Removing and Installing Parts 75
Removing a PCI Express Card
1
Follow the procedures in "Before You Begin" on page 53.
2
Gently push the release tab on the card retention door from the inside to pivot the door open. Because
the door is captive, it will remain in the open position. (See page 67 for an illustration of the card
retention door.)
3
If your computer includes a card retention mechanism, to secure the x16 card in place from the top:
a
Pivot the mechanism upward and gently squeeze in on the sides to release the mechanism from
the two tab slots holding it in place.
b
Set the retention mechanism aside in a secure location.
4
If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.
If you need a filler bracket, contact Dell (see page116).
NOTE: Installing filler brackets over empty card-slot openings is necessary to maintain FCC certification of the
computer. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of your computer.
5
Reseat the card retention mechanism in the tabs and pivot downward to snap it into place.
6
Close the card retention door to snap it into place, securing the card(s).
NOTICE: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the computer.
7
Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and devices to electrical outlets, and then turn
them on.
8
Remove the card’s driver from the operating system.
9
If you removed a sound card:
a
Enter system setup (see page 103), select
Audio Controller
, and then change the setting to
On
.
b
Connect external audio devices to the audio connectors on the back panel of the computer.
10
If you removed an add-in network connector:
a
Enter system setup (see page 103), select
Integrated NIC
, and then change the setting to
On
.
b
Connect the network cable to the integrated connector on the back panel of the computer.
11
Install any drivers required for the card as described in the card documentation.