Dell Alienware M17x Service Manual
ALIENWARE® M17x
SERVICE MANUAL
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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.
e contents herein are subject to change without notice.
© 2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the prior
written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly prohibited.
Trademarks used in this manual: Alienware is a registered trademark of Alienware
Corporation. Dell and the Dell Logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. Bluetooth is a
registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under
license. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and Windows Vista start button logo
are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this manual to refer to either
the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims
any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Rev. A00 MAY 2009
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN.........................................6
Recommended Tools .............................................. 7
Turning O Your Computer ........................................ 7
Before Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK............................................. 9
Removing the Battery Pack ........................................11
Replacing the Battery Pack ........................................11
CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR......................................12
Removing the Compartment Door ................................ 14
Replacing the Compartment Door................................. 14
CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S) ............................................15
Removing the Hard Drive(s) .......................................17
Replacing the Hard Drive(s)....................................... 19
CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN ................................20
Removing the Processor ermal Fan .............................22
Replacing the Processor ermal Fan .............................22
CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY ......................................23
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery ...................................25
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery ...................................25
CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)......................................26
Removing the Memory Module(s) .................................28
Replacing the Memory Module(s) .................................29
CHAPTER 8: CENTER CONTROL COVER ..................................31
Removing the Center Control Cover ...............................33
Replacing the Center Control Cover ...............................35
CHAPTER 9: KEYBOARD ...............................................36
Removing the Keyboard ..........................................38
Replacing the Keyboard ..........................................39
CHAPTER 10: PALM REST ..............................................40
Removing the Palm Rest .........................................42
Replacing the Palm Rest..........................................44
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 11: BRACKETS ...............................................45
Removing the Brackets...........................................47
Replacing the Brackets ...........................................47
CHAPTER 12: MAGNESIUM COVER ......................................48
Removing the Magnesium Cover..................................50
Replacing the Magnesium Cover .................................. 51
CHAPTER 13: DISPLAY.................................................52
Removing the Display Assembly ..................................53
Replacing the Display Assembly ..................................55
Removing the Display Back Cover .................................56
Replacing the Display Back Cover .................................58
Removing the AlienHead Board ...................................59
Replacing the AlienHead Board ...................................60
CHAPTER 14: INPUT/OUTPUT BOARD....................................61
Removing the Input/Output Board ................................62
Replacing the Input/Output Board ................................64
CHAPTER 15: OPTICAL DRIVE...........................................65
Removing the Optical Drive.......................................66
Replacing the Optical Drive .......................................68
CHAPTER 16: WIRELESS MINI-CARD(S) .................................69
Removing the Mini-Card(s) ........................................71
Replacing the Mini-Card(s) .......................................73
CHAPTER 17: PROCESSOR HEAT SINK...................................74
Removing the Processor Heat Sink................................76
Replacing the Processor Heat Sink ................................ 77
CHAPTER 18: GRAPHICS CARD(S)....................................... 78
Removing the Graphics Card(s) ...................................80
Replacing the Graphics Card(s) ................................... 81
CHAPTER 19: GRAPHICS CARD FAN(S) ..................................82
Removing the Graphics Card Fan(s) ...............................84
Replacing the Graphics Card Fan(s) ...............................85
CHAPTER 20: GRAPHICS CARD BLANK..................................86
Removing the Graphics Card Blank ................................88
Replacing the Graphics Card Blank ................................88
CHAPTER 21: SYSTEM BOARD ..........................................89
Removing the System Board......................................90
Replacing the System Board ......................................92
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CHAPTER 22: SPEAKERS...............................................93
Removing the Speakers ..........................................95
Replacing the Speakers...........................................95
CHAPTER 23: CONSUMER IR BOARD ....................................96
Removing the Consumer IR Board.................................98
Replacing the Consumer IR Board .................................98
CHAPTER 24: BATTERY LATCH ASSEMBLY ..............................99
Removing the Battery Latch Assembly ........................... 101
Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly ........................... 101
CHAPTER 25: FLASHING THE BIOS ....................................102
Flashing the BIOS from a CD .....................................103
Flashing the BIOS from the Hard Drive............................104
CONTENTS
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CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
is section provides procedures for removing and installing the components
in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
You have performed the steps in “Turning O Your Computer” on page • 7 and
“Before Working Inside Your Computer” on page 8.
You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.•
A component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by •
performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
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CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Recommended Tools
e procedures in this document may require the following tools:
Small at-blade screwdriver•
Phillips screwdriver•
Processor extraction tool•
BIOS upgrade CD•
Turning O Your Computer
CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open les and exit all
open programs before you turn o your computer.
Save and close all open les and exit all open programs.1.
In Microsoft2.
arrow , and then click Shut Down.
e computer turns o after the operating system shutdown process
nishes.
Ensure that the computer and any attached devices are turned o. If your 3.
computer and attached devices did not automatically turn o when you
shut down your operating system, press and hold the power button for at
least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns o.
®
Windows Vista®, click Start (Windows Vista® logo), click the
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CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential
damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.
WARNING: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow
the safety instructions that shipped with your computer. For additional
safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance
Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the
components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges. Hold a
component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
CAUTION: Only a certied service technician should perform repairs on
your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is
not covered by your warranty.
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; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking
tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep
them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before
you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented
and aligned.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps
before you begin working inside the computer.
Ensure that the work surface is at and clean to prevent the computer cover 1.
from being scratched.
Turn o your computer (see “Turning O Your Computer” on page 2. 8).
If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the 3.
documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, rst unplug the cable from
your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.4.
Press and eject any installed cards from the ExpressCard slot and the 8-in-1 5.
Memory Card Reader.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical 6.
outlets.
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove
the battery from the battery bay before you service the computer.
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery
designed for this particular Dell computer. Do not use batteries designed
for other Dell computers.
Remove the battery (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 7. 11).
Press the power button to ground the system board.8.
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CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK
CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK
CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK
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Battery Pack
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Before performing these procedures, turn o the computer,
disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer,
disconnect the modem from the wall connector and the computer, and
remove any other external cables from the computer.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a
wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal
surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main
battery (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 11) before working
inside the computer.
CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK
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CHAPTER 2: BATTERY PACK
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4
2
1
Removing the Battery Pack
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.
Turn the computer over.2.
Slide the battery latch to the unlock position as shown.3.
e battery pack will pop up.4.
Remove the battery pack.5.
Replacing the Battery Pack
Align the battery pack tabs with the slots in the battery bay.1.
Slide the battery pack into the battery bay until the battery pack clicks into 2.
place.
1 battery pack 3 battery pack tabs (3)
2 battery latch 4 battery bay
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CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR
CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR
CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR
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Compartment Door
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Before performing these procedures, turn o the computer,
disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer,
disconnect the modem from the wall connector and the computer, and
remove any other external cables from the computer.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a
wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal
surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CAUTION: Only a certied service technician should perform repairs on
your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™
is not covered by your warranty.
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main
battery (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 11) before working
inside the computer.
CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR
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1
2
Removing the Compartment Door
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.
Remove the battery pack (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 2. 11).
Loosen the two captive screws and remove the compartment door.3.
Replacing the Compartment Door
Align the compartment door tabs with the slots on the base of the 1.
computer.
Place the compartment door and tighten the two captive screws.2.
Replace the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack” on page 3. 11).
CHAPTER 3: COMPARTMENT DOOR
1 compartment door tabs (3) 3 captive screws (2)
2 compartment door
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CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)
CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)
CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)
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Hard Drive(s)
CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the
drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
CAUTION: To prevent data loss, turn o your computer (see “Turning
O Your Computer” on page 7) before removing the hard drive. Do not
remove the hard drive while the computer is on or in Sleep state.
CAUTION: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when handling
the hard drive.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a
wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal
surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CAUTION: Only a certied service technician should perform repairs on
your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™
is not covered by your warranty.
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main
battery (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 11) before working
inside the computer.
NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard
drives from sources other than Dell or Alienware.
NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell or
Alienware, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities
on the new hard drive.
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CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)
3
1
2
Primary Hard
Drive (HDD0)
3
1
2
Secondary Hard Drive
(HDD1)
Removing the Hard Drive(s)
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.
Remove the battery pack (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 2. 11).
Remove the compartment door (see “Removing the Compartment Door” on 3.
page 14).
Loosen the four captive screws that secure the primary hard drive (HDD0).4.
Using the pull tab, slide the primary hard drive (HDD0) towards the back of 5.
the hard drive bay and lift it out.
1 pull tab 3 primary hard drive (HDD0)
2 captive screws (4)
If your computer has a secondary hard drive (HDD1):6.
Loosen the four captive screws on the secondary hard drive (HDD1).a.
Using the pull tab, lift the secondary hard drive (HDD1) out of the hard b.
drive bay.
1 pull tab 3 captive screws (4)
2 secondary hard drive (HDD1)
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CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)
3
1
2
Remove the four screws that secure the hard drive bracket to the hard drive.7.
Slide the hard drive out of the hard drive bracket.8.
1 screws (4) 3 hard drive
2 hard drive bracket
Remove the interposer from the secondary hard drive (HDD1), if applicable.9.
Secondary Hard Drive (HDD1)
2
1
1 interposer 2 secondary hard drive (HDD1)
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CHAPTER 4: HARD DRIVE(S)
Replacing the Hard Drive(s)
Remove the new drive from its packaging. 1.
Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.
CAUTION: Use rm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you
use excessive force, you may damage the connector.
Connect the interposer to the secondary hard drive (HDD1), if applicable.2.
Slide the hard drive into the hard drive bracket.3.
Replace the four screws that secure the hard drive bracket to the hard drive.4.
Place the hard drive in the hard drive bay.5.
If your computer has a secondary hard drive (HDD1), align and tighten a.
the four captive screws that secure the hard drive to the hard drive bay.
Align and and tighten the four captive screws that secure the primary b.
hard drive (HDD0) to the hard drive bay.
Replace the compartment door (see “Replacing the Compartment Door” on 6.
page 14).
Replace the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack” on page 7. 11).
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure
that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may
result in damage to the computer.
Install the operating system for your computer, as needed.8.
Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, as needed.9.
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CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN
CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN
CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN
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Processor ermal Fan
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a
wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal
surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CAUTION: Only a certied service technician should perform repairs on
your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™
is not covered by your warranty.
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main
battery (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 11) before working
inside the computer.
CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN
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1
2
3
Removing the Processor ermal Fan
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.
Remove the battery pack (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 2. 11).
Remove the compartment door (see “Removing the Compartment Door” on 3.
page 14).
Loosen the three captive screws that secure the processor thermal fan to 4.
the computer.
Disconnect the processor thermal fan cable from the system board 5.
connector.
Lift the processor thermal fan o the computer.6.
CHAPTER 5: PROCESSOR THERMAL FAN
Replacing the Processor ermal Fan
Place the processor thermal fan on the computer base.1.
Connect the processor thermal fan cable to the system board connector.2.
Tighten the three captive screws that secure the processor thermal fan to 3.
the computer base.
Replace the compartment door (see “Replacing the Compartment Door” on 4.
page 14).
Replace the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack” on page 5. 11).
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure
that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may
result in damage to the computer.
1 processor thermal fan cable
connector
2 captive screws (3)
3 processor thermal fan
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CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY
CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY
CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY
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Coin-Cell Battery
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a
wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal
surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CAUTION: Only a certied service technician should perform repairs on
your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™
is not covered by your warranty.
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main
battery (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 11) before working
inside the computer.
CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY
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1
2
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.
Remove the battery pack (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 2. 11).
Remove the compartment door (see “Removing the Compartment Door” on 3.
page 14).
Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board connector.4.
Lift the coin-cell battery o the computer base.5.
CHAPTER 6: COIN-CELL BATTERY
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery
Place the coin-cell battery in the slot on the computer base.1.
Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board connector.2.
Replace the compartment door (see “Replacing the Compartment Door” on 3.
page 14).
Replace the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack” on page 4. 11).
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure
that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may
result in damage to the computer.
1 coin-cell battery cable connector 2 coin-cell battery
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CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)
CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)
CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on
the system board. See the specications in your Mobile Manual or in the
Comprehensive Specications at support.dell.com for information on the
memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are
supported by your computer.
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your
computer warranty.
Your computer has two user-accessible SODIMM sockets that can be accessed
from the bottom of the computer.
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Memory Module(s)
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety
information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a
wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal
surface (such as a connector on the back of the computer).
CAUTION: Only a certied service technician should perform repairs on
your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell™
is not covered by your warranty.
CAUTION: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main
battery (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 11) before working
inside the computer.
CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)
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Removing the Memory Module(s)
1
2
Follow the instructions in “Before You Begin” on page 1. 6.
Remove the battery pack (see “Removing the Battery Pack” on page 2. 11).
Remove the compartment door (see “Removing the Compartment Door” on 3.
page 14).
Loosen the captive screw and slide the memory module door out of the 4.
computer base.
CAUTION: If you need to remove memory modules from both connectors,
remove the memory module in the upper connector before you remove
the module in the lower connector.
CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)
1 memory module door 2 captive screw
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CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)
1
2
4
5
3
Use your ngertips to carefully spread apart the spring-locks on the memory 5.
Replacing the Memory Module(s)
module connector until the module pops up.
Remove the memory module.6.
CAUTION: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors,
install a memory module in the lower connector before you install a
module in the upper connector.
Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory module 1.
connector.
Insert the module into the memory module connector at a 45-degree angle, 2.
and press the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not hear the
click, remove the module and reinstall it.
CAUTION: If the memory module door is difcult to close, remove the
memory module and reinstall it. Forcing the memory module door to
close may damage your computer.
NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may
not boot.
1 memory module 4 tab
2 spring locks (2) 5 notch
3 memory module connector
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Replace and tighten the captive screw that secures the memory module 3.
door to the computer base.
Replace the compartment door (see “Replacing the Compartment Door” on 4.
page 14).
Replace the battery pack (see “Replacing the Battery Pack” on page 5. 11).
CAUTION: Before turning on the computer, replace all screws and ensure
that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do so may
result in damage to the computer.
Turn on the computer. 6.
As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically
updates the system conguration information.
To conrm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click Start (Windows
Vista® logo) > Help and Support > Dell System Information.
CHAPTER 7: MEMORY MODULE(S)
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