Document Outline

• Dell™ XPS™ L401X Service Manual
• Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
• Contents
  • 1
• Before You Begin
  • Recommended Tools
  • Turning Off Your Computer
    • 1 Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.
    • 2 To shut down the operating system, click Start and then click Shut Down.
    • 3 Ensure that the computer is turned off. If your computer did not automatically turn off when you shut down the operating system, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
  • Before Working Inside Your 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 page 9) and all attached devices.
    • 3 Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.
    • 4 Press and eject any installed cards from the Media Card Reader.
    • 5 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
    • 6 Disconnect all attached devices from your computer.
    • 7 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 8 Turn the computer top-side up, open the display, and press the power button to ground the system board.
    • 2
• Battery
  • Removing the Battery
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Turn the computer over.
    • 3 Slide the battery release latch to the side.
    • 4 Lift the battery up at an angle and remove it from the battery bay.
  • Replacing the Battery
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Align the tabs on the battery with the slots in the battery bay and press the battery down until it clicks into place.
    • 3
• Memory Module(s)
  • Removing the Memory Module(s)
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Loosen the two captive screws that secure the memory-module cover to the base cover.
    • 4 Use your fingertips to pry out the memory-module cover and lift it off the base cover.
    • 5 Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-module connector until the memory module pops up.
    • 6 Remove the memory module from the memory-module connector.
  • Replacing the Memory Module(s)
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Align the notch in the memory module with the tab in the memory- module connector.
    • 3 Slide the memory module firmly into the memory-module connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the memory module down until it clicks into place. If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
    • 4 Align the tabs on the memory-module cover with the slots on the base cover and snap the memory-module cover into place.
    • 5 Tighten the two captive screws that secure the memory-module cover to the base cover.
    • 6 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 7 Connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.
    • 8 Turn on the computer.
    • 4
• Wireless Mini-Card(s)
  • Removing the Mini-Card(s)
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Loosen the captive screw that secures the Mini-Card cover to the base cover.
    • 4 Pry out the Mini-Card cover using your finger.
    • 5 Disconnect the antenna cables from the Mini-Card(s).
    • 6 Remove the screw that secures the Mini-Card to the system board.
    • 7 Lift the Mini-Card(s) out of the system-board connector.
  • 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.
    • 3 Insert the Mini-Card connector at a 45-degree angle into the system-board connector.
    • 4 Press the other end of the Mini-Card down into the slot on the system board and replace the screw that secures the Mini-Card to the system board.
    • 5 Connect the appropriate antenna cables to the Mini-Card you are installing. The following table provides the antenna cable color scheme for the Mini-Cards supported by your computer.
    • 6 Align the tabs on the Mini-Card cover with the slots on the base cover and snap the Mini-Card cover into place.
    • 7 Replace the captive screw that secures the Mini-Card cover to the base cover.
    • 8 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 9 Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, as required.
    • 5
• Hard Drive
  • Removing the Hard Drive
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the two screws that secure the hard drive to the base cover.
    • 5 Insert a plastic scribe into the slot on the base cover and push the hard-drive out.
    • 6 Slide the hard drive out of the hard-drive bay.
  • Replacing the Hard Drive
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the new hard drive from its packaging.
    • 3 Slide the hard drive into the hard-drive bay until it is fully seated.
    • 4 Replace the two screws that secure the hard drive to the base cover.
    • 5 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 6 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 6
• Optical Drive
  • Removing the Optical Drive
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the screw that secures the optical drive to the base cover.
    • 5 Insert a plastic scribe into the slot on the base cover and push the optical drive out.
    • 6 Slide the optical drive out of the optical-drive bay.
    • 7 Lift and pull the optical-drive bezel to remove it from the optical drive.
    • 8 Remove the two screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.
    • 9 Remove the optical-drive bracket.
  • Replacing the Optical Drive
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Align the screw holes on the optical-drive bracket with the screw holes on the optical drive.
    • 3 Replace the two screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.
    • 4 Snap the optical-drive bezel onto the optical drive.
    • 5 Slide the optical drive into the optical-drive bay until it is fully seated.
    • 6 Replace the screw that secures the optical drive to the base cover.
    • 7 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 8 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 7
• Palm-Rest Assembly
  • Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 5 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 6 Remove the seven screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the base cover.
    • 7 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.
    • 8 Using your fingertip, gently push the tab to release the palm-rest assembly.
    • 9 Using your fingertips, gently ease the palm-rest assembly from the computer base.
    • 10 Without pulling hard on the palm-rest assembly, place it away from the display as shown in the illustration below.
    • 11 Lift the connector latch and pull the pull-tab to disconnect the touch-pad cable from the system-board connector.
    • 12 Disconnect the control-strip cable from the system-board connector.
    • 13 Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base.
  • Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Connect the control-strip cable to the system-board connector.
    • 3 Slide the touch-pad cable into the system-board connector and press down on the connector latch to secure the cable.
    • 4 Align the three tabs on the palm-rest assembly with the slots on the top cover and gently snap the palm-rest assembly into place.
    • 5 Close the display and turn the computer over.
    • 6 Replace the seven screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the base cover.
    • 7 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 8 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 9 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 10 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 8
• Keyboard
  • Removing the Keyboard
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 5 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 6 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 7 Remove the two screws that secure the keyboard to the top cover.
    • 8 Push the connector tabs up and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system-board connector.
    • 9 Without pulling hard on the keyboard, carefully lift the keyboard and slide the keyboard tabs out of the slots on the top cover.
    • 10 Note the routing of the keyboard cable and remove the cable from the routing guide on the top cover.
    • 11 Push the connector tabs up and pull the pull-tab to disconnect the keyboard backlight cable from the system-board connector.
    • 12 Lift the keyboard off the top cover.
  • Replacing the Keyboard
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Slide the keyboard backlight cable into the system-board connector and press the connector tabs into the connector to secure the cable.
    • 3 Route the keyboard cable through the routing guide on the top cover.
    • 4 Slide the keyboard cable into the system-board connector and press the connector tabs into the connector to secure the cable.
    • 5 Slide the tabs on the keyboard into the slots on the top cover and lower the keyboard into place.
    • 6 Replace the two screws that secure the keyboard to the top cover.
    • 7 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 8 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 9 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 10 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 11 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 9
• Power-Button Board
  • Removing the Power-Button Board
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 5 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 6 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 7 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 8 Disconnect the display cable from the system-board connector.
    • 9 Move the display cable away from the power-button board cable.
    • 10 Disconnect the power-button board cable from the system-board connector.
    • 11 Remove the screw that secures the power-button board to the top cover.
    • 12 Lift the power-button board off the top cover.
  • Replacing the Power-Button Board
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Use the alignment post to place the power-button board on the top cover.
    • 3 Replace the screw that secures the power-button board to the top cover.
    • 4 Connect the power button-board cable to the system-board connector.
    • 5 Connect the display cable to the system-board connector.
    • 6 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 7 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 8 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 9 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 10 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 11 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 10
• Coin-Cell Battery
  • Removing the Coin-Cell Battery
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 5 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 6 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 7 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system-board connector.
    • 8 The coin-cell battery is glued to a slot on the top cover. Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the coin-cell battery off the slot.
  • Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system-board connector.
    • 3 With the adhesive side of the coin-cell battery facing down, press the coin-cell battery on the slot on the top cover.
    • 4 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 5 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 6 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 7 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 8 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 11
• Display
  • Display Assembly
    • Removing the Display Assembly
      • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
      • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
      • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
      • 4 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
      • 5 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
      • 6 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
      • 7 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
      • 8 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
      • 9 Remove the two screws that secure the display assembly to the base cover.
      • 10 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.
      • 11 Disconnect the speaker cable from the system-board connector.
      • 12 Disconnect the display cable from the system-board connector.
      • 13 Note the routing of the display cable and remove the cable from the routing guide.
      • 14 Note the routing of the Mini-Card antenna cables and slide them up through the slot on the computer base.
      • 15 Remove the four screws that secure the display assembly to the top cover.
      • 16 Lift the display assembly off the computer base.
    • 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 top cover.
      • 3 Route the Mini-Card antenna cables through the slot on the computer base.
      • 4 Route the display cable through the routing guide.
      • 5 Connect the display cable to the system-board connector.
      • 6 Connect the speaker cable to the system-board connector.
      • 7 Replace the two screws that secure the display assembly to the base cover.
      • 8 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
      • 9 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
      • 10 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
      • 11 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
      • 12 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
      • 13 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
      • 14 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
  • Display Bezel
    • Removing the Display Bezel
      • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
      • 2 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
      • 3 Using your fingertips, carefully pry up the inside edge of the display bezel.
      • 4 Lift the display bezel off the display assembly.
    • Replacing the Display Bezel
      • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
      • 2 Align the display bezel with the display back cover, and gently snap it into place.
      • 3 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
  • 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 53).
      • 3 Remove the display bezel (see "Removing the Display Bezel" on page 56).
      • 4 Disconnect the camera cable from the connector on the camera module.
      • 5 Remove the eight screws that secure the display panel to the display back cover.
      • 6 Note the routing of the Mini-Card antenna cables and remove them from the routing guides on the hinge.
      • 7 Note the routing of the display cable and remove it from the routing guide on the hinge.
      • 8 Lift the display panel off the display back cover.
    • Replacing the Display Panel
      • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
      • 2 Place the display panel over the display back cover.
      • 3 Connect the camera cable to the connector on the camera module.
      • 4 Route the display cable through the routing guide on the hinge.
      • 5 Route the Mini-Card antenna cables through the routing guide on the hinge.
      • 6 Replace the eight screws that secure the display panel to the display back cover.
      • 7 Replace the display bezel (see "Replacing the Display Bezel" on page 57).
      • 8 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
  • Display Cable
    • Removing the Display Cable
      • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
      • 2 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
      • 3 Remove the display bezel (see "Removing the Display Bezel" on page 56).
      • 4 Remove the display panel (see "Removing the Display Panel" on page 58).
      • 5 Turn the display panel over and place it on a clean surface.
      • 6 Pull the pull-tab to disconnect the display cable from the connector on the display panel.
      • 7 Gently peel off the display cable from the display panel.
    • Replacing the Display Cable
      • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
      • 2 Adhere the display cable along the edge of the display panel.
      • 3 Connect the display cable to the connector on the display panel.
      • 4 Replace the display panel (see "Replacing the Display Panel" on page 59).
      • 5 Replace the display bezel (see "Replacing the Display Bezel" on page 57).
      • 6 Replace the display assembly ("Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
  • 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 53).
      • 3 Remove the display bezel (see "Removing the Display Bezel" on page 56).
      • 4 Remove the display panel (see "Removing the Display Panel" on page 58).
      • 5 Remove the four screws (two on each side) that secure the display-panel brackets to the display panel.
      • 6 Remove the display-panel brackets off the display panel.
    • Replacing the Display-Panel Brackets
      • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
      • 2 Place the display-panel brackets in position.
      • 3 Replace the four screws (two on each side) that secure the display-panel brackets to the display panel.
      • 4 Replace the display panel (see "Replacing the Display Panel" on page 59).
      • 5 Replace the display bezel (see "Replacing the Display Bezel" on page 57).
      • 6 Replace the display assembly ("Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
  • Camera Module
    • Removing the Camera Module
    • Replacing the Camera Module
      • 13
• Top Cover
  • Removing the Top Cover
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove any installed card or blank from the Media Card Reader slot.
    • 3 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 4 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 5 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 6 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 7 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 8 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 9 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 10 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 11 Remove the power-button board (see "Removing the Power-Button Board" on page 45).
    • 12 Remove the coin-cell battery (see "Removing the Coin-Cell Battery" on page 49).
    • 13 Remove the four screws that secure the top-cover assembly to the base cover.
    • 14 Turn the computer over.
    • 15 Make note of the speakers cable routing.
    • 16 Remove the nine screws that secure the top-cover assembly to the base cover.
    • 17 Using your fingertips, gently ease the top-cover assembly from the base cover.
    • 18 Lift the top cover assembly off the base cover.
    • 19 Remove the Bluetooth-card (see "Removing the Bluetooth Card" on page 93).
    • 20 Remove the daughter board (see "Removing the Daughter Board" on page 89).
    • 21 Remove the AC-adapter connector (see "Removing the AC-Adapter Connector" on page 97).
    • 22 Remove the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Removing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 79).
    • 23 Remove the processor module (see "Removing the Processor Module" on page 85).
    • 24 Remove the system board (see "Removing the System Board" on page 101).
  • Replacing the Top Cover
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Replace the system board (see "Replacing the System Board" on page 104)
    • 3 Replace the processor module (see "Replacing the Processor Module" on page 87).
    • 4 Replace the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 82).
    • 5 Replace the AC-adapter connector (see "Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector" on page 98).
    • 6 Replace the daughter board (see "Replacing the Daughter Board" on page 91).
    • 7 Replace the Bluetooth-card (see "Replacing the Bluetooth Card" on page 94).
    • 8 Route the speakers cable through the routing guide.
    • 9 Align the tabs on the top cover with the slots on the base cover and snap the top-cover assembly onto the base cover.
    • 10 Replace the nine screws that secure the top-cover assembly to the base cover.
    • 11 Turn the computer over and replace the four screws that secure the top-cover assembly to the base cover.
    • 12 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 13 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 14 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 15 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 16 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 17 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 18 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 19 Replace any blank or card you removed from the Media Card Reader slot.
    • 20 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 14
• Speakers
  • Removing the Speakers
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 5 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 7 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 8 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 9 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 18 in "Removing the Top Cover" on page 69.
    • 11 Make note of the speakers cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guides.
    • 12 Remove the four screws (two on each speaker) that secure the speakers to the base cover.
    • 13 Lift the speakers along with the cable off the base cover.
  • Replacing the Speaker
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Route the speakers cable through the routing guides
    • 3 Align the screw holes on the speakers with the screw holes on the base cover.
    • 4 Replace the four screws (two on each speaker) that secure the speakers to the base cover.
    • 5 Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 11 in "Replacing the Top Cover" on page 72.
    • 6 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 7 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 8 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 9 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 10 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 11 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 12 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 13 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 15
• Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly
  • Removing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 5 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 7 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 8 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 9 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 18 in "Removing the Top Cover" on page 69.
    • 11 Turn the top-cover assembly over.
    • 12 Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system-board connector and turn the top-cover assembly over.
    • 13 Remove the screw that secures the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the top cover.
    • 14 In sequential order (indicated on the processor heat-sink), loosen the five captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.
    • 15 Make note of the processor-fan cable routing and carefully lift the processor fan and heat-sink assembly away from the top-cover assembly.
  • Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Clean the thermal grease from the bottom of the processor fan and heat- sink assembly and reapply it.
    • 3 Route the processor-fan cable through the slot in the top cover.
    • 4 Align the five captive screws on the processor fan and heat sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board and tighten the screws in sequential order (indicated on the processor heat-sink).
    • 5 Replace the screw that secures the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the top-cover assembly.
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 11 in "Replacing the Top Cover" on page 72
    • 7 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 8 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 9 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 11 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 12 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 13 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 14 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 16
• Processor Module
  • Removing the Processor Module
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 5 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 7 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 8 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 9 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 18 in "Removing the Top Cover" on page 69.
    • 11 Turn the top-cover assembly over.
    • 12 Remove the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Removing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 79).
    • 13 To loosen the ZIF socket, use a small, flat-blade screwdriver and rotate the ZIF-socket cam screw counterclockwise until it comes to the cam stop.
    • 14 Lift the processor module off the ZIF socket.
  • Replacing the Processor Module
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Align the pin-1 corner of the processor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket.
    • 3 Place the processor module lightly in the ZIF socket and ensure that the processor module is positioned correctly.
    • 4 Tighten the ZIF socket by turning the cam screw clockwise to secure the processor module to the system board.
    • 5 Replace the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 82).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 11 in "Replacing the Top Cover" on page 72.
    • 7 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 8 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 9 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 11 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 12 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 13 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 14 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 17
• Daughter Board
  • Removing the Daughter Board
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 5 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 7 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 8 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 9 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 18 in "Removing the Top Cover" on page 69.
    • 11 Turn the top-cover assembly over.
    • 12 Remove the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Removing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 79).
    • 13 Lift the connector latch and disconnect the daughter-board cable from the connector on the daughter board.
    • 14 Remove the screw that secures the daughter board to the top cover.
    • 15 Carefully ease the connectors on the daughter board out of the slots in the top cover, and lift the daughter board out of the top cover.
  • Replacing the Daughter Board
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Align the connectors on the daughter board with the slots on the top cover and place it on the top cover.
    • 3 Replace the screw that secures the daughter board to the top cover.
    • 4 Slide the daughter-board cable into the connector on the daughter board and press the connector latch down to secure the cable.
    • 5 Replace the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 82).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 11 in "Replacing the Top Cover" on page 72.
    • 7 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 8 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 9 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 11 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 12 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 13 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 14 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 18
• Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
  • Removing the Bluetooth Card
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 5 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 7 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 8 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 9 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 18 in "Removing the Top Cover" on page 69.
    • 11 Turn the top-cover assembly over.
    • 12 Disconnect the Bluetooth-card cable from the connector on the Bluetooth card.
    • 13 Release the Bluetooth card from the tab on the top cover.
    • 14 Lift the Bluetooth card off the top cover.
  • Replacing the Bluetooth Card
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Slide the Bluetooth card into the slot on the top cover and secure it in place.
    • 3 Connect the Bluetooth-card cable to the connector on the Bluetooth card.
    • 4 Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 11 in "Replacing the Top Cover" on page 72.
    • 5 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 6 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 7 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 8 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 9 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 10 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 11 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 12 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
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• AC-Adapter Connector
  • Removing the AC-Adapter Connector
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 3 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 4 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 5 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 7 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 8 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 9 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 18 in "Removing the Top Cover" on page 69.
    • 11 Turn the top-cover assembly over.
    • 12 Disconnect the AC-adapter connector cable from the system-board connector.
    • 13 Make note of the AC-adapter connector cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guide.
    • 14 Remove the screw that secures the AC-adapter connector to the top cover.
    • 15 Lift the AC-adapter connector off the top cover.
  • Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Align the screw hole on the AC-adapter connector with the screw hole on the top cover.
    • 3 Replace the screw that secures the AC-adapter connector to the top cover.
    • 4 Route the AC-adapter connector cable through the routing guide.
    • 5 Connect the AC-adapter connector cable to the system-board connector.
    • 6 Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 11 in "Replacing the Top Cover" on page 72.
    • 7 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 8 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 9 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 10 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 11 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 12 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 13 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 14 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 20
• System Board
  • Removing the System Board
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Remove any installed card or blank from the Media Card Reader slot.
    • 3 Remove the battery (see "Removing the Battery" on page 13).
    • 4 Remove the memory module(s) (see "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 15).
    • 5 Remove the Mini-Card(s) (see "Removing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 21).
    • 6 Remove the hard drive (see "Removing the Hard Drive" on page 27).
    • 7 Follow the instructions from step 4 to step 6 in "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 31.
    • 8 Remove the palm-rest assembly (see "Removing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 35).
    • 9 Remove the keyboard (see "Removing the Keyboard" on page 41).
    • 10 Remove the display assembly (see "Removing the Display Assembly" on page 53).
    • 11 Disconnect the power-button board cable, coin-cell battery cable, and touch-pad status light cable from their connectors on the system board.
    • 12 Follow the instructions from step 13 to step 18 in "Removing the Top Cover" on page 69.
    • 13 Remove the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Removing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 79).
    • 14 Remove the processor module (see "Removing the Processor Module" on page 85).
    • 15 Remove the AC-adapter connector (see "Removing the AC-Adapter Connector" on page 97).
    • 16 Disconnect the Bluetooth-card cable, logo-light cable, and daughter-board cable from their connectors on the system board.
    • 17 Remove the two screws that secure the system board to the top cover.
    • 18 Carefully ease the connectors on the system board out of the slots in the top cover, and lift the system board off the top cover.
  • Replacing the System Board
    • 1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 9.
    • 2 Align the connectors on the system board with the slots on the top cover and place it on the top cover.
    • 3 Replace the two screws that secure the system board to the top cover.
    • 4 Connect the Bluetooth-card cable, logo-light cable, and daughter-board cable to their connectors on the system board.
    • 5 Replace the AC-adapter connector (see "Replacing the AC-Adapter Connector" on page 98).
    • 6 Replace the processor module (see "Replacing the Processor Module" on page 87).
    • 7 Replace the processor fan and heat-sink assembly (see "Replacing the Processor Fan and Heat-Sink Assembly" on page 82).
    • 8 Follow the instructions from step 9 to step 11 in "Replacing the Top Cover" on page 72.
    • 9 Connect the Bluetooth-card cable, logo-light cable, and daughter-board cable to their connectors on the system board.
    • 10 Replace the display assembly (see "Replacing the Display Assembly" on page 55).
    • 11 Replace the keyboard (see "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 43).
    • 12 Replace the palm-rest assembly (see "Replacing the Palm-Rest Assembly" on page 38).
    • 13 Follow the instructions from step 5 to step 6 in "Replacing the Optical Drive" on page 33.
    • 14 Replace the hard drive (see "Replacing the Hard Drive" on page 28).
    • 15 Replace the Mini-Card(s) (see "Replacing the Mini-Card(s)" on page 24).
    • 16 Replace the memory module(s) (see "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 17).
    • 17 Replace the battery (see "Replacing the Battery" on page 14).
    • 18 Replace any blank or card you removed from the Media Card Reader slot.
    • 19 Turn on the computer.
    • 20 Enter the service tag (see "Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS" on page 105).
  • 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.
    • 3 Press <F2> during POST to enter the system setup program.
    • 4 Navigate to the security tab and enter the service tag in the Set Service Tag field.
    • 21
• Flashing the BIOS
  • 1 Turn on the computer.
  • 2 Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads.
  • 3 Locate the BIOS update file for your computer:
    • a Click Enter a Service Tag.
    • b Enter your computer’s Service Tag in the Enter a service tag: field, click Go, and proceed to step 4.
    • a Click Select Model.
    • b Select the type of product in the Select Your Product Family list.
    • c Select the product brand in the Select Your Product Line list.
    • d Select the product model number in the Select Your Product Model list.
    • e Click Confirm.
  • 4 A list of results appear on the screen. Click BIOS.
  • 5 Click Download Now to download the latest BIOS file. The File Download window appears.
  • 6 Click Save to save the file on your desktop. The file downloads to your desktop.
  • 7 Click Close if the Download Complete window appears. The file icon appears on your desktop and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file.
  • 8 Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen.