Dell Vostro 2510 User Manual

Dell™ Vostro™ 2510 Service Manual

Troubleshooting Before Working on Your Computer Hard Drive Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Card Fan Processor Heat Sink Processor Module Memory Hinge Cover Keyboard Display Palm Rest Fingerprint Reader Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Optical Drive System Board Assembly Speaker Assembly USB Daughter Card Battery Latch Assembly Coin-Cell Battery Flashing the BIOS

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the

problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

If you purchased a DELL™ n Series computer, any references in this document to Microsoft® Windows® operating systems are not applicable.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Vostro are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and the Windows

start button logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document 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.

Model PP36L June 2008 Rev. A00

Back to Contents Page

Troubleshooting

Dell™ Vostro™ 2510 Service Manual

Troubleshooting Tools Solving Problems Dell Technical Update Service Dell Support Utility

Troubleshooting Tools

Diagnostic Lights

CAUTION: 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.

Your computer has three keyboard status lights located above the keyboard. During normal operation, the keyboard status lights display the current status (on or off) of the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock features. If the computer starts without error, the lights flash, and then turn off. If the computer malfunctions, however, you can use the status of the lights to help identify the problem.

NOTE: After the computer completes POST, the Num Lock light may remain on, depending on your BIOS settings. For

more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at

support.dell.com.

Diagnostic Light Codes During POST

To troubleshoot a problem with your computer, read the sequence of the keyboard status lights in order from left to right (Num Lock, Caps Lock, and then Scroll Lock). If the computer malfunctions the individual lights display a status of either On

, Off , or Flashing .

Light Pattern

Problem Description

No memory modules are detected.

Suggested Resolution

If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing a

Memory Module), then reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and

restart the computer. If the computer starts normally, continue to install additional memory modules (one at a time) until you have identified a faulty module or reinstalled all modules without error. If available, install working memory of the same type into your computer (see

Memory

If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.

Memory modules are detected, but a memory failure has occurred.

If two or more memory modules are installed, remove the modules (see Removing a

Memory Module), then reinstall one module (see Replacing a Memory Module) and

Memory

If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.

A possible processor failure has occurred.

Reseat the processor (see Removing the Processor Module). If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.

A possible graphics card/video failure has occurred.

A possible LCD failure has occurred.

A possible keyboard failure has occurred.

A possible USB controller failure has occurred.

Reseat any installed graphics cards. If available, install a working graphics card into your computer. If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.

Reseat the LCD cable (see Removing the Display Assembly). If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.

Reseat the keyboard (see Removing the Keyboard). If available, connect an external keyboard. If the problem persists, contact Dell Support.

Remove any USB devices. If the problem persists, contact contact Dell Support.

Hardware Troubleshooter

If a device is either not detected during the operating system setup or is detected, but incorrectly configured, you can use the Hardware Troubleshooter to resolve the incompatibility.

Windows XP:

1. Click Start Help and Support.

2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.

3. In the Fix a Problem section, click Hardware Troubleshooter.

4. In the Hardware Troubleshooter list, select the option that best describes the problem, and click Next to follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.

Windows Vista®:

1. Click the Windows Vista start button

2. Type hardware troubleshooter in the search field and press <Enter> to start the search.

3. In the search results, select the option that best describes the problem and follow the remaining troubleshooting steps.

, and click Help and Support.

Dell Diagnostics

CAUTION: 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.

When to Use the Dell Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your computer, perform the checks in Solving Problems, and then run the Dell Diagnostics before contacting Dell for assistance.

Start the Dell Diagnostics from your hard drive or from the Drivers and Utilities media provided with your computer.

NOTE: The Drivers and Utilities media is optional and may not ship with your computer. NOTE: The Dell Diagnostics only operate on Dell computers.

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive

Before running the Dell Diagnostics, enter system setup to review your computer's configuration information, and ensure that the device you want to test is displayed in system setup and is active. For more information on using the system setup program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.

The Dell Diagnostics is located on a separate diagnostic utility partition on your hard drive.

NOTE: If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with

your docking device for instructions.

NOTE: If your computer does not display a screen image, contact Dell Support.

1. Ensure that the computer is connected to an electrical outlet that is known to be working properly.

2. Press and hold the <Fn> key or the mute button then turn on your computer.

NOTE: Alternatively, you can select Diagnostics from the one-time boot menu at startup to boot to the

diagnostic utility partition and run the Dell Diagnostics.

The computer runs the Pre-boot System Assessment (PSA), a series of initial tests of your system board, keyboard, display, memory, hard drive, etc.

During the assessment, answer any questions that appear. If failures are detected during the Pre-boot System Assessment, write down the error code(s) and contact

Dell Support. If the Pre-boot System Assessment completes successfully, the following message appears: "Booting

Dell Diagnostic Utility Partition. Press any key to continue."

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics

from your Drivers and Utilities media (see Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media

3. Press any key to start the Dell Diagnostics from the diagnostics utility partition on your hard drive.

4. Press <Tab> to select Test System and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer. Selecting Test

Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up to thirty minutes or more to complete. When

the test completes, record the test results and then press any key to return to the previous menu.

5. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the touch pad/mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions

on the screen.

6. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.

7. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.

NOTE: If you see a message stating that no diagnostics utility partition has been found, run the Dell Diagnostics

from your Drivers and Utilities media (see Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media).

Starting the Dell Diagnostics From the Drivers and Utilities Media

1. Insert the Drivers and Utilities media into the optical drive.

2. Restart your computer.

3. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

NOTE: Keyboard failure may result when a key is held down for extended periods of time. To avoid possible

keyboard failure, press and release <F12> in even intervals to open the Boot Device Menu.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.

4. When the boot device list appears, use the up- or down- arrow keys to highlight CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive then press <Enter>.

NOTE: Using the one-time boot menu changes the boot sequence for the current boot only. Upon restart, the

computer boots according to the boot sequence specified in system setup.

5. Press any key to confirm that you want to start from the CD/DVD.

If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop, then shut down your computer and try again.

6. Type 1 to Run the 32 Bit Dell Diagnostics.

7. At the Dell Diagnostics Menu, type 1 to select Dell 32-bit Diagnostics for Resource CD (graphical user interface).

8. Press <Tab> to select Test System and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer. Selecting Test

Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up to thirty minutes or more to complete. When

the test completes, record the test results and then press any key to return to the previous menu.

9. At the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu, left-click with the mouse, or press <Tab> and then <Enter>, to select the test you want to run (see Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

NOTE: Write down any error codes and problem descriptions exactly as they appear and follow the instructions

on the screen.

10. After all tests have completed, close the test window to return to the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu.

11. Close the Main Menu window to exit the Dell Diagnostics and restart the computer.

12. Remove the Drivers and Utilities media from the optical drive.

Dell Diagnostics Main Menu

After the Dell Diagnostics loads the following menu appears:

Option Function

Test Memory Run the stand-alone memory test Test System Run system diagnostics Exit Exit the diagnostics

Press <Tab> to select the test you want to run and then press <Enter>.

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Test System to run a complete test on your computer. Selecting Test

Memory initiates the extended memory test, which can take up to thirty minutes or more to complete. When the test

completes, record the test results and then press any key to return to this menu.

After Test System is selected, the following menu appears:

Option Function

Express Test

Extended Test

Custom Test

Symptom Tree

NOTE: It is recommended that you select Extended Test to perform a more thorough check of devices in the

computer.

For any problem encountered during a test, a message appears with an error code and a description of the problem. Write down the error code and problem description exactly as it appears and follow the instructions on the screen. If you cannot resolve the problem, contact Dell Support.

NOTE: When contacting Dell Support, have your Service Tag ready. The Service Tag for your computer is located at

the top of each test screen.

The following tabs provide additional information for tests run from the Custom Test or Symptom Tree option:

Performs a quick test of devices in the system. This typically can take 10 to 20 minutes.

NOTE: The Express Test requires no interaction on your part. Run Express Test first to increase the possibility

of tracing a problem quickly. Performs a thorough check of devices in the system. This typically can take an hour or more.

NOTE: The Extended Test periodically requires your input to answer specific questions.

Use to test a specific device or customize the tests to be run.

This option allows you to select tests based on a symptom of the problem you are having. This option lists the most common symptoms.

Tab Function

Results Errors Displays error conditions encountered, error codes, and the problem description. Help Describes the test and any requirements for running the test. Configuration Displays the hardware configuration for the selected device.

Parameters Allows you to customize the test, if applicable, by changing the test settings.

Displays the results of the test and any error conditions encountered.

The Dell Diagnostics obtains configuration information for all devices from System Setup, memory, and various internal tests, and displays the information in the device list in the left pane of the screen.

NOTE: The device list may not display the names of all components installed on your computer or all devices

attached to your computer.

Error Messages

CAUTION: 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.

If the error message is not listed, see the documentation for the operating system or the program that was running when the message appeared.

A filename cannot contain any of the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | — Do not use these characters in filenames.

A required .DLL file was not found — The program that you are trying to open is missing an essential file. To remove and

then reinstall the program: Windows XP:

1. Click Start® Control Panel® Add or Remove Programs® Programs and Features.

2. Select the program you want to remove.

3. Click Uninstall.

4. See the program documentation for installation instructions.

Windows Vista:

1. Click Start

2. Select the program you want to remove.

3. Click Uninstall.

4. See the program documentation for installation instructions.

drive letter :\ is not accessible. The device is not ready — The drive cannot read the disk. Insert a disk into the drive

and try again.

Insert bootable media — Insert a bootable floppy disk, CD, or DVD.

Non-system disk error — Remove the floppy disk from the floppy drive and restart your computer.

Not enough memory or resources. Close some programs and try again — Close all windows and open the program

that you want to use. In some cases, you may have to restart your computer to restore computer resources. If so, run the program that you want to use first.

Operating system not found — Contact Dell Support.

® Control Panel® Programs® Programs and Features.

Solving Problems

Follow these tips when troubleshooting your computer:

If you added or removed a part before the problem started, review the installation procedures and ensure that the part is correctly installed.

If a peripheral device does not work, ensure that the device is properly connected. If an error message appears on the screen, write down the exact message. This message may help support personnel

diagnose and fix the problem(s). If an error message occurs in a program, see the program's documentation.

NOTE: The procedures in this document were written for the Windows default view, so they may not apply if you set

your Dell computer to the Windows Classic view.

Battery Problems

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery

only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

CAUTION: 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.

Drive Problems

CAUTION: 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.

Ensure that Microsoft® Windows

Windows XP:

Click Start and click My Computer.

Windows Vista:

Recognizes the drive —

Click Start and click Computer.

If the drive is not listed, perform a full scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove viruses. Viruses can sometimes prevent Windows from recognizing the drive.

Test the drive —

Insert another disc to eliminate the possibility that the original drive is defective. Insert a bootable floppy disk and restart the computer.

Clean the drive or disk —

For information on cleaning your computer, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.

Check the cable connections Run the Hardware Troubleshooter —

See Hardware Troubleshooter

Run the Dell Diagnostics —

See Dell Diagnostics

Optical drive problems

NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a defect in the drive

or the media.

NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all DVD drives.

Adjust the Windows volume control —

Click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

Ensure that the volume is turned up by clicking the slidebar and dragging it up. Ensure that the sound is not muted by clicking any boxes that are checked.

Check the speakers and subwoofer —

See Sound and Speaker Problems

Problems writing to an optical drive

Close other programs —

The optical drive must receive a steady stream of data during the writing process. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the optical.

Turn off standby mode in Windows before writing to a disc —

For information about setting power options, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com. You can also search for the keyword standby in Windows Help and Support for information on power management modes.

Hard drive problems

Run Check Disk —

Windows XP:

1. Click Start and click My Computer.

2. Right-click Local Disk C:.

3. Click Properties Tools Check Now.

4. Click Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors and click Start.

Windows Vista:

1. Click Start

2. Right-click Local Disk C:.

3. Click Properties Tools Check Now. The User Account Control window may appear. If you are an administrator on the computer, click Continue;

otherwise, contact your administrator to continue the desired action.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

and click Computer.

IEEE 1394 Device Problems

CAUTION: 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.

NOTE: Your computer supports only IEEE 1394a standard.

Ensure that the cable for the IEEE 1394 device is properly inserted into the device and into the connector on the computer

Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is enabled in system setup — For more information on using the system setup

program, see the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.

Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is recognized by Windows —

Windows XP:

1. Click Start and click Control Panel.

NOTE: Most software includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk, CD, or DVD.

2. Under Pick a Category, click Performance and Maintenance System System Properties  Hardware

Windows Vista:

Device Manager.

1. Click Start

2. Click Device Manager.

If your IEEE 1394 device is listed, Windows recognizes the device.

If you have problems with a Dell IEEE 1394 device —

Contact Dell Support.

If you have problems with an IEEE 1394 device not provided by Dell — Contact the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer.

® Control Panel® Hardware and Sound.

Lockups and Software Problems

CAUTION: 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.

The computer does not start up

Check the diagnostic lights —

See Power Problems

Ensure that the power cable is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet

The computer stops responding

NOTICE: You may lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.

Turn the computer off — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse,

press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart your computer.

A program stops responding

End the program —

1. Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously to access the Task Manager.

2. Click the Applications tab.

3. Click to select the program that is no longer responding.

4. Click End Task.

A program crashes repeatedly

Check the software documentation —

If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

A program is designed for an earlier Windows operating system

Run the Program Compatibility Wizard —

Windows XP: The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to non-XP operating system

environments.

1. Click Start All Programs Accessories Program Compatibility Wizard Next.

2. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Windows Vista: The Program Compatibility Wizard configures a program so that it runs in an environment similar to non-Windows Vista

operating system environments.

1. Click Start

2. In the welcome screen, click Next.

3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

® Control Panel® Programs® Use an older program with this version of Windows.

A solid blue screen appears

Turn the computer off —

If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds (until the computer turns off), and then restart your computer.

Other software problems

Check the software documentation or contact the software manufacturer for troubleshooting information —

Ensure that the program is compatible with the operating system installed on your computer. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements needed to run the software. See the software documentation for information. Ensure that the program is installed and configured properly. Verify that the device drivers do not conflict with the program. If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.

Back up your files immediately Use a virus-scanning program to check the hard drive, floppy disks, CDs, or DVDs Save and close any open files or programs and shut down your computer through the Start menu

Memory Problems

CAUTION: 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.

If you receive an insufficient memory message —

Save and close any open files and exit any open programs you are not using to see if that resolves the problem. See the software documentation for minimum memory requirements. If necessary, install additional memory (see

Replacing a Memory Module

Reseat the memory modules (see Memory) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

If you experience other memory problems —

Reseat the memory modules (see Memory) to ensure that your computer is successfully communicating with the memory. Ensure that you are following the memory installation guidelines (see Replacing a Memory Module). Ensure that the memory you are using is supported by your computer. For more information about the type of memory supported by your computer, see the Setup and Quick Reference Guide for your computer at support.dell.com. Run the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics).

Power Problems

CAUTION: 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.

If the power light is green and the computer is not responding — See Diagnostic Lights

If the power light is off — The computer is either turned off or is not receiving power.

Reseat the power cable in the power connector on the back of the computer and the electrical outlet. Bypass power strips, power extension cables, and other power protection devices to verify that the computer turns on properly. Ensure that any power strips being used are plugged into an electrical outlet and are turned on. Ensure that the electrical outlet is working by testing it with another device, such as a lamp.

Eliminate interference — Some possible causes of interference are:

Power, keyboard, and mouse extension cables Too many devices connected to the same power strip Multiple power strips connected to the same electrical outlet

Sound and Speaker Problems

CAUTION: 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.

No sound from speakers

NOTE: The volume control in MP3 and other media players may override the Windows volume setting. Always check to

ensure that the volume on the media player(s) has not been turned down or off.

Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

Disconnect headphones from the headphone connector — Sound from the speakers is automatically disabled when

headphones are connected to the computer's front-panel headphone connector.

Eliminate possible interference — Turn off nearby fans, fluorescent lights, or halogen lamps to check for interference.

Run the Hardware Troubleshooter — See Hardware Troubleshooter

No sound from headphones

Check the headphone cable connection — Ensure that the headphone cable is securely inserted into the headphone

connector. See the Setup and Quick Reference Guide for your computer at support.dell.com.

Adjust the Windows volume control — Click or double-click the speaker icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.

Ensure that the volume is turned up and that the sound is not muted.

Video and Display Problems

CAUTION: 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.

NOTICE: If your computer came with a PCI graphics card installed, removal of the card is not necessary when

installing additional graphics cards; however, the card is required for troubleshooting purposes. If you remove the card, store it in a safe and secure location. For information about your graphics card, go to support.dell.com.

Check the diagnostic lights —

See Diagnostic Lights

Check the display settings —

See the Dell™ Technology Guide on your computer or at support.dell.com.

Adjust the Windows display settings —

Windows XP:

1. Click Start Control Panel Appearance and Themes.

2. Click the area you want to change or click the Display icon.

3. Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.

Windows Vista:

1. Click Start

2. Adjust Resolution and Colors settings, as needed.

® Control Panel® Hardware and Sound® Personalization® Display Settings.

Only part of the display is readable

Connect an external monitor —

1. Shut down your computer and connect an external monitor to the computer.

2. Turn on the computer and the monitor and adjust the monitor brightness and contrast controls.

If the external monitor works, the computer display or video controller may be defective. Contact Dell Support.

Dell Technical Update Service

The Dell Technical Update service provides proactive e-mail notification of software and hardware updates for your computer. The service is free and can be customized for content, format, and how frequently you receive notifications.

To enroll for the Dell Technical Update service, go to support.dell.com/technicalupdate.

Dell Support Utility

The Dell Support Utility is installed on your computer and available from the Dell Support, , icon on the taskbar or from the Start button. Use this support utility for self-support information, software updates, and health scans of your computing environment.

Accessing the Dell Support Utility

Access the Dell Support Utility from the icon on the taskbar or from the Start menu. If the Dell Support icon does not appear in your taskbar:

1. Click Start All Programs Dell Support Dell Support Settings.

2. Ensure that the Show icon on the taskbar option is checked.

NOTE: If the Dell Support Utility is not available from the Start menu, go to support.dell.com and download

the software.

The Dell Support Utility is customized for your computing environment.

The

icon in the taskbar functions differently when you click, double-click, or right-click the icon.

Clicking the Dell Support Icon

Click or right-click the icon to perform the following tasks:

Check your computing environment. View the Dell Support Utility settings. Access the help file for the Dell Support Utility. View frequently asked questions. Learn more about the Dell Support Utility. Turn the Dell Support Utility off.

Double-Clicking the Dell Support Icon

Double-click the icon to manually check your computing environment, view frequently asked questions, access the help file for the Dell Support Utility, and view Dell Support settings.

For more information about the Dell Support Utility, click the question mark (?) at the top of the Dell™ Support screen.

Back to Contents Page

Before Working on Your Computer

Dell™ Vostro™ 2510 Service Manual

Recommended Tools What You Need to Know for Your Safety

This document provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that:

You have performed the steps in Before Working on Your Computer. You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer. When replacing a component, you have already removed the original, if installed.

NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

Small flat-blade screwdriver Phillips screwdriver Small plastic scribe Flash BIOS update (see the Dell Support website at support.dell.com)

What You Need to Know for Your Safety

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

CAUTION: 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.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is

not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: 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.

NOTICE: 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 processor by its edges, not by its pins.

NOTICE: When disconnecting a cable, pull on the cable's connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself.

For cable connectors with locking tabs, press inward on the locking tabs to release the connector. When connecting a cable, ensure that the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned to avoid damage to the connector and/or the connector's pins.

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.

1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

2. Shut down your computer.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer, and then unplug it from the

network wall jack.

4. Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.

5. Remove any installed cards from the ExpressCard slot and the 8-in-1 memory card reader.

NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you

service the computer.

NOTE: 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.

In Windows XP, click Start Shutdown Shutdown.

In Windows Vista, click Start , click the arrow icon, and then click Shut Down to turn off your computer.

NOTE: Ensure that the computer is off and not in a power management mode. If you cannot shut down the

computer using the operating system, press and hold the power button for 4 seconds.

6. Turn the computer upside down.

7. Slide the battery lock to the open position.

8. Slide the battery release latch to the open position. (You may need to hold the battery release latch in the open position while removing the battery.)

9. Slide the battery out of the battery bay.

1 battery 2 battery lock 3 battery latch release

10. Turn the computer top-side up, open the display, and press the power button to ground the system board.

Back to Contents Page

Hard Drive

Dell™ Vostro™ 2510 Service Manual

Removing the Hard Drive Replacing the Hard Drive

NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives obtained from sources other than Dell.

Removing the Hard Drive

CAUTION: 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: Do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive if you remove the hard drive from the computer

while the drive is hot.

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard drive

while the computer is on or in Sleep state.

NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.

1. Follow the procedures in Before Working on Your Computer

2. Close the display and turn the computer upside down.

3. Remove the two M2.5 x 8-mm screws that secure the hard-drive compartment cover.

4. Remove the cover and set it aside.

1 hard drive cover 2 M2.5 x 8-mm screws (2)

NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store the drive in protective antistatic packaging.

5. Pull the mylar tab to release the hard drive.

6. Lift the hard drive out of the computer.

1 hard drive

Replacing the Hard Drive

CAUTION: 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.

NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.

NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the hard drive into place. Excessive force may result in damage to the

connector.

This procedure assumes that you have completed the removal procedure Removing the Hard Drive

1. Slide the hard drive into the hard drive connector until the drive is fully seated.

2. Replace the hard drive cover aligning the notches.

3. Replace the two M2.5 x 8-mm screws to secure the cover.

4. Install the operating system for your computer, as needed. For information on reinstalling the operating system, see the Setup and Quick Reference Guide for your computer on support.dell.com.

5. Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, as needed. For information on reinstalling drivers and utilities, see the Setup and Quick Reference Guide for your computer on support.dell.com.

Back to Contents Page

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Card

Dell™ Vostro™ 2510 Service Manual

Removing a WLAN Card Replacing a WLAN Card

CAUTION: 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.

Your computer supports a WLAN card. If you ordered a WLAN card with your computer, the card is already installed.

Removing a WLAN Card

1. Follow the procedures in Before Working on Your Computer.

2. Turn the computer upside down.

3. Remove the hard drive compartment cover.

4. Gently remove the tape that secures the two antenna cables on top of the WLAN card.

5. Remove the M2 x 3-mm screw that secures the WLAN card.

1 WLAN card 2 M2 x 3-mm screw (1) 3 antenna cables (2)

6. Slide the WLAN card at a 45-degree angle out of its connector.

7. Rotate each antenna cable until it is positioned away from the WLAN card and then pull gently on the cable to

disconnect it.

1 antenna cables (2) 2 WLAN card 3 system board connector

Replacing a WLAN Card

NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the card

and on the system board, and realign the card.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the WLAN card, never place cables under the card.

This procedure assumes that you have completed the removal procedure Removing a WLAN Card

1. Insert the WLAN card connector into the system board connector at a 45- degree angle.

2. Connect the antenna cables to the WLAN card that you are installing.

If the WLAN card has two triangles on the label (white and black), connect the white antenna cable to the connector labeled "main" (white triangle), and connect the black antenna cable to the connector labeled "aux" (black triangle).

If the WLAN card has three triangles on the label (white, black, and gray), connect the white antenna cable to the white triangle, connect the black antenna cable to the black triangle, and connect the gray antenna cable to the gray triangle.

3. Replace the M2 x 3-mm screw that secures the WLAN card.

4. Replace the tape that secures the two antenna cables on top of the WLAN card.

5. Replace the hard drive compartment cover.

Back to Contents Page

+ 50 hidden pages