Alienware M18X R2 Users Manual Owner's

Dell-Alienware-M18X-R2-Early-2012-Owners-Manual-135969 dell-alienware-m18x-r2-early-2012-owners-manual-135969

M18X R2 to the manual 60659271-b7b9-4979-8e0a-7e49b2650377

: Alienware Alienware-M18X-R2-Users-Manual-506291 alienware-m18x-r2-users-manual-506291 alienware pdf

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Alienware M18x R2

Owner’s Manual

Computer model: M18x R2

Regulatory model: P12E

Regulatory type: P12E002

Book.book Page 1 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make

better use of your computer.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to

hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage,

personal injury, or death.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice.

© 2012 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission

of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Alienware® is a registered trademark of Alienware

Corporation; Dell™ is a trademark of Dell Inc.; Microsoft®,Windows®, 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 owned by

Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license.

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.

2012 - 05 Rev. A01

Book.book Page 2 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Contents | 3

Contents

1 Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Turn Off Your Computer and Connected Devices. . . . 9

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Recommended Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2 After Working Inside Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3 Removing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4 Replacing the Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

5 Removing the Base Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6Replacing the Base Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7 Removing the mSATA Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8 Replacing the mSATA Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

9 Removing the Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Book.book Page 3 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

4 | Contents

10 Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

11 Removing the Hard Drive(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

12 Replacing the Hard Drive(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

13 Removing the Center Control Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

14 Replacing the Center Control Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

15 Removing the Power-Button Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

16 Replacing the Power-Button Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

17 Removing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

18 Replacing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

19 Removing the Macro Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Book.book Page 4 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Contents | 5

20 Replacing the Macro Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

21 Removing the Memory Module(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

22 Replacing the Memory Module(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

23 Removing the Display Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

24 Replacing the Display Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

25 Removing the Palm Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

26 Replacing the Palm Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

27 Removing the Status-Light Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

28 Replacing the Status-Light Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

29 Removing the Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Book.book Page 5 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

6 | Contents

30 Replacing the Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

31 Removing the I/O Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

32 Replacing the I/O Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

33 Removing the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

34 Replacing the Optical Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

35 Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) . . . . . . . 67

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

36 Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) . . . . . . . 69

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

37 Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) . . . . . . . . . . 70

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

38 Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) . . . . . . . . . . 72

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

39 Removing the Video Card(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Book.book Page 6 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Contents | 7

40 Replacing the Video Card(s). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

41 Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan. . . . . . . . . . 76

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

42 Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan . . . . . . . . . . 77

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

43 Removing the Processor Heat-Sink. . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

44 Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink. . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

45 Removing the Processor Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

46 Replacing the Processor Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

47 Removing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

48 Replacing the System Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS . . . . . . . . . . 88

49 Removing the Wireless Mini-Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

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8 | Contents

50 Replacing the Wireless Mini-Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

51 Removing the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

52 Replacing the Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Postrequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

53 System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Entering System Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

System Setup Screens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

System Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Boot Sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

54 Flashing the BIOS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Book.book Page 8 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Before You Begin | 9

Before You Begin

Turn Off Your Computer and Connected

Devices

CAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit

all open programs before you turn off your computer.

1Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.

2Click Start and click Shut Down.

Microsoft Windows shuts down and then the computer turns off.

NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation

of your operating system for shut-down instructions.

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

4Disconnect all telephone cables, network cables, and attached devices from your

computer.

5After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for about 5

seconds to ground the system board.

Safety Instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and

ensure your personal safety.

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.

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 dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure 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.

1

Book.book Page 9 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

10 | Before You Begin

CAUTION: Only a certified service technician is authorized to remove

the computer cover and access any of the components inside the

computer. See the safety instructions for complete information

about safety precautions, working inside your computer, and

protecting against electrostatic discharge.

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, ensure that the connectors and ports 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.

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

•Phillips screwdriver

•Plastic scribe

•Small flat-blade screwdriver

Book.book Page 10 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

After Working Inside Your Computer | 11

After Working Inside Your

Computer

After you complete the replacement procedures, ensure the following:

•Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer

•Connect any external devices, cables, cards, and any other part(s) you removed

before working on your computer

•Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets

CAUTION: Before turning on your computer, replace all screws and

ensure that no stray screws remain inside the computer. Failure to do

so may damage your computer.

2

Book.book Page 11 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

12 | Removing the Battery Pack

Removing the Battery Pack

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Slide the battery latch to the unlock position. The battery pack pops up.

2Lift and slide the battery pack away from the battery bay.

1 battery pack 2 battery latch

3

1

2

Book.book Page 12 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Battery Pack | 13

Replacing the Battery Pack

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery

designed for this particular Alienware computer.

Procedure

Align the tabs on the battery with the slots on the battery bay and snap the battery into

place.

Postrequisites

Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

4

Book.book Page 13 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

14 | Removing the Base Cover

Removing the Base Cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

Procedure

1Remove the screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.

2Slide the base cover toward the back of the computer, and then lift it up to remove it

from the computer.

1 screws (4) 2 base cover

5

1

2

Book.book Page 14 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Base Cover | 15

Replacing the Base Cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the tabs on the base cover with the slots on the computer base and slide the

base cover into place.

2Replace the screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.

Postrequisites

1Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

2Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

6

Book.book Page 15 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

16 | Removing the mSATA Card

Removing the mSATA Card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

Procedure

1Remove the screw that secures the mSATA to the system board.

2Slide and remove the mSATA card off the system-board connector.

1 screw 2 mSATA card

7

1

2

Book.book Page 16 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the mSATA Card | 17

Replacing the mSATA Card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

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

connector.

2Press the other end of the mSATA card down into the slot on the system board and

replace the screw that secures the mSATA card to the system-board connector.

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

8

Book.book Page 17 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

18 | Removing the Coin-Cell Battery

Removing the Coin-Cell

Battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

The coin-cell battery may need replacing if an incorrect time or date is displayed during

the boot routine along with a message such as:

Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program

or

Invalid configuration information -

please run SETUP program

or

Strike the F1 key to continue,

F2 to run the setup utility

To determine whether you need to replace the coin-cell battery, reenter the time and date

in system setup and exit the program to save the information. Turn off your computer and

disconnect it from the electrical outlet for a few hours; then reconnect the computer, turn

it on, and enter system setup. If the date and time are not correct in system setup, replace

the coin-cell battery.

You can operate your computer without a coin-cell battery; however, without a coin-cell

battery, the configuration information is erased if the computer is turned off or

disconnected from the electrical outlet. In this case, you must enter system setup and

reset the configuration options.

WARNING: The battery may explode if installed incorrectly.

Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type.

Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS settings

to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS settings before

removing the coin-cell battery.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

9

Book.book Page 18 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Coin-Cell Battery | 19

Procedure

1Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the connector on the system board.

2Remove the coin-cell battery cable from the routing guides on the computer base.

3Pry up the coin-cell battery from the slot on the system board.

1 coin-cell battery cable connector 2 coin-cell battery

2

1

Book.book Page 19 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

20 | Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

Replacing the Coin-Cell

Battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Place the coin-cell battery into the slot and press gently to adhere it to the computer

base.

2Route the coin-cell battery cable through the routing guides on the computer base.

3Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the connector on the system board.

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

10

Book.book Page 20 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Hard Drive(s) | 21

Removing the Hard Drive(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the

computer is in Sleep or On state.

CAUTION: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when

handling the hard drive.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

Procedure

1Lift the connector latch that secures the hard-drive cable to the connector on the

system board, and then disconnect the hard-drive cable from the connector on the

system board.

2Loosen the captive screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer base.

3Using the pull-tab, lift the hard-drive assembly out of the computer base.

1 hard-drive assembly 2 captive screws (4)

3 connector latch 4 hard-drive cable

11

1

2

3

4

Book.book Page 21 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

22 | Removing the Hard Drive(s)

4Disconnect the interposer from the hard drives.

5Remove the screws that secure the hard drive(s) and slide the hard drive(s) out of

the hard-drive bracket.

1 hard drives (3) 2 interposer

1 hard-drive bracket 2 HDD 2 (SATA 2.0)

3 HDD 1 (SATA 3.0) 4 screws (12)

5 HDD 0 (SATA 3.0)

2

1

5

4

2

1

3

Book.book Page 22 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Hard Drive(s) | 25

Replacing the Hard Drive(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps

in "Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

The following table provides the drive configurations supported on your computer:

NOTE: For more information, see Specifications at support.dell.com/manuals.

Procedure

1Place the primary hard drive (HDD 0) in the hard-drive bracket.

2If applicable, slide the secondary and tertiary hard drive(s) into the hard-drive bracket.

3Replace the screws that secure the primary hard drive (HDD 0).

4If applicable, replace the screws that secure the secondary hard drive (HDD 1) and

tertiary hard drive (HDD 2) to the hard-drive bracket.

5Connect the interposer to the hard drive(s).

6Place the hard-drive assembly in the computer base.

7Tighten the captive screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the computer base.

8Slide the hard-drive cable into the connector on the system board and press down on

the connector latch to secure the cable.

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

4Install the operating system for your computer, if needed.

5Install the drivers and utilities for your computer, if needed.

Number of drives Dimensions supported Connect to

One 9.5 mm or 7.0 mm top (HDD 0) or bottom (HDD 1) connector of

the interposer

Two 9.5 mm and/or 7.0 mm top (HDD 0) and bottom (HDD 1) connectors

of the interposer

Three 7.0 mm only all the three connectors of the interposer

12

Book.book Page 25 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

26 | Removing the Center Control Cover

Removing the Center Control

Cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

Procedure

1Remove the screws that secure the center control cover to the computer base.

13

Book.book Page 26 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Center Control Cover | 27

CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing the center control

cover. The cover along with the cable that attaches to it are fragile.

2Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.

3Gently pry up the center control cover and then ease the tabs on the center control

cover out of the slots on the palm-rest assembly.

1 center control cover 2 palm-rest assembly

1

2

Book.book Page 27 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

28 | Removing the Center Control Cover

CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing and handling the

center control cover. Failure to do so could result in scratching the

display panel.

4Turn the center control cover over and place it on the palm-rest assembly.

5Lift the connector latch and disconnect the central control cover cable from the

connector on the system board.

6Remove the center control cover away from the computer.

1 center control cover cable 2 connector latch

2

1

Book.book Page 28 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Center Control Cover | 29

Replacing the Center Control

Cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Slide the central control cover cable into the connector on the system board and

press down on the connector latch to secure the cable.

2Align the tabs on the center control cover with the slots on the palm-rest assembly

and snap the center control cover into place.

3Close the display and turn the computer over.

4Replace the screws that secure the center control cover to the computer base.

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

14

Book.book Page 29 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

30 | Removing the Power-Button Board

Removing the Power-Button

Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

Procedure

1Disconnect the power-button board cable from the system-board connector.

2Remove the screws that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.

3Lift the power-button board off the palm-rest assembly.

1 power-button board 2 screws (2)

3 system-board connector

15

3

2

1

Book.book Page 30 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Power-Button Board | 31

Replacing the Power-Button

Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the screws holes on the power-button board with the screw holes on the palm-

rest assembly.

2Replace the screws that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.

3Connect the power-button board cable to the system-board connector.

Postrequisites

1Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

2Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

3Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

4Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

16

Book.book Page 31 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

32 | Removing the Keyboard

Removing the Keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

17

Book.book Page 32 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Keyboard | 33

Procedure

1Remove the screws that secure the keyboard to the computer base.

CAUTION: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged,

and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and

handling the keyboard.

CAUTION: Be extremely careful when removing and handling the

keyboard. Failure to do so could result in scratching the display panel.

1 screws (5) 2 keyboard

3tabs (7)

1

2

3

Book.book Page 33 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

34 | Removing the Keyboard

2Lift the keyboard and slide the keyboard tabs out of the slots on the palm-rest

assembly.

3Turn the keyboard over and place it on the palm-rest assembly.

4Lift the connector latches and pull the pull-tabs to disconnect the keyboard cable

and keyboard-backlight cable from the connectors on the system board.

5Lift the keyboard off the palm-rest assembly.

1 keyboard cable 2 connector latch

3 keyboard-backlight cable 4 connector latch

1

2

3

4

Book.book Page 34 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Keyboard | 35

Replacing the Keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Slide the keyboard cable and keyboard-backlight cable into their connectors on the

system board, and press down on their connector latches to secure the cables.

2Slide the tabs on the keyboard into the slots on the palm-rest assembly and lower

the keyboard into place.

3Replace the screws that secure the keyboard to the computer base.

Postrequisites

1Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

2Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

3Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

4Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

18

Book.book Page 35 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

36 | Removing the Macro Keyboard

Removing the Macro Keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

Procedure

1Remove the screw that secures the macro keyboard to the computer base.

CAUTION: The keycaps on the macro keyboard are fragile, easily

dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing

and handling the macro keyboard.

1 screw 2 macro keyboard

19

1

2

Book.book Page 36 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Macro Keyboard | 37

2Lift the macro keyboard and slide the tab on the macro-keyboard out of the slot on

the palm-rest assembly.

3Carefully turn the macro keyboard over and place it on the palm-rest assembly.

4Lift the connector latches and pull the pull-tabs to disconnect the macro-keyboard

cable and macro-keyboard backlight cable from the connectors on the system board.

5Lift the macro keyboard off the palm-rest assembly.

1 macro-keyboard cable 2 connector latch

3 macro-keyboard backlight cable

3

1

2

Book.book Page 37 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

38 | Replacing the Macro Keyboard

Replacing the Macro Keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Slide the macro-keyboard cable and macro-keyboard backlight cable into the

respective connectors on the system board, and press down on the connector

latches to secure the cables.

2Slide the tab on the macro keyboard into the slot on the palm-rest assembly and

lower the macro keyboard into place.

3Replace the screw that secures the macro keyboard to the computer base.

Postrequisites

1Replace the keyboard. See "Replacing the Keyboard" on page 35.

2Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

3Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

4Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

5Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

20

Book.book Page 38 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Memory Module(s) | 39

Removing the Memory

Module(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system

board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see Views &

Specifications at support.dell.com/manuals.

NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell or Alienware are covered under your

computer warranty.

NOTE: If you purchased a dual-core processor, your computer supports only

memory modules installed in connectors DIMM A and DIMM B.

NOTE: Your computer supports up to four memory module connectors. You can

access connectors DIMM A and DIMM B by removing the base cover at the bottom of

your computer. You can access connectors DIMM C and DIMM D by removing the

keyboard.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 7.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 7.

21

Book.book Page 39 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

40 | Removing the Memory Module(s)

Procedure

1To remove memory module(s) from connectors DIMM A and DIMM B, go to step 3.

2To remove memory module(s) from connectors DIMM C and DIMM D:

aRemove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

bRemove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory-module connector, do

not use tools to spread the memory module securing clips.

3Using your fingertips, spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-

module connector until the memory module pops up.

4Remove the memory module from the memory-module connector.

1 memory-module connector 2 securing clips (2)

3 memory module

3

2

1

Book.book Page 40 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Memory Module(s) | 41

Replacing the Memory

Module(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system

board. For information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see Views &

Specifications at support.dell.com/manuals.

NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell or Alienware are covered under your

computer warranty.

NOTE: If you purchased a dual-core processor, your computer supports only

memory modules installed in connectors DIMM A and DIMM B.

NOTE: Your computer supports up to four memory module connectors. You can

access connectors DIMM A and DIMM B by removing the base cover at the bottom of

your computer. You can access connectors DIMM C and DIMM D by removing the

keyboard.

22

Book.book Page 41 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

42 | Replacing the Memory Module(s)

Procedure

NOTE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory

module in the lower connector before you install a memory module in the upper

connector.

1Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module

connector.

2Slide the memory module firmly into the connector at a 45-degree angle and press

the memory module down until it clicks into place. If you do not hear the click,

remove the memory module and reinstall it.

3If you have replaced memory module(s) in connectors DIMM A and DIMM B, go to

Postrequisites.

4If you have replaced memory module(s) in connectors DIMM C and DIMM D:

aReplace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

bReplace the center control cover. See “Replacing the Center Control Cover” on

page 29.

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

1tab 2notch

3 memory-module connector

3

1

2

Book.book Page 42 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Display Assembly | 43

Removing the Display

Assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

Procedure

1Disconnect and peel off the video-card connector cable from the connectors on the

system board.

1 video-card connector cable

23

1

Book.book Page 43 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

44 | Removing the Display Assembly

2Pull the pull-tab to disconnect the display cable from the connector on the system

board.

3Disconnect the LED-logo board cable from the connector on the system board.

1 display-cable connector 2 LED logo-board cable

1

2

Book.book Page 44 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Display Assembly | 45

4Close the display and turn the computer over.

5Remove the screws that secure the display assembly on the computer base.

Book.book Page 45 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

46 | Removing the Display Assembly

6Disconnect the antenna cables from the connectors on the Mini-Card. See "Removing

the Wireless Mini-Card" on page 89.

7Note the routing of the antenna cables, and then remove the cables from the routing

guides on the computer base.

1 antenna cables (3) 2 Mini-Card

3 Mini-Card cable routing

3

12

Book.book Page 46 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Display Assembly | 47

8Turn the computer over and open the display.

9Note the routing of the display cable and LED-logo board cable, and then remove the

cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

10 Remove the screws, on the display hinges, that secure the display assembly to the

computer base.

11 Gently slide out the antenna cables through the slot on the computer base.

12 Move the display to a perpendicular position to the computer base, and then lift the

display assembly off the computer.

1 display assembly 2 screws (2)

1

2

Book.book Page 47 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

48 | Replacing the Display Assembly

Replacing the Display

Assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Place the display assembly in position and replace the screws, on the display hinges,

that secure the display assembly to the computer base.

2Route the display cable and LED-logo board cable through the routing guides on the

palm-rest assembly.

3Connect the display cable, video-card connector cable, and LED-logo board cable to

the respective connectors on the system board.

4Slide the Mini-Card antenna cables through the slot on the computer base.

5Close the display and turn the computer over.

6Route the Mini-Card antenna cables through the routing guides on the computer

base.

7Connect the Mini-Card antenna cables to the Mini-Card. See "Replacing the Wireless

Mini-Card" on page 91.

8Turn the computer over.

Postrequisites

1Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

2Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

3Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

4Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

5Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

6Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

24

Book.book Page 48 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Palm Rest | 49

Removing the Palm Rest

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove any installed card or blank from the Media-Card Reader.

2Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

3Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

4Remove the hard drive. See “Removing the Hard Drive(s)” on page 21.

5Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

6Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

7Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

8Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

25

Book.book Page 49 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

50 | Removing the Palm Rest

Procedure

1Disconnect the power-button board cable, status-light board cable, speaker-LED

board cable, and touchpad cable from the connectors on the system board.

1 power-button board cable

connector

2 status-light board cable

connector

3 speaker-LED board cable 4 touchpad cable connector

1

234

Book.book Page 50 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Palm Rest | 51

2Turn the computer over.

3Remove the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base.

Book.book Page 51 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

52 | Removing the Palm Rest

4Turn the computer over.

5Remove the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base.

6Carefully pry out the palm-rest assembly from the two tabs along the rear edge of the

computer, and then ease the palm-rest assembly from the computer base.

CAUTION: Carefully separate the palmrest from the computer base

to avoid damage to the palmrest.

7Lift the palm-rest assembly off the computer base.

8Remove the status-light board. See "Removing the Status-Light Board" on page 54.

1 screws (3) 2 palm-rest assembly

1 2

Book.book Page 52 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Palm Rest | 53

Replacing the Palm Rest

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Replace the status-light board. See "Replacing the Status-Light Board" on page 56.

2Align the palm-rest assembly with the computer base and gently snap the palm-rest

assembly into place.

3Replace the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the computer base.

4Connect the power-button board cable, status-light board cable, speaker-LED board

cable, and touchpad cable to the respective connectors on the system board.

5Turn the computer over and replace the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly

to the computer base.

Postrequisites

1Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

2Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

3Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

4Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

5Replace the hard drive(s). See “Replacing the Hard Drive(s)” on page 25.

6Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

7Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

8Replace any card or blank that you removed from the Media-Card Reader.

9Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

26

Book.book Page 53 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

54 | Removing the Status-Light Board

Removing the Status-Light

Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

6Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

7Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

Procedure

1Note the routing of status-light board cable and remove the cable from the routing

guides.

1 status-light board cable routing 2 status-light board

27

1

2

Book.book Page 54 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Status-Light Board | 55

2Remove the screw that secures the status-light board to the palm-rest assembly.

3Lift the status-light board off the palmrest.

1screw

1

Book.book Page 55 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

56 | Replacing the Status-Light Board

Replacing the Status-Light

Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the slots on the status-light board with the alignment posts on the palm-rest

assembly and secure the status-light board in place.

2Replace the screw that secures the status-light board to the palm-rest assembly.

3Route the status-light board cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest

assembly.

Postrequisites

1Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

2Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

3Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

4Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

5Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

6Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

7Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

8Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

28

Book.book Page 56 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Speakers | 57

Removing the Speakers

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

6Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

7Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

29

Book.book Page 57 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

58 | Removing the Speakers

Procedure

1Disconnect the speakers cable from the connector on the system board.

2Note the speakers cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guides on the

computer base.

3Remove the screws that secure the speakers to the computer base.

4Lift the speakers, along with the speaker cable, off the computer base.

1 speakers-cable connector 2 screws (4)

3 speakers (2) 4 speakers-cable routing

1

2

3

4

Book.book Page 58 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Speakers | 59

Replacing the Speakers

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the screw holes on the speakers with the screw holes on the computer base

and replace the screws that secure the speakers to the computer base.

2Route the speakers cable through the routing guides on the computer base and then

connect the speakers cable to the connector on the system board.

Postrequisites

1Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

2Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

3Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

4Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

5Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

6Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

7Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

8Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

30

Book.book Page 59 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

60 | Removing the I/O Board

Removing the I/O Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove any installed card or blank from the Media-Card Reader.

2Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

3Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

4Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

5Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

6Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

7Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

8Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

31

Book.book Page 60 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the I/O Board | 61

Procedure

1Lift the connector latch and disconnect the I/O board cable from the connector on

the system board.

2Remove the screws that secure the I/O board to the computer base.

3Gently lift the I/O board and ease the connectors on the I/O board out of the slots on

the computer base.

1 I/O board cable connector 2 screws (5)

3 I/O board

2

1

3

Book.book Page 61 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

62 | Replacing the I/O Board

Replacing the I/O Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the connectors on the I/O board with the slots on the computer base and gently

press down on the I/O board.

2Replace the screws that secure the I/O board to the computer base.

3Slide the I/O board cable into the connector on the system board and press down on

the connector latch to secure the cable.

Postrequisites

1Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

2Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

3Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

4Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

5Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

6Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

7Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

8Replace any cards or blank that you removed from the Media-Card Reader.

9Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

32

Book.book Page 62 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Optical Drive | 63

Removing the Optical Drive

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

6Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

7Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

8Remove the I/O board. See “Removing the I/O Board” on page 60.

33

Book.book Page 63 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

64 | Removing the Optical Drive

Procedure

1Lift the connector latch and disconnect the optical-drive cable from the connector on

the system board, and then gently peel off the optical-drive cable from the computer

base.

2Remove the screws that secure the optical-drive assembly to the computer base.

1 optical drive 2 screws (3)

3 optical-drive cable connector

2

1

3

Book.book Page 64 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Optical Drive | 65

3Lift the optical-drive assembly off the computer base.

4Remove the screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.

5Remove the optical-drive bracket from the optical drive.

6Remove the interposer from the optical drive.

1 screws (5) 2 optical-drive bracket

1interposer

1

2

1

Book.book Page 65 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

66 | Replacing the Optical Drive

Replacing the Optical Drive

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Connect the interposer to the optical drive.

2Align the screw holes on the optical-drive bracket with the screw holes on the optical

drive and replace the screws that secure the optical-drive bracket to the optical

drive.

3Align the slot on the optical-drive bracket with the alignment posts on computer

base and place the optical-drive assembly in the computer base.

4Replace the screws that secure the optical-drive assembly to the computer base.

5Adhere the optical-drive cable to the computer base, slide the cable into the

connector on the system board, and press down on the connector latch to secure the

cable.

Postrequisites

1Replace the I/O board. See “Replacing the I/O Board” on page 62.

2Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

3Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

4Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

5Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

6Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

7Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

8Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

9Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

34

Book.book Page 66 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) | 67

Removing the Video-Card

Heat-Sink Fan(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

Procedure

1Disconnect the primary video-card heat-sink fan cable from the connector on the

system board.

2Remove the primary video-card heat-sink fan cable from the routing guides on the

computer base.

3Loosen the captive screws that secure the primary video-card heat-sink fan to the

computer base.

1 primary video-card heat-sink fan 2 captive screws (4)

3 primary video-card heat-sink

fan cable connector

35

1

2

3

Book.book Page 67 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

68 | Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s)

4Disconnect the secondary video-card heat-sink fan cable from the connector on the

system board.

5Loosen the captive screws that secure the secondary video-card heat-sink fan to the

computer base.

6Lift the video-card heat-sink fan(s) along with the cable away from the computer

base.

1 secondary video-card heat-sink fan

cable connector

2 secondary video-card

heat-sink fan

3 captive screws (3)

1

2

3

Book.book Page 68 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s) | 69

Replacing the Video-Card

Heat-Sink Fan(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the screw holes on the video-card heat-sink fan(s) with the screw holes on the

computer base.

2Tighten the captive screws that secure the secondary video-card heat-sink fan to the

computer base.

3Tighten the captive screws that secure the primary video-card heat-sink fan to the

computer base.

4Route the primary video-card heat-sink fan cable through the routing guides on the

computer base.

5Connect the primary video-card heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the system

board.

6Connect the secondary video-card heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the

system board.

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

36

Book.book Page 69 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

70 | Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)

Removing the Video-Card

Heat-Sink(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

6Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

7Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

Procedure

1Loosen the captive screws that secure the primary video-card heat-sink to the

computer base.

2Loosen the captive screws that secure the secondary video-card heat-sink to the

computer base.

3Lift the video-card heat-sink(s) off the video card(s).

37

Book.book Page 70 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s) | 71

Primary video-card heat-sink

Secondary video-card heat-sink

1 primary video-card heat-sink 2 captive screws (4)

1 captive screws (4) 2 secondary video-card heat-sink

1

2

2

1

Book.book Page 71 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

72 | Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)

Replacing the Video-Card

Heat-Sink(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the screw holes on the video-card heat-sink(s) with the screw holes on the

computer base.

2Tighten the captive screws that secure the primary video-card heat-sink to the

computer base.

3Tighten the captive screws that secure the secondary video-card heat-sink to the

computer base.

Postrequisites

1Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

2Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

3Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

4Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

5Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

6Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

7Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

8Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

38

Book.book Page 72 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Video Card(s) | 73

Removing the Video Card(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

6Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

7Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

8Remove the video-card heat-sink(s). See "Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)" on

page 70.

Procedure

1Remove the screws that secure the video-card(s) to the system board.

2Lift and slide the video-card(s) out to disconnect it from the connector on the system

board.

39

Book.book Page 73 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

74 | Removing the Video Card(s)

Primay Video Card

Secondary Video Card

1 screw (2) 2 primary video-card

1 secondary video card 2 screws (2)

1

2

1

2

Book.book Page 74 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Video Card(s) | 75

Replacing the Video Card(s)

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Insert the video card connector at a 45-degree angle into the connector on the

system board.

2Press the other end of the video-card down into the slot on the system board and

replace the screws that secure the video-card(s) to the system board.

Postrequisites

1Replace the video card heat-sink(s). See "Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)" on

page 72.

2Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

3Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

4Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

5Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

6Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

7Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

8Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

9Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

40

Book.book Page 75 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

76 | Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan

Removing the Processor

Heat-Sink Fan

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 7.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 7.

Procedure

1Disconnect the processor heat-sink fan cable from the connector on the system

board.

2Loosen the captive screws that secure the processor heat-sink fan to the computer

base.

3Lift the processor heat-sink fan along with the cable away from the computer base.

1 processor heat-sink fan cable

connector

2 processor heat-sink fan

3 captive screws (3)

41

2

1

3

Book.book Page 76 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan | 77

Replacing the Processor

Heat-Sink Fan

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the screw holes on the processor heat-sink fan with the screw holes on the

computer base.

2Tighten the captive screws that secure the processor heat-sink fan to the computer

base.

3Connect the processor heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the system board.

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

42

Book.book Page 77 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

78 | Removing the Processor Heat-Sink

Removing the Processor

Heat-Sink

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

6Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

7Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

43

Book.book Page 78 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Processor Heat-Sink | 79

Procedure

1In sequential order (indicated on the processor heat-sink), loosen the captive screws

that secure the processor heat-sink to the system board.

2Carefully lift the processor heat-sink out of the computer base.

1 captive screws (4) 2 processor heat-sink

1

2

Book.book Page 79 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

80 | Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink

Replacing the Processor

Heat-Sink

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the processor heat-sink can

damage the processor.

NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original processor heat-sink

is reinstalled. If the processor heat-sink is replaced, use the thermal grease provided

in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

Procedure

Align the captive screws on the processor heat-sink with the screw holes on the system

board and tighten the screws in sequential order (indicated on the processor heat-sink).

Postrequisites

1Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

2Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

3Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

4Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

5Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

6Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

7Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

8Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

44

Book.book Page 80 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Processor Module | 81

Removing the Processor

Module

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Processors are extremely fragile. Handle the processor

only by the edges and do not touch the metal pins.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

3Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

4Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

5Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

6Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

7Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

8Remove the processor heat-sink. See "Removing the Processor Heat-Sink" on

page 78.

45

Book.book Page 81 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

82 | Removing the Processor Module

Procedure

1To loosen the ZIF socket, use a small, flat-blade screwdriver to rotate the ZIF-socket

cam screw counterclockwise until it comes to the cam stop.

CAUTION: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor module, do

not touch the heat-transfer areas on the processor thermal cooling

assembly. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability

of the thermal pads.

CAUTION: When removing the processor module, lift the module

straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor module.

2Lift the processor module from the ZIF socket.

1 ZIF socket 2 ZIF-socket cam screw

2

1

Book.book Page 82 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Processor Module | 83

Replacing the Processor

Module

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: If a new processor module is installed, you will receive a new processor heat-

sink assembly, which will include an affixed thermal pad, or you will receive a new

thermal pad along with documentation to illustrate proper installation.

Procedure

1Align the pin-1 corner of the processor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket,

then place the processor module.

NOTE: The pin-1 corner of the processor module has a triangle that aligns with the

triangle on the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket.

When the processor module is properly seated, all four corners are aligned at the

same height. If one or more corners of the module are higher than the others, the

module is not seated properly.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the processor module, hold the

screwdriver perpendicular to the processor module when turning the

cam screw.

2Tighten the ZIF socket by turning the cam screw clockwise to secure the processor

module to the system board.

Postrequisites

1Replace the processor heat-sink. See ."Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink" on

page 80.

2Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

3Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

4Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

5Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

6Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

7Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

8Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

9Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

46

Book.book Page 83 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

84 | Removing the System Board

Removing the System Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter

the Service Tag in the BIOS after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location of

the connectors so that you can reconnect them correctly after you replace the

system board.

Prerequisites

1Remove any installed card or blank from the Media-Card Reader.

2Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 7.

3Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 7.

4Remove the hard drive(s). See "Removing the Hard Drive(s)" on page 21.

5Remove the coin-cell battery. See "Removing the Coin-Cell Battery" on page 18.

6Remove the video-card heat-sink fan(s). See "Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink

Fan(s)" on page 67.

7Remove the video-card heat-sink(s).

See “Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)” on page 70.

8Remove the video card(s). See “Removing the Video Card(s)” on page 73.

9Remove the processor heat-sink fan. See "Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan" on

page 76.

10 Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

11 Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

12 Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

13 Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

14 Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

15 Remove the memory modules. See "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 39.

16 Remove the mSATA card. See "Removing the mSATA Card" on page 16.

17 Remove the wireless Mini-Card. See "Removing the Wireless Mini-Card" on page 89.

18 Remove the processor heat-sink. See "Removing the Processor Heat-Sink" on

page 78.

19 Remove the processor module. See "Removing the Processor Module" on page 81.

47

Book.book Page 84 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the System Board | 85

Procedure

1Disconnect the speaker cable and the subwoofer cable from the connectors on the

system board.

2Lift the connector latch and disconnect the optical-drive cable from the connector on

the system board.

1 speaker-cable connector 2 subwoofer-cable connector

3 optical-drive cable connector

1

2

3

Book.book Page 85 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

86 | Removing the System Board

3Remove the screws that secure the system board to the computer base.

4Carefully ease the connectors on the system board out of the slots in the computer

base and lift the system board off the computer base.

1 screws (11) 2 system board

1

2

Book.book Page 86 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the System Board | 87

Replacing the System Board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the connectors on the system board with the slots on the computer base and

place the system board on the computer base.

2Replace the screws that secure the system board to the computer base.

3Connect the speaker cable and the subwoofer cable to the connectors on the system

board.

4Slide the optical-drive cable into the connector on the system board and press down

on the connector latch to secure the cable.

Postrequisites

1Replace the processor module. See "Replacing the Processor Module" on page 83.

2Replace the processor heat-sink. See "Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink" on

page 80.

3Replace the wireless Mini-Card. See "Replacing the Wireless Mini-Card" on page 91.

4Replace the mSATA card. See "Replacing the mSATA Card" on page 17.

5Replace the memory module(s). See "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 41.

6Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

7Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

8Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

9Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

10 Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

11 Replace the processor heat-sink fan. See "Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan" on

page 77.

12 Replace the video card(s). See “Replacing the Video Card(s)” on page 75.

13 Replace the video-card heat-sink(s).

See “Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)” on page 72.

14 Replace the video-card heat-sink fan(s). See "Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink

Fan(s)" on page 69.

15 Replace the coin-cell battery. See "Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery" on page 20.

48

Book.book Page 87 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

88 | Replacing the System Board

16 Replace the hard drive(s). See "Replacing the Hard Drive(s)" on page 25.

17 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

18 Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

19 Replace any installed card or blank from the Media-Card Reader.

20 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

Entering the Service Tag in the BIOS

1Turn on the computer.

2Press <F2> during POST to enter the system setup program.

3Navigate to the main tab and enter the service tag in the Service Tag Setting

field.

Book.book Page 88 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Wireless Mini-Card | 89

Removing the Wireless

Mini-Card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for wireless

Mini-Cards from sources other than Dell.

If you ordered a wireless Mini-Card with your computer, the card is already installed.

Your computer has one half Mini-Card slot which supports a Wireless Local Area Network

(WLAN) + Bluetooth combo card.

Prerequisites

1Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 12.

2Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 14.

Procedure

1Disconnect the antenna cables from the connectors on the wireless Mini-Card.

1 wireless Mini-Card 2 antenna cables (3)

49

1

2

Book.book Page 89 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

90 | Removing the Wireless Mini-Card

2Remove the screw that secures the wireless Mini-Card to the system board.

3Lift the wireless Mini-Card out of the connector on the system board.

1 screw 2 wireless Mini-Card

1

2

Book.book Page 90 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Wireless Mini-Card | 91

Replacing the Wireless

Mini-Card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the notch on the wireless Mini-Card with the tab on the

system-board connector.

CAUTION: Use firm and even pressure to slide the wireless Mini-Card

into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector.

CAUTION: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If

you feel resistance, check the connectors on the wireless Mini-Card

and on the system board, and realign the wireless Mini-Card.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless Mini-Card, never place

cables under the wireless Mini-Card.

2Insert the wireless Mini-Card connector at a 45-degree angle into the

system-board connector.

3Press the other end of the wireless Mini-Card down into the slot on the system board

and replace the screws that secure the wireless Mini-Card to the system board.

4Connect the antenna cables to the connectors on the wireless Mini-Card.

The following table provides the antenna cable color scheme for the wireless Mini-

Card supported by your computer.

Connectors on the wireless

Mini-Card

Antenna Cable Color

Scheme

WLAN + Bluetooth (2 or 3 cables)

Main WLAN + Bluetooth (white triangle)

Auxiliary WLAN + Bluetooth (black

triangle)

Auxiliary WLAN + Bluetooth (black

triangle)

white

black

grey

50

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92 | Replacing the Wireless Mini-Card

Postrequisites

1Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

2Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

3Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

Book.book Page 92 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Removing the Subwoofer | 93

Removing the Subwoofer

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at

dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1Remove any installed card or blank from the Media-Card Reader.

2Remove the battery pack. See "Removing the Battery Pack" on page 7.

3Remove the base cover. See "Removing the Base Cover" on page 7.

4Remove the hard drive(s). See "Removing the Hard Drive(s)" on page 21.

5Remove the coin-cell battery. See "Removing the Coin-Cell Battery" on page 18.

6Disconnect the video-card heat-sink fan(s) cable from the connector on the system

board. See “Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s)” on page 67.

7Disconnect the processor heat-sink fan cable from the connector on the system

board. See “Removing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan” on page 76.

8Remove the video-card heat-sink(s).

See “Removing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)” on page 70.

9Remove the video card(s). See “Removing the Video Card(s)” on page 73.

10 Remove the center control cover. See "Removing the Center Control Cover" on

page 26.

11 Remove the keyboard. See "Removing the Keyboard" on page 32.

12 Remove the macro keyboard. See "Removing the Macro Keyboard" on page 36.

13 Remove the display assembly. See “Removing the Display Assembly” on page 43.

14 Follow the instructions from step 1 to step 7 in Removing the Palm Rest.

15 Remove the memory modules. See "Removing the Memory Module(s)" on page 39.

16 Remove the mSATA card. See "Removing the mSATA Card" on page 16.

17 Remove the wireless Mini-Card. See "Removing the Wireless Mini-Card" on page 89.

18 Remove the processor heat-sink. See "Removing the Processor Heat-Sink" on

page 78.

19 Remove the processor module. See "Removing the Processor Module" on page 81.

20 Remove the system board. See "Removing the System Board" on page 84.

51

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94 | Removing the Subwoofer

Procedure

1Remove the screws that secure the subwoofer to the computer base.

2Lift the subwoofer along with the cable off the computer base.

1 screws (2) 2 subwoofer

1

2

Book.book Page 94 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Replacing the Subwoofer | 95

Replacing the Subwoofer

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety

information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in

"Before You Begin" on page 9. For additional safety best practices

information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at dell.com/

regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1Align the screw holes on the subwoofer with the screw holes on the computer base.

2Replace the screws that secure the subwoofer to the computer base.

Postrequisites

1Replace the system board. See "Replacing the System Board" on page 87.

2Replace the processor module. See "Replacing the Processor Module" on page 83.

3Replace the processor heat-sink. See "Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink" on

page 80.

4Replace the wireless Mini-Card. See "Replacing the Wireless Mini-Card" on page 91.

5Replace the mSATA card. See "Replacing the mSATA Card" on page 17.

6Replace the memory module(s). See "Replacing the Memory Module(s)" on page 41.

7Follow the instructions from step 2 to step 5 in Replacing the Palm Rest.

8Replace the dispaly assembly. See “Replacing the Display Assembly” on page 48.

9Replace the macro keyboard. See “Replacing the Macro Keyboard” on page 38.

10 Replace the keyboard. See “Replacing the Keyboard” on page 35.

11 Replace the center control cover. See "Replacing the Center Control Cover" on

page 29.

12 Replace the video card(s). See “Replacing the Video Card(s)” on page 75.

13 Replace the video-card heat-sink(s).

See “Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink(s)” on page 72.

14 Connect the processor heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the system board. See

"Replacing the Processor Heat-Sink Fan" on page 77.

15 Connect the video card heat-sink fan cable to the connector on the system board.

See "Replacing the Video-Card Heat-Sink Fan(s)" on page 69.

52

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96 | Replacing the Subwoofer

16 Replace the coin-cell battery. See "Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery" on page 20.

17 Replace the hard drive(s). See "Replacing the Hard Drive(s)" on page 25.

18 Replace the base cover. See "Replacing the Base Cover" on page 15.

19 Replace the battery pack. See "Replacing the Battery Pack" on page 13.

20 Replace any installed card or blank from the Media-Card Reader.

21 Follow the instructions in "After Working Inside Your Computer" on page 11.

Book.book Page 96 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

System Setup | 97

System Setup

Overview

Use the system setup to:

•Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount

of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on

•Change the system configuration information

•Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive

installed, enabling or disabling base devices, and so on

CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change

the settings for this program. Certain changes can make your

computer work incorrectly.

NOTE: Before you change system setup, it is recommended that you write down

the system setup screen information for future reference.

Entering System Setup

1Turn on (or restart) your computer.

2During POST, when the DELL logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear and

then press <F2> immediately.

NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This prompt

can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press <F2>. If you

press <F2> before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait too long and

the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft

Windows desktop. Then, turn off your computer and try again. See "Turn Off Your

Computer and Connected Devices" on page 9.

53

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98 | System Setup

System Setup Screens

The system setup screen displays current or changeable configuration information for

your computer. Information on the screen is divided into three areas: the setup item,

active help screen, and key functions.

System Setup Options

NOTE: Depending on your computer and installed devices, the items listed in this

section may appear, or may not appear exactly as listed.

Setup Item — This field appears

on the left side of the system setup

window. The field is a scrollable list

containing features that define the

configuration of your computer,

including installed hardware, power

conservation, and security features.

Scroll up and down the list with the

up- and down-arrow keys. As an

option is highlighted, the Help

Screen displays more

information about that option and

available settings.

Help Screen — This field appears on the right

side of the system setup window and contains

information about each option listed in the

Setup Item. In this field you can view

information about your computer and make

changes to your current settings.

Press the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight an

option. Press <Enter> to make that selection

active and return to the Setup Item.

NOTE: Not all settings listed in the Setup

Item are changeable.

Key Functions — This field appears below the Help Screen and lists keys and

their functions within the active system setup field.

Main Menu

System Time (hh:mm:ss) Displays the system time.

System Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Displays the system date.

Alienware Displays the model number of your computer.

Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of your computer.

BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version.

EC Version Displays the EC firmware version.

ME Version Diplays the Intel ME firmware version.

CPU Displays the type of processor installed.

CPU Frequency Displays the speed of the processor.

CPU L3 Cache Displays the processor cache size.

CPUID Displays the ID of the processor.

Integrated Graphics Displays the integrated graphics.

Book.book Page 98 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

System Setup | 99

Discrete Graphics Displays the discrete graphics.

Total Memory Displays the total memory available in your

computer.

Memory Bank 0 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM A.

Memory Bank 1 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM B.

Memory Bank 2 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM C.

Memory Bank 3 Displays the memory size installed in DIMM D.

Advanced Menu

Intel SpeedStep Allows you to enable or disable the Intel

SpeedStep technology. Disabling this feature

may improve performance, but will greatly reduce

battery life.

Virtualization Allows you to enable or disable the Intel

Virtualization technology.

USB Emulation Allows you to enable or disable the USB

emulation feature. This feature defines how the

BIOS, in the absence of a USB-aware operating

system, handles USB devices. USB emulation is

always enabled during POST.

NOTE: You cannot boot any type of USB device

(floppy, hard drive, or memory key) when this

option is disabled.

USB Wake Support Allows you to enable USB devices to wake the

computer from standby or to disable the USB

wake support feature.

NOTE: If USB Powershare is enabled, a device

connected to the USB Powershare connector may

not wake the computer.

USB Power Share Allows you to charge USB devices when the

computer is turned off or in standby mode.

•AC Only: Charge USB devices when

connected to the AC adapter only.

•AC and Battery: Charge USB devices when

connected to AC adapter and when the

computer is running on battery.

•Disabled: Disables USB Powershare.

Main Menu (Continued)

Book.book Page 99 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

100 | System Setup

Integrated Network Allows you to enable or disable the on-board LAN

controller.

•Disabled: Internal LAN is disabled and is not

visible to the operating system.

•Enabled: Internal LAN is enabled.

High Definition Audio Allows you to enable or disable the internal high

definition audio device.

•Disabled: The internal audio device is disabled

and is not visible to the operating system.

•Enabled: The internal audio device is enabled.

SD Card Reader Allows you to enable or disable the internal SD

card reader.

CPU Turbo Mode Allows you to enable or disable the Intel CPU

turbo mode performance option.

Performance Options Allows you to configure fields in the Performance

Options sub-menu. For more information, see

"Advanced Menu—Performance Options" on page

123.

SATA Operation Allows you to configure the operating mode of the

integrated SATA hard drive controller.

•AHCI: SATA is configured for AHCI mode.

•RAID: SATA is configured for RAID mode.

SATA HARD DRIVE 1 Displays the installed primary SATA hard drive

model.

SATA HARD DRIVE 2 Displays the installed secondary SATA hard drive

model.

Adapter Warnings •Allows you to choose if the computer should

display warning messages when you use AC

adapters that are not supported by your

computer.

•Enabled: BIOS will detect unsupported AC

adapters and display an error on the screen.

Charger Behavior Allows you to enable or disable battery charging.

Primary Display Allows you to choose a primary display.

Advanced Menu (Continued)

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System Setup | 101

Advanced Menu—Performance Options

Allows you to enable or disable the global

overclocking feature.

•Disabled: The overclocking feature is

disabled.

•Enabled: Displays additional overclocking

options.

Non-Turbo Flex Support Allows you to modify the CPU flex ratio with

Turbo Mode disabled.

Flex Ratio Override Appears when Non-Turbo Flex is enabled and

allows you to specify the flex ratio for all CPU

cores.

Extreme Edition Allows Extreme Edition CPUs to adjust the flex

ratio in a Turbo Mode environment that allows

each individual core ratio to be modified.

Extreme Edition Core Ratio

Limits

Allows you to modify the flex ratio of individual

cores physically present in the CPU.

Memory Override Support Allows you to enable or disable the memory

override option support.

•Disabled: The memory override support is

disabled.

•Enabled: Displays additional memory override

support options.

Memory Voltage Allows you to modify memory voltage.

Memory Frequency Allows you to modify memory frequency.

DIMM Profile (XMP) Allows you to configure different XMP options.

Override Turbo Settings Allows you to override CPU Turbo Mode settings.

Long Duration PWR Limit Allows you to specify the Turbo Mode power limit

1 in Watts.

Indicates the time window over which TDP value

should be maintained. A value of 0 programs this

value to the fused limit.

Short Duration PWR Limit Power Limit 1 time value in seconds.

Short Duration Turbo Mode Power Limit 2 value in Watts.

PWR Limit A value of 0 programs this value to 1.25 x TDP.

Book.book Page 101 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

102 | System Setup

Wireless Menu

Bluetooth Allows you to enable or disable the internal

Bluetooth device.

•Disabled: The internal Bluetooth device is

disabled and is not visible to the operating

system.

•Enabled: The internal Bluetooth device is

enabled.

Wireless Network Allows you to enable or disable the internal

wireless device.

•Disabled: The internal wireless device is

disabled and is not visible to the operating

system.

•Enabled: The internal wireless device is

enabled.

DMC Allows you to enable or disable the internal DMC

device.

Wireless Switch/Hotkey Allows you to disable all internal wireless devices.

Security Menu

Supervisor Password Displays if the supervisor password is clear or set.

User Password Displays if the user password is clear or set.

Set Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer when

the Service Tag is present.

Displays a field to input the Service Tag manually

when the Service Tag is absent.

Set Supervisor Password Allows you to set the supervisor password. The

supervisor password controls access to the

system setup utility.

Set User Password Allows you to set the user password. The user

password controls access to the computer at

boot.

Computrace Allows you to enable or disable Computrace

security feature.

Book.book Page 102 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

System Setup | 103

Boot Sequence

This feature allows you to change the boot sequence for devices.

Boot Options

•Diskette Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy drive. If no

operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.

•Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no

operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.

•CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the optical drive. If

no disc is in the drive, or if the disc is not bootable, the computer generates an error

message.

Boot Menu

Use the up- or down-arrow keys to change the boot device priority. You can choose from:

Hard Drive

USB Storage

CD/DVD/BD

Removal Devices

Network

Exit Menu

Exit Saving Changes Allows you to exit System Setup and save your

changes.

Save Change Without Exit Allows you to remain in System Setup and save

your changes.

Exit Discarding Changes Allows you to exit System Setup and load

previous values for all Setup items.

Load Optimal Defaults Allows you to load default values for all Setup

items.

Discard Changes Allows you to load previous values for all Setup

items.

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104 | System Setup

•USB Storage Device — Insert the memory device into a USB connector and

restart the computer. When F12 Boot Options appears in the lower-right corner

of the screen, press <F12>. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash

option to the boot menu.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that

your device is bootable, check the device documentation.

•Network — The computer attempts to boot from the network. If no operating

system is found on the network, the computer generates an error message.

Changing Boot Sequence for the Current Boot

You can use this feature to change the current boot sequence, for example, to boot from

the optical drive to run Dell Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities disc. The previous

boot sequence is restored at the next boot.

1If you are booting from a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB port.

2Turn on (or restart) your computer.

3When F2 Setup, F12 Boot Options appears in the lower-right corner of the

screen, press <F12>.

NOTE: 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.

The Boot Device Menu appears, listing all available boot devices.

4On the Boot Device Menu choose the device you want to boot from.

For example, if you are booting to a USB memory key, highlight USB Storage

Device and press <Enter>.

Changing Boot Sequence for Future Boots

1Enter system setup. See "Entering System Setup" on page 97.

2Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press <Enter> to access

the menu.

NOTE: Write down your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.

3Press the up- and down-arrow keys to move through the list of devices.

4Press plus (+) or minus (–) to change the boot priority of the device.

Book.book Page 104 Thursday, June 7, 2012 3:01 PM

Flashing the BIOS | 105

Flashing the BIOS

The BIOS may require flashing when an update is available or when replacing the system

board. To flash the BIOS:

1Turn on the computer.

2Go to support.dell.com/support/downloads.

3Locate the BIOS update file for your computer:

NOTE: The Service Tag for your computer is located on a label at the bottom of

your computer. For more information, see the Quick Start Guide that shipped

with your computer.

If you have your computer’s Service Tag or Express Service Code:

aEnter your computer’s Service Tag or Express Service Code in the Service Tag

or Express Service Code field.

bClick Submit and proceed to step 4.

If you do not have your computer’s Service Tag or Express Service Code:

aSelect one of the following options:

•Automatically detect my Service Tag for me

•Choose from My Products and Services List

•Choose from a list of all Dell products

bClick Continue and follow the instructions on the screen.

4A list of results appears on the screen. Click BIOS.

5Click Download File to download the latest BIOS file.

6In the Please select your download method below window, click For

Single File Download via Browser, and then click Download Now.

7In the Save As window, select an appropriate location to download the file on your

computer.

8If the Download Complete window appears, click Close.

9Navigate to the folder where you downloaded the BIOS update file. The file icon

appears in the folder and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file.

10 Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions that appear on the

screen.

54

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