Dell 745 manual Before You Begin, Before Working Inside Your Computer

Before You Begin

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.

1Shut down the operating system:

a Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the Start button, and then click Turn Off Computer.

b In the Turn off computer window, click Turn off.

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your operating system, turn them off now.

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.

To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

1Turn off your computer.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

2Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

3Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and then press the power button to ground the system board.

4If applicable, remove the computer stand (for instructions, see the documentation that came with the stand).

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before removing the cover.

Quick Reference Guide

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