Dell Latitude LM - Manual (Page 45)

Troubleshooting Your Computer 3-11
4. Open the input/output (I/O) cover on the back of
the computer, and ground yourself by touching
one of the metal connectors.
5. Use a small screwdriver to remove the memory
cover from the bottom of the computer. Remove
any installed memory modules from their sockets
on the system board.
To remove a memory module, carefully spread apart
the inner metal tabs of the memory module socket
just far enough for the memory module to disengage
from the socket (the module should pop up slightly).
Then lift the memory module away from the socket.
6. Remove the hard-disk drive.
To remove the hard-disk drive, use a small screw-
driver to remove the two screws below the hard-disk
door. With the computer facing you, slide the drive
cover to the left until it is free of the computer. Then
slide the hard-disk drive out the bay.
7. Open the display, and place the computer across
two books or similar props to let air circulate all
around it. Leave the I/O cover open to expose the
I/O panel and its connectors to the air. Let the
computer dry for at least 24 hours.
Place the computer in a dry area at room tempera-
ture. Do not use artificial means to speed up the
drying process.
8. Ground yourself by touching one of the metal
connectors on the I/O panel, and close the I/O
panel.
9. If you removed memory modules in step 5, rein-
stall them. Replace the memory cover.
To reinstall a memory module, align the memory
module’s edge connector with the slot in the center
of the memory module socket. Press the memory
module’s edge connector firmly into the socket.
Pivot the module down until it clicks into place. If
you do not hear a sharp click, remove the memory
module and reinstall it.
NOTE: Memory modules must be installed in
matched pairs. That is, memory modules of the same
capacity must be installed in both memory module
sockets.
10. Reinstall the options-bay device or PC Cards that
you removed in step 3.
11. Replace any batteries that you removed in step 1.
12. Replace the hard-disk drive that you removed in
step 6.
Slide the drive firmly into the drive bay. There may
be some resistance as the drive connects to its inter-
face connector at the back of the bay. Slide the drive
cover to the right, and replace the screws below the
hard-disk drive door.
13. Reconnect the computer and peripherals to AC
power, and turn them on.
14. Does the computer work properly?
Yes. The problem is resolved.
No. If the computer is able to boot, run the Dell diag-
nostics to identify computer damage. If the computer
is unable to boot, see “Troubleshooting a Power Fail-
ure” found later in this section. If you cannot identify
the damaged component(s), call Dell for technical
assistance. (See Chapter 5, “Getting Help,” for
instructions.)
Troubleshooting a Damaged Computer
If the computer is dropped or damaged, use the following
procedure:
1. Save all your work, exit any open application pro-
grams, and remove any installed batteries.
2. Turn off the computer, and disconnect it from the
AC adapter. Then disconnect the AC adapter
from AC power. Turn off any attached peripher-
als, and disconnect them from their power
sources and then from the computer.
3. Open the I/O cover on the back of the computer,
and ground yourself by touching one of the metal
connectors.
WARNING: Before continuing with the
remainder of this procedure, verify that the
computer is thoroughly dry.