Page 2
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell™, the DELL logo, and Inspiron™ are trademarks of Dell Inc..; Microsoft®, Windows®, and the Windows start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Phillips screwdriver • Plastic scribe • BIOS executable update program available at support.dell.com Turning Off Your Computer CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself.
Page 11
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 15) before working inside the computer. 7 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 15). 8 Turn the computer top-side up, open the display, and press the power button to ground the system board.
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. NOTE: Ensure that the DELL logo is facing towards the back of the computer while replacing the top cover. 2 Align the top cover to the display back cover.
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
battery release latch battery battery lock latch Replacing the Battery 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the battery into the battery bay until it clicks into place. 3 Slide the battery lock latch to the lock position. Battery...
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Dell computer. 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the tabs on the module cover with the slots on the computer base and snap the module cover into place.
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
memory-module connector securing clips (2) memory module Replacing the Memory Module(s) CAUTION: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled “DIMM A” before you install a memory module in the connector labeled “DIMM B.” 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin"...
Page 21
notch 4 Replace the module cover (see "Replacing the Module Cover" on page 18). 5 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 16), or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet. CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer.
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
optical-drive assembly plastic scribe Replacing the Optical Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the optical-drive assembly into the optical-drive bay until it is fully seated. 3 Replace the module cover (see "Replacing the Module Cover" on page 18). 4 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery"...
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 28
plastic scribe keyboard CAUTION: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard. CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing and handling the keyboard. Failure to do so could result in scratching the display panel. 6 Carefully turn the keyboard over and place it on the palm rest assembly.
keyboard cable keyboard-cable connector Replacing the Keyboard 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Slide the keyboard cable into the connector on the system board and press down on the connector latch to secure the cable. 3 Slide the tabs on the keyboard into the slots on the palm-rest assembly and lower the keyboard into place.
Page 30
6 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 16). Keyboard...
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 32
4 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible. 5 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 27). 6 Remove the four screws on the palm-rest assembly. CAUTION: Pull on the plastic tab on top of the connectors to avoid damaging the connectors.
Page 33
power-button board cable touch-pad cable screws (4) hot-key board cable CAUTION: Carefully separate the palm rest from the computer base to avoid damage to the palm rest. 8 Using a plastic scribe, carefully pry out the palm-rest assembly along the rear edge and then ease the palm-rest assembly from the computer base 9 Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base.
plastic scribe palm-rest assembly Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the tabs on the palm rest assembly with the slots on the computer base and gently snap the palm rest assembly in place. 3 Slide the touch-pad cable, power-button board cable, and hot-key board cable into the connectors on the system board and press down on the connector latches to secure them.
Page 35
6 Close the display and turn the computer over. 7 Replace the six screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base. 8 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 16). CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer.
CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 38
Disconnect the antenna cables from the Mini-Card. Remove the screw that secures the Mini-Card to the system board. Lift the Mini-Card out of the system-board connector. 4 If you are removing the WLAN Mini-Card: Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 9 in "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly"...
Replacing the Mini-Card(s) 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new Mini-Card from its packaging. CAUTION: Use firm and even pressure to slide the card into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector. CAUTION: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion.
Page 40
Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. 9 Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, as required. NOTE: If you are installing a communication card from a source other than Dell, you must install the appropriate drivers and utilities. Wireless Mini-Card(s)
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 42
4 Follow the instructions from step 3 to step 9 in "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 31. 5 Disconnect the display cable and touch-screen cable from the system-board connectors. NOTE: The touch-screen board is optional and may not be present in your computer.
display assembly screws (4) display-cable connector Mini-Card antenna cables (2) Replacing the Display Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Place the display assembly in position and replace the four screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base. 3 Route the Mini-Card antenna cables through the routing guides.
5 Connect the display cable and touch-screen cable to the connectors on the system board. 6 Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 7 in "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 34. 7 Replace the two screws that secure the display assembly to the computer base.
display bezel Replacing the Display Bezel 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Realign the display bezel over the display panel and gently snap it into place. 3 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 43).
Display Panel Removing the Display Panel 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 41). 3 Remove the display bezel (see "Removing the Display Bezel" on page 44). 4 Disconnect the camera cable from the connector on the camera module.
display back cover display panel screws (8) 7 Make a note of the display cable and Mini-Card antenna cables routing and remove them from the routing guides on the display back cover. 8 Turn the display panel over and place it on a clean surface. 9 Remove the display cable (see "Removing the Display Cable"...
6 Align the screw holes on the display panel with the screw holes on the display back cover and replace the eight screws. 7 Replace the display bezel (see "Replacing the Display Bezel" on page 45). 8 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 43).
display cable tape Replacing the Display Cable 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Connect the display cable to the display-board connector and secure it with the tape. 3 Replace the display panel (see "Replacing the Display Panel" on page 47). 4 Replace the display bezel (see "Replacing the Display Bezel"...
Display-Panel Brackets Removing the Display-Panel Brackets 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 41). 3 Remove the display bezel (see "Removing the Display Bezel" on page 44). 4 Remove the display panel (see "Removing the Display Panel"...
Page 51
2 Align the screw holes on the display-panel bracket with the screw holes on the display panel and replace the four screws (two on each side). 3 Replace the display panel (see "Replacing the Display Panel" on page 47). 4 Replace the display bezel (see "Replacing the Display Bezel" on page 45). 5 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly"...
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
Page 54
screws (4) tabs (7) 6 Lift the hinge cover off the computer base. Hinge Cover...
Hinge Cover Replacing the Hinge Cover 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the seven tabs on the hinge cover with the slots on the computer base and snap the hinge cover into place. 3 Replace the four screws that secure the hinge cover to the computer base.
CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
camera module cable connector camera module Replacing the Camera Module 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Use the alignment posts on the display back cover to place the camera module in position and adhere it in place. 3 Replace the display panel (see "Replacing the Display Panel"...
CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
plastic scribe coin-cell battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 With the positive side up, snap the coin-cell battery into the battery socket on the system board. 3 Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 7 in "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly"...
Page 63
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Coin-Cell Battery...
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
10 Disconnect the speaker cable from the connector on the system board. 11 Remove the five screws that secure the system board to the computer base. screws (5) system board speakers cable connector 12 Lift the system board assembly to disconnect the connector on the system board from the connector on the I/O board.
Page 67
Replacing the System Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Replace the processor module (see "Replacing the Processor Module" on page 80). 3 Replace the thermal cooling assembly (see "Replacing the Thermal-Cooling Assembly" on page 76). 4 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 7 in "Replacing the Hard Drive"...
18 Enter the service tag (see "Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS" on page 68). Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS 1 Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged in and that the main battery is installed properly. 2 Turn on the computer.
CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery"...
speakers (2) speaker cable Replacing the Speakers 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Place the speakers on the computer base and route the speaker cable through the routing guides. 3 Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 17 in "Replacing the System Board"...
Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell. NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard drive. Removing the Hard Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin"...
Page 72
4 Slide the hard-drive assembly to disconnect it from the system-board connector. 5 Lift the hard-drive assembly off the system board. hard-drive assembly screws (2) 6 Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard-drive bracket. 7 Lift the hard drive away from the hard-drive bracket. Hard Drive...
screws (4) hard-drive bracket Replacing the Hard Drive 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Remove the new hard drive from its packaging. Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive. 3 Place the hard drive in the hard-drive bracket. 4 Replace the four screws that secure the hard drive to the hard-drive bracket.
Page 74
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Hard Drive...
CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
captive screws (5) system board thermal-cooling assembly fan cable Replacing the Thermal-Cooling Assembly 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the screw holes on the thermal-cooling assembly with the screw holes on the system board. 3 Tighten the five screws that secure the thermal-cooling assembly to the system board.
Page 77
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the computer. Thermal-Cooling Assembly...
Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/regulatory_compliance. CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
ZIF socket processor module pin-1 corner ZIF-socket cam screw Replacing the Processor Module 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. NOTE: If a new processor is installed, you will receive a new thermal-cooling assembly, which will include an affixed thermal pad, or you will receive a new thermal pad along with documentation to illustrate proper installation.
Page 81
When the processor module is properly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height. If one or more corners of the module are higher than the others, the module is not seated properly. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the processor, hold the screwdriver perpendicular to the processor when turning the cam screw.
CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see "Removing the Battery"...
screws (2) I/O board Replacing the I/O Board 1 Slide the connectors on the I/O board into the slots on the computer base and place the I/O board on the computer base. 2 Replace the two screws that secure the I/O board to the computer base. 3 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)"...
CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as a connector on your computer).
VGA/Power Board Replacing the VGA/Power Board 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9. 2 Align the connectors on the VGA/Power board with the slots on the base cover and place it on the base cover. 3 Replace the hinge cover (see "Replacing the Hinge Cover" on page 55). 4 Follow the instructions from step 6 to step 17 in "Replacing the System Board"...
The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system board. To flash the BIOS: 1 Turn on the computer. 2 Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads. 3 Locate the BIOS update file for your computer: NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of your computer.
Page 90
8 Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen. Flashing the BIOS...