Dell Mini Tower System manual When Working Inside Your Computer

When Working Inside Your Computer

Before you remove the computer cover, perform the fol- lowing steps in the sequence indicated.

CAUTIONS: Do not attempt to service the com- puter system yourself, except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in Dell documentation. Always follow installation and service instructions closely.

To help avoid possible damage to the system board, wait 5 seconds after turning off the system before removing a component from the system board or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.

1.Turn off your computer and any peripherals.

2.Disconnect your computer and peripherals from their power sources. Also, disconnect any tele- phone or telecommunication lines from the computer.

Doing so reduces the potential for personal injury or shock.

3.Touch an unpainted metal surface on the chassis, such as the metal around the card-slot openings at the back of the computer, before touching any- thing inside your computer.

While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis to dissipate any static electricity that might harm internal components.

In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:

•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 disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, make sure both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

•Handle components and cards with care. Don’t 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 microprocessor chip by its edges, not by its pins.

WARNING

There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge

Static electricity can harm delicate components inside your computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer’s electronic components, such as the micro- processor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodi- cally touch an unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):

•When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component in your computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.

•When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.

•Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.

The following caution may appear throughout this docu- ment to remind you of these precautions:

CAUTION: See “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the safety instructions at the front of this guide.

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