Sony PCV-R549DS - Manual (Page 341)

Upgrading and Maintaining Your VAIO® Computer
Overview
In the future you may want to install additional boards to expand the functionality of your
computer. This section describes how to open your computer and insert add-in boards, add
memory, replace the lithium battery, and install an additional hard disk drive. For more information
on upgrading your Sony computer, see the computer Reference Manual. You can download the
Reference Manual from the Sony Web site at
http://www.sony.com/pcsupport .
The procedures in this section assume you are familiar with the general terminology associated with
personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and
modifying electronic equipment. Read
Notes on Use in the VAIO
®
Consumer Information Guide
before upgrading your Sony computer.
Always switch the power off before you open the system or connect your computer to peripheral equipment;
otherwise, damage may occur to the integrated circuits in your computer.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drives, add-in cards, and other components. Follow the
procedures described here only at an ESD workstation. If such a station is not available, do not work in a carpeted
area and do not handle materials that produce or hold static electricity (cellophane wrappers, for example). Ground
yourself by maintaining continuous contact with an unpainted metal portion of the chassis while performing the
procedure.
Removing the Cover
If you remove the cover immediately after you shut down your computer, the components may be too hot to
touch. Wait until the internal parts of the system unit cool down before you attempt to remove the cover.

Press the two tabs on the right side of the rear frame.
 Remove the frame from the unit by gently pulling it from left to right.
Add-in board configuration varies by model.
 Remove the screws from the center top, the lower-left corner, and the lower-right corner of the
metal backplate.
 Lift the three-sided outer panel by pulling up on the large tab extending from the top rear. Lift the
outer panel up over the unit and set it aside.
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