Back to Contents Page
Working on Your Computer
Dell™Optiplex™960MiniTower/Desktop/SmallFormFactorServiceManual
Recommended Tools
Before Working on Your Computer
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 Before 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 to 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.
6. Remove the computer cover.
lMini tower: Removing the Mini Tower Computer Cover.
lDesktop: Removing the Desktop Computer Cover.
lSmall form factor : Removing the Small Form Factor Computer Cover.
NOTE: The color of your system and certain system 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