Dell XPS/Dimension XPS - Manual (Page 82)

82 Removing and Installing Parts
www
.dell.com | support.dell.com
• Handle components and cards with care. Do not 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.
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 microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted
metal surface on the computer chassis.
As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically 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.
Opening the Computer Cover
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the
safety instructions on page 13.
CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from
the electrical outlet before opening the cover.
1 Follow the instructions in "Before You Begin" on page 80.
2 If you have installed a padlock through the padlock ring on the back panel, remove the
padlock.
NOTICE: Ensure that sufficient space exists to accommodate the open cover—at least 30 cm
(1 ft) of desk top space.
NOTICE: Be careful when opening the computer cover to ensure that you do not accidentally
disconnect cables from the system board.
G0550bk1.book Page 82 Thursday, July 10, 2003 1:55 PM