Working on your computer
Topics:
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Before working inside your computer
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After working inside your computer
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that the following conditions exist:
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You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.
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A component can be replaced or, if purchased separately, installed by performing the removal procedure in the reverse
order.
NOTE:
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.
NOTE:
Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional
safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at
www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance
CAUTION:
Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by
your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION:
To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically
touching an unpainted metal surface that is grounded to ground yourself before you touch the computer to
perform any disassembly tasks.
CAUTION:
Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a
card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by
its pins.
CAUTION:
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some
cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking
tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending
any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and
aligned.
NOTE:
The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
Before working inside your computer
1. Ensure that your work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
2. Turn off your computer.
3. If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it.
4. Disconnect all network cables from the computer (if available).
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Working on your computer
