Alienware 15 User Manual
Alienware 15
Service Manual
Computer Model: Alienware 15
Regulatory Model: P42F
Regulatory Type: P42F001
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better
use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss
of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal
injury, or death.
Copyright © 2015 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and
international copyright and intellectual property laws. Dell™ and the Dell logo are trademarks
of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names
mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
2015 - 01
Rev. A00
Contents
Before working inside your computer...................................12
Before you begin .............................................................................................12
Safety instructions............................................................................................12
Recommended tools....................................................................................... 13
After working inside your computer......................................15
Removing the base panel.........................................................16
Procedure.........................................................................................................16
Replacing the base panel......................................................... 19
Procedure.........................................................................................................19
Removing the memory modules............................................20
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 20
Procedure........................................................................................................ 20
Replacing the memory modules............................................ 22
Procedure.........................................................................................................22
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 23
Removing the solid-state drives.............................................24
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................24
Procedure........................................................................................................ 24
Replacing the solid-state drives............................................. 26
Procedure........................................................................................................ 26
Post-requisites.................................................................................................26
Removing the hard drive..........................................................27
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................27
Procedure........................................................................................................ 28
Replacing the hard drive..........................................................32
Procedure.........................................................................................................32
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 32
Removing the wireless card.................................................... 33
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................33
Procedure.........................................................................................................33
Replacing the wireless card.....................................................35
Procedure.........................................................................................................35
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 35
Removing the palm rest........................................................... 36
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................36
Procedure........................................................................................................ 36
Replacing the palm rest........................................................... 43
Procedure........................................................................................................ 43
Post-requisites.................................................................................................43
Removing the touch pad......................................................... 44
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 44
Procedure........................................................................................................ 44
Replacing the touch pad..........................................................48
Procedure........................................................................................................ 48
Post-requisites.................................................................................................48
Removing the keyboard...........................................................49
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 49
Procedure........................................................................................................ 49
Replacing the keyboard........................................................... 55
Procedure.........................................................................................................55
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 55
Removing the power-button board...................................... 56
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................56
Procedure........................................................................................................ 56
Replacing the power-button board.......................................59
Procedure........................................................................................................ 59
Post-requisites.................................................................................................59
Removing the status-light board........................................... 60
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 60
Procedure.........................................................................................................61
Replacing the status-light board............................................63
Procedure........................................................................................................ 63
Post-requisites.................................................................................................63
Removing the I/O board.......................................................... 64
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 64
Procedure........................................................................................................ 64
Replacing the I/O board...........................................................66
Procedure........................................................................................................ 66
Post-requisites.................................................................................................66
Removing the speakers............................................................ 67
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................67
Procedure.........................................................................................................67
Replacing the speakers............................................................ 70
Procedure........................................................................................................ 70
Post-requisites.................................................................................................70
Removing the front AlienFX LED boards............................... 71
Prerequisites..................................................................................................... 71
Procedure......................................................................................................... 71
Replacing the front AlienFX LED board.................................73
Procedure.........................................................................................................73
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 73
Removing the hinge covers.....................................................74
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................74
Procedure.........................................................................................................74
Replacing the hinge covers..................................................... 76
Procedure.........................................................................................................76
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 76
Removing the display assembly..............................................77
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................77
Procedure.........................................................................................................77
Replacing the display assembly.............................................. 81
Procedure.........................................................................................................81
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 81
Removing the display bezel.................................................... 83
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................83
Procedure........................................................................................................ 83
Replacing the display bezel.....................................................87
Procedure.........................................................................................................87
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 87
Removing the display panel.................................................... 88
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 88
Procedure........................................................................................................ 88
Replacing the display panel.....................................................91
Procedure.........................................................................................................91
Post-requisites................................................................................................. 91
Removing the display hinges.................................................. 92
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................92
Procedure........................................................................................................ 92
Replacing the display hinges.................................................. 94
Procedure........................................................................................................ 94
Post-requisites.................................................................................................94
Removing the display back-cover..........................................95
Prerequisites.....................................................................................................95
Procedure........................................................................................................ 95
Replacing the display back-cover..........................................98
Procedure........................................................................................................ 98
Post-requisites.................................................................................................98
Removing the camera.............................................................. 99
Prerequisites.................................................................................................... 99
Procedure...................................................................................................... 100
Replacing the camera.............................................................102
Procedure...................................................................................................... 102
Post-requisites...............................................................................................102
Removing the Alienware AlienHead LED board................ 103
Prerequisites...................................................................................................103
Procedure...................................................................................................... 103
Replacing the Alienware AlienHead LED board................ 106
Procedure...................................................................................................... 106
Post-requisites...............................................................................................106
Removing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs.........................107
Prerequisites...................................................................................................107
Procedure...................................................................................................... 108
Replacing the display-panel AlienFX LEDs......................... 110
Procedure.......................................................................................................110
Post-requisites............................................................................................... 110
Removing the logo board.......................................................111
Prerequisites....................................................................................................111
Procedure....................................................................................................... 111
Replacing the logo board.......................................................113
Procedure....................................................................................................... 113
Post-requisites................................................................................................113
Removing the system board..................................................114
Prerequisites...................................................................................................114
Procedure.......................................................................................................114
Replacing the system board.................................................. 118
Procedure.......................................................................................................118
Post-requisites............................................................................................... 119
Removing the heat-sink assembly.......................................120
Prerequisites...................................................................................................120
Procedure...................................................................................................... 120
Replacing the heat-sink assembly....................................... 122
Procedure.......................................................................................................122
Post-requisites............................................................................................... 122
Removing the fans...................................................................123
Prerequisites...................................................................................................123
Procedure.......................................................................................................123
Replacing the fans...................................................................125
Procedure.......................................................................................................125
Post-requisites............................................................................................... 125
Removing the power-adapter port......................................126
Prerequisites...................................................................................................126
Procedure.......................................................................................................126
Replacing the power-adapter port...................................... 128
Procedure...................................................................................................... 128
Post-requisites...............................................................................................128
Removing the coin-cell battery............................................129
Prerequisites...................................................................................................129
Procedure.......................................................................................................129
Replacing the coin-cell battery............................................ 131
Procedure....................................................................................................... 131
Post-requisites................................................................................................131
Removing the battery............................................................. 132
Prerequisites...................................................................................................132
Procedure.......................................................................................................132
Replacing the battery............................................................. 135
Procedure.......................................................................................................135
Post-requisites............................................................................................... 135
Removing the computer base...............................................136
Prerequisites...................................................................................................136
Procedure.......................................................................................................136
Replacing the computer base...............................................138
Procedure.......................................................................................................138
Post-requisites...............................................................................................138
BIOS setup program................................................................139
Overview........................................................................................................ 139
Entering BIOS setup program....................................................................... 139
BIOS setup program options...................................................................139
Boot sequence...............................................................................................145
Boot options.............................................................................................145
Changing boot sequence for the current boot......................................146
Changing boot sequence for future boots.............................................146
Flashing the BIOS.................................................................... 148
Getting help and contacting Alienware..............................149
Self-help resources....................................................................................... 149
Contacting Alienware....................................................................................149
Before working inside your computer
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle
them by their edges and avoid touching pins and contacts.
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer
depending on the configuration you ordered.
Before you begin
1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer.
– Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon →
Shut down.
– Windows 7: Click or tap Start → Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the
documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3 Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical
outlets.
4 Disconnect all cables such as telephone cables, network cables and so
on, from your computer.
5 Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard,
mouse, monitor, and so on, from your computer.
6 Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if
applicable.
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential
damage and ensure your personal safety.
12
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best
practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect all power sources before opening the
computer cover or panels. After you finish working inside the
computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting to
the power source.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, make sure that the work
surface is flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle
them by their edges and avoid touching pins and contacts.
CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as
authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage
due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. See the safety instructions that shipped with the product or
at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground
yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at
the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an
unpainted metal surface to dissipate static electricity, which could
harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on
its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with
locking tabs or thumb-screws that you must disengage before
disconnecting the cable. When disconnecting cables, keep them
evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When connecting
cables, make sure that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented
and aligned.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from
your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card
reader.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
13
• Philips screwdriver
• Plastic scribe
14
After working inside your computer
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may
severely damage your computer.
1 Replace all screws and make sure that no stray screws remain inside your
computer.
2 Connect any external devices, peripherals, and cables you removed
before working on your computer.
3 Replace any media cards, discs, and any other parts that you removed
before working on your computer.
4 Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical
outlets.
5 Turn on your computer.
15
Removing the base panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your
computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory
Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Close the display and turn the computer over.
2 Loosen the captive screws that secure the base panel to the computer
base.
3 Using a plastic scribe, gently release the tabs that secure the base panel
to the computer base.
16
4 Slide and remove the base panel from the computer base.
1 computer base 2 captive screws (2)
3 base panel 4 plastic scribe
17
5 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
1 battery cable
6 Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.
7 Press and hold the power button for 4 seconds to ground the system
board.
18
Replacing the base panel
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your
computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory
Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Close the display and turn the computer over.
2 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
3 Slide the tabs on the base panel into the slots on the computer base and
snap the base panel into place.
4 Tighten the captive screws that secure the base panel to the computer
base.
19
Removing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your
computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory
Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
1 Using your fingertips, carefully spread apart the securing clips on each
end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up.
20
2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.
1 securing clips (2) 2 memory modules (2)
3 memory-module slot
21
Replacing the memory modules
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your
computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory
Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
Procedure
1 Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-
module slot.
22
2 Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the
memory module down until it clicks into place.
NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module
and reinstall it.
1 securing clips (2) 2 notch
3 tab 4 memory modules (2)
5 memory-module slot
Post-requisites
Replace the base panel.
23
Removing the solid-state drives
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your
computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory
Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling
the hard drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive
while the computer is in sleep or on state.
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
Procedure
1 Remove the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the computer
base.
24
2 Slide and remove the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.
1 screw 2 solid-state drive slot
3 solid-state drives (2)
25
Replacing the solid-state drives
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your
computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory
Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling
the hard drive.
Procedure
1 Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
2 Align the screw hole on the solid-state drive with the screw hole on the
computer base.
3 Replace the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the computer
base.
Post-requisites
Replace the base panel.
26
Removing the hard drive
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in
Before working inside your computer. After working inside your
computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory
Compliance home page at dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Hard drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the
hard drive.
CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the
computer is in sleep or on state.
Prerequisites
Remove the base panel.
27
Procedure
1 Remove the keyboard-backlight cable, keyboard cable, and macro-keys
cable from the routing guides on the computer base.
1 macro-keys cable 2 keyboard cable
3 keyboard-backlight cable 4 routing guides (3)
5 hard-drive assembly 6 computer base
2 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer
base.
3 Using the pull tab, disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system
board.
4 Note the hard-drive cable routing and remove the cable from the routing
guides on the computer base.
28
5 Lift and slide the hard-drive assembly off the computer base.
1 pull tab 2 hard-drive cable
3 screws (4) 4 hard-drive assembly
6 Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard-drive
assembly.
29
7 Lift the hard-drive bracket off the hard-drive assembly.
30
1 hard-drive assembly 2 hard-drive bracket
3 screws (4)
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