plastic scribe • BIOS executable update program available at support.dell.com Before You Begin...
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
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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.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
battery release latch battery battery lock latch Replacing the Battery 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the battery into the battery bay until it clicks into place. 3 Slide the battery lock latch to the lock position. Battery...
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
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plastic scribe tabs (4) keyboard CAUTION: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard. 5 Carefully turn the keyboard over and place it on the palm rest assembly. 6 Lift the connector latch that secures the keyboard cable to the connector on the system board and remove the keyboard cable.
keyboard cable keyboard Replacing the Keyboard 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the keyboard cable into the connector on the system board. Press down on the connector latch to secure the keyboard cable to the connector on the system board.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
memory-module connector securing clips (2) memory module Replacing the Memory Module(s) CAUTION: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled “DIMM A” before you install a memory module in the connector labeled “DIMM B.” 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin"...
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notch 4 Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 17. 5 Replace the battery, see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet. CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
plastic scribe screw optical drive notch Replacing the Optical Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the optical drive into the optical-drive compartment until it is fully seated. 3 Replace the screw that secures the optical drive to the computer base. 4 Replace the keyboard.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
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screw antenna cables (2) Mini-Card 6 Lift the Mini-Card out of the connector on the system board. Wireless Mini-Card...
CAUTION: When the Mini-Card is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. For more information, see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety information that shipped with your computer. Replacing the Mini-Card 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new Mini-Card from its packaging.
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Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 8 Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, as required. NOTE: If you are installing a Mini-Card from a source other than Dell, you must install the appropriate drivers and utilities. Wireless Mini-Card...
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
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4 Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 15. 5 Remove the two screws on the palm-rest assembly. CAUTION: Pull on the plastic tab on top of the connectors to avoid damaging the connectors. 6 Lift the connector latch that secures the power-button board cable and touch-pad cable to the connectors on the system board and remove the cables.
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power-button board cable touch-pad cable CAUTION: Carefully separate the palm rest from the computer base to avoid damage to the palm rest. 7 Using a plastic scribe, carefully pry out the palm-rest assembly and then ease the palm-rest assembly from the computer base 8 Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base.
palm-rest assembly plastic scribe 9 Remove the power button board. See "Removing the Power Button Board" on page 35. Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Replace the power button board. See "Replacing the Power Button Board" on page 36.
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7 Replace the 11 screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 8 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 14. CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
alignment post tabs (2) power-button board cable power button board screw Replacing the Power Button Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Using the alignment post, place the power button board on the palm rest assembly and snap it into place.
Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive. Removing the Hard Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin"...
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4 Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 8 in "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 29. 5 Slide the hard drive to the right to disconnect it from the connector on the system board. 6 Lift the hard drive out of the computer base. Hard Drive...
hard drive Replacing the Hard Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new hard drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive. 3 Place the hard drive on the computer base. 4 Push the hard drive towards the left to connect it to the connector on the system board.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
plastic scribe coin-cell battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 With the positive side up, snap the coin-cell battery into the battery socket on the system board. 3 Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 7 in "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly"...
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: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery, see "Removing the Battery"...
USB-board cable USB board tabs (2) Replacing the USB Board 1 Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the connectors on the USB board into the slots on the computer base and snap the USB board into place. 3 Slide the USB-board cable into the connector on the USB board.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
captive screws (4) thermal cooling assembly fan cable display cable Replacing the Thermal Cooling Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the four captive screws on the thermal cooling assembly with the screw holes on the system board and tighten the screws in sequential order (indicated on the thermal cooling assembly).
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
CAUTION: When removing the processor module, pull the module straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor module. 6 Lift the processor module from the ZIF socket. processor module ZIF socket ZIF-socket cam screw Replacing the Processor Module 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin"...
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2 Align the pin-1 corner of the processor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket, then insert the processor module. NOTE: The pin-1 corner of the processor module has a triangle that aligns with the triangle on the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket. When the processor module is properly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
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4 Turn the computer over. 5 Pry the hinge cover off the computer base. Hinge Cover...
hinge cover Replacing the Hinge Cover 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the tabs on the hinge cover with the slots on the computer base and snap the hinge cover into place. 3 Turn the computer over. 4 Replace the screw that secures the hinge cover to the computer base.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
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4 Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 8 in "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 29. 5 Remove the hinge cover. See "Removing the Hinge Cover" on page 51. 6 Disconnect the display cable from the connector on the system board. Display...
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display cable 7 Disconnect the Mini-Card antenna cables from the connectors on the Mini-Card. See "Removing the Mini-Card" on page 25. 8 Make a note of the display cable and Mini-Card antenna cables routing and remove the cables from the routing guides. 9 Remove the four screws (two on each side) that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
display assembly screws (4) Replacing the Display Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Place the display assembly in position and replace the four screws (two on each side) that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 3 Route the display cable and Mini-Card antenna cables through the routing guides.
8 Replace the two screws to the computer base. 9 Replace the battery. See "Replacing the Battery" on page 14. CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer.
Replacing the Display Bezel 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Realign the display bezel over the display panel and gently snap into place. 3 Replace the display assembly. See "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 58.
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camera cable screws (6) display panel display cover display cable Mini-Card antenna cables 7 Lift the display panel off the display cover. 8 Remove the four screws (two on each side) that secure the display-panel brackets to the display panel. Display...
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screws (4) display-panel brackets (2) 9 Turn the display panel over and place it on a clean surface. 10 Peel and lift the tape that secures the display cable to the display-board connector and disconnect the display cable. 11 Make a note of the display cable routing and peel the cable from the back of the display panel.
tape display-board connector display cable Replacing the Display Panel 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Attach the display cable to the back of the display panel. 3 Connect the display cable to the display-board connector and secure it with the tape.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
display cover tabs (2) camera module camera cable Replacing the Camera Module 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Connect the camera cable to the connector on the camera module. 3 Use the alignment posts on the display cover to snap the camera module into position.
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: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
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10 Remove the processor. See "Removing the Processor Module" on page 47. 11 Remove the Mini-Card. See "Removing the Mini-Card" on page 25. 12 Disconnect the speakers cable, USB-board cable, microphone cable, and AC-adapter cable from the connectors on the system board. speakers cable USB-board cable microphone cable...
screws (2) system board Replacing the System Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the connectors on the system board into the slots on the computer base. 3 Replace the two screws that secure the system board to the computer base. 4 Connect the speakers cable, USB-board cable, microphone cable, and AC-adapter cable to the connectors on the system board.
9 Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 7 in "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 32. 10 Replace the optical drive. See "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 24. 11 Replace the memory module. See "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 20.
The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3 Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of your computer.
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8 Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen. Flashing the BIOS...