Back to Contents Page
Working on Your Computer Dell™Vostro™420/220/220sServiceManual
Recommended Tools
Before Working on Your Computer
Inside View of Your Computer
System Board Components
After Working on Your Computer
This document provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that:
lYou have performed the steps in Working on Your Computer.
lYou have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
lWhen replacing a component, you have already removed the original, if installed.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lPhillips screwdriver
lSmall plastic scribe
lFlash BIOS update (see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com)
Before Working on Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.
1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer).
3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.
4. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
5. Press and hold the power button while the system is unplugged to ground the system board.
Turning Off Your Computer
1. Shut down the operating system.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain computer components may appear differently than shown in this document.
CAUTION: 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.
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 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.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
NOTICE: 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.
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.