Cables and connectors
CAUTION:
When servicing the computer, be sure that cables are placed in their proper locations during the
reassembly process. Improper cable placement can damage the computer.
Cables must be handled with extreme care to avoid damage. Apply only the tension required to unseat or seat
the cables during removal and insertion. Handle cables by the connector whenever possible. In all cases, avoid
bending, twisting, or tearing cables. Be sure that cables are routed in such a way that they cannot be caught
or snagged by parts being removed or replaced. Handle flex cables with extreme care; these cables tear
easily.
Drive handling
CAUTION:
Drives are fragile components that must be handled with care. To prevent damage to
the computer, damage to a drive, or loss of information, observe these precautions:
Before removing or inserting a hard drive, shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer is
off or in Hibernation, turn the computer on, and then shut it down through the operating system.
Before handling a drive, be sure that you are discharged of static electricity. While handling a drive, avoid
touching the connector.
Before removing an optical drive, be sure that a disc is not in the drive and be sure that the optical drive tray is
closed.
Handle drives on surfaces covered with at least one inch of shock-proof foam.
Avoid dropping drives from any height onto any surface.
After removing a hard drive or an optical drive, place it in a static-proof bag.
Avoid exposing an internal hard drive to products that have magnetic fields, such as monitors or speakers.
Avoid exposing a drive to temperature extremes or liquids.
If a drive must be mailed, place the drive in a bubble pack mailer or other suitable form of protective
packaging and label the package “FRAGILE.”
Grounding guidelines
Electrostatic discharge damage
Electronic components are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Circuitry design and structure determine
the degree of sensitivity. Networks built into many integrated circuits provide some protection, but in many
cases, ESD contains enough power to alter device parameters or melt silicon junctions.
A discharge of static electricity from a finger or other conductor can destroy static-sensitive devices or
microcircuitry. Even if the spark is neither felt nor heard, damage may have occurred.
An electronic device exposed to ESD may not be affected at all and can work perfectly throughout a normal
cycle. Or the device may function normally for a while, then degrade in the internal layers, reducing its life
expectancy.
Grounding guidelines
25
