116 Adding and Replacing Parts
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 pull-tab, 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.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the
computer.
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" on page115).
3
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that
came with your docking device for instructions.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the
network wall connector.
4
Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.
5
Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.
6
Remove any installed modules, including a second battery, if installed (see "Media Bay" on page135).
7
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
8
Remove the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 36).
9
Press the power button to ground the system board.
10
Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before
opening the cover.
11
Open the computer cover.
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 any static electricity that could harm internal components.