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Alienware m17 R3
Service Manual

Regulatory Model: P45E

Regulatory Type: P45E001

June 2020

Rev. A00

Summary of Contents for Alienware m17 R3

Page 1: ...Alienware m17 R3 Service Manual Regulatory Model P45E Regulatory Type P45E001 June 2020 Rev A00 ...

Page 2: ...ential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem WARNING A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage personal injury or death 2020 Dell Inc or its subsidiaries All rights reserved Dell EMC and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc or its subsidiaries Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners ...

Page 3: ...M 2 slot two 19 Removing the 2280 solid state drive from the M 2 slot two 19 Installing the 2280 solid state drive from the M 2 slot two 20 Removing the 2230 solid state drive from the M 2 slot two 21 Installing the 2230 solid state drive from the M 2 slot two 22 Solid state drive M 2 slot three 23 Removing the 2230 solid state drive from the M 2 slot three 23 Installing the 2230 solid state drive...

Page 4: ... assembly 57 Keyboard 58 Removing the keyboard 58 Installing the keyboard 60 Palmrest 62 Removing the palm rest 62 Installing the palm rest 63 Chapter 3 Drivers and downloads 65 Chapter 4 System setup 66 Entering BIOS setup program 66 Navigation keys 66 One time boot menu 66 System setup options 67 Main 67 Advanced 67 Security 69 Secure boot 71 Secure boot 72 Updating the BIOS in Windows 72 Updati...

Page 5: ...Recovering the operating system 77 System diagnostic lights 77 Flea power release 78 WiFi power cycle 78 Chapter 6 Getting help 79 Contacting Dell 79 5 ...

Page 6: ...ources before opening the computer cover or panels After you finish working inside the computer replace all covers panels and screws before connecting your computer to an electrical outlet CAUTION To avoid damaging the computer ensure that the work surface is flat dry and clean CAUTION To avoid damaging the components and cards handle them by their edges and avoid touching the pins and the contact...

Page 7: ...ce kit The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit Each Field Service kit includes three main components anti static mat wrist strap and bonding wire Components of an ESD field service kit The components of an ESD field service kit are Anti Static Mat The anti static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures When using an anti static mat...

Page 8: ...chnicians keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti static bags for transporting sensitive components Transporting sensitive components When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell it is critical to place these parts in anti static bags for safe transport Lifting equipment Adhere to...

Page 9: ...ew color may vary with the configuration ordered Table 1 Screw list Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Base cover Palm rest assembly M2 5x9 2 M 2 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot three Palm rest assembly M2x3 2 M 2 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one or M 2 slot two M 2 2230 mounting bracket M2x3 1 per M 2 2230 solid state drive M 2 2230 mounting bracket in M 2 slot one or M...

Page 10: ...ket Palm rest assembly M2x4 5 3 Touchpad Palm rest assembly M2x2 5 4 Power adapter port bracket Palm rest assembly M2x3 2 Power button assembly Palm rest assembly M2x1 9 2 Keyboard controller board Palm rest assembly M2x1 9 2 Keyboard bracket Keyboard M1 2x2 1 10 Keyboard Palm rest assembly M1 2x1 6 28 Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside...

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Page 12: ...ssembly 6 Disconnect the battery from the system board NOTE Disconnect the battery cable only when you are continuing to remove other components from your computer 7 Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power Installing the base cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation pr...

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Page 14: ...mbly Next steps 1 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Solid state drive M 2 slot one Removing the 2280 solid state drive from the M 2 slot one Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover About this task NOTE This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2280 solid state drive installed in M 2 slot one NOTE Dep...

Page 15: ... 2 slot one Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task NOTE This procedure applies if you are installing a 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one NOTE Depending on the configuration ordered your computer may support either 2230 solid state drive or 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one NOTE A thermal sh...

Page 16: ...sembly Next steps 1 Install the base cover 2 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Removing the 2230 solid state drive from the M 2 slot one Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover About this task NOTE This procedure applies only to computers shipped with a 2230 solid state drive installed in M 2 slot one NOTE Dependi...

Page 17: ... solid state drive from the M 2 card slot on the system board 4 Remove the screw M2x3 that secures the M 2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm rest assembly 5 Lift and remove the M 2 2230 mounting bracket from the palm rest assembly Installing the M 2 2230 solid state drive from the M 2 slot one Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the instal...

Page 18: ...al representation of the installation procedure Steps 1 Place and align the M 2 2230 mounting bracket on the palm rest assembly 2 Replace the screw M2x3 that secures the M 2 2230 mounting bracket to the palm rest assembly 3 Align the notch on the M 2 2230 solid state drive with the tab on the M 2 card slot on the system board 4 Slide the M 2 2230 solid state drive into the M 2 card slot on the sys...

Page 19: ...your computer may support either 2230 solid state drive or 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot two The following image indicates the location of the 2280 solid state drive that is installed in M 2 slot two and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure Steps 1 Remove the screw M2x3 that secures the solid state drive thermal shield to the palm rest assembly NOTE A thermal shield is on...

Page 20: ...omputer contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield The following image indicates the location of the 2280 solid state drive that is installed in M 2 slot two and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure Steps 1 Align the notch on the M 2 2280 solid state drive with the tab on the M 2 card slot on the system board 2 Slide the M 2 2280 solid state drive into the M 2 card...

Page 21: ... support either 2230 solid state drive or 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot two The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid state drive that is installed in M 2 slot two and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure Steps 1 Remove the screw M2x3 that secures the solid state drive thermal shield to the M 2 2230 mounting bracket NOTE A thermal shield is only present...

Page 22: ...his procedure applies if you are installing a 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot two NOTE Depending on the configuration ordered your computer may support either 2230 solid state drive or 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot two NOTE A thermal shield is required for optimal heat dissipation if the capacity of the solid state drive is 512 GB or higher If a higher configuration solid state drive is in...

Page 23: ...s M2x3 that secure the M 2 2230 solid state drive and the solid state drive thermal shield to the M 2 2230 mounting bracket Next steps 1 Install the base cover 2 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Solid state drive M 2 slot three Removing the 2230 solid state drive from the M 2 slot three Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove t...

Page 24: ...state drive is installed after you purchase the computer contact Dell support to purchase a thermal shield The following image indicates the location of the 2230 solid state drive that is installed in M 2 slot three and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure Steps 1 Align the notch on the M 2 2230 solid state drive with the tab on the M 2 card slot on the system board 2 Sli...

Page 25: ... or crushing a lithium ion battery can be dangerous In such an instance contact Dell technical support for assistance See www dell com contactdell Always purchase genuine batteries from www dell com or authorized Dell partners and resellers Removing the battery Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover About this task CAUTION This computer ...

Page 26: ... the battery to the palm rest assembly 4 Lift the battery up and then remove it from the palm rest assembly Installing the battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure 26 ...

Page 27: ... 4 Connect the battery cable to the system board Next steps 1 Install the base cover 2 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Speakers Removing the speakers Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover About this task The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the remo...

Page 28: ...on the palm rest assembly 4 Lift the left speaker off the palm rest assembly Installing the speakers Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task The following image indicates the location of the speakers and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure 28 ...

Page 29: ...ts place the right speaker on the palm rest assembly NOTE Ensure that the alignment posts on the palm rest and keyboard assembly are threaded through the rubber grommets on the speaker NOTE If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers push them back in place before replacing the speakers 4 Connect the speaker cable to the right I O board Next steps 1 Install the...

Page 30: ...ller board 4 Remove the two screws M2x1 9 that secure the keyboard controller board to the palm rest assembly 5 Lift the keyboard controller board from the palm rest assembly Installing the keyboard controller board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task NOTE After replacing the keyboard controller b...

Page 31: ...nect the keyboard backlight cable to the keyboard controller board and close the latch 6 Replace the two screws M2x1 9 that secure the keyboard controller board to the palm rest assembly Next steps 1 Install the battery 2 Install the base cover 3 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Touchpad Removing the touchpad Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside y...

Page 32: ...d disconnect the touchpad cable from the touchpad 7 Lift the touchpad cable from the palm rest assembly 8 Remove the four M2x2 5 screws that secure the touchpad to the palm rest assembly 9 Peel off the tape that secures the touchpad to the palm rest assembly 10 Lift the touchpad off the palm rest assembly Installing the touchpad Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing co...

Page 33: ...touchpad cable to the touchpad and close the latch NOTE This step is only applicable when the touchpad cable is not being replaced 5 Fold down the keyboard cable 6 Connect the keyboard cable to the keyboard controller board and close the latch 7 Connect the keyboard controller board cable to the keyboard controller board and close the latch 8 Connect the keyboard controller board cable to the syst...

Page 34: ...Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover About this task The following image indicates the location of the rear I O cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure 34 ...

Page 35: ...that secure the rear I O cover to the palm rest assembly 5 Firmly grasp the sides of your computer with both hands and push the rubber feet on the rear I O cover outwards with your thumbs to release the rear I O cover from the palm rest assembly 6 Lift the rear I O cover from the palm rest assembly Installing the rear I O cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing com...

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Page 37: ...the palm rest assembly 5 Connect the Tron light cable to the system board 6 Route and adhere the Tron light cable into place on the system board underneath the mylar Next steps 1 Install the base cover 2 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Display assembly Removing the display assembly Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the b...

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Page 39: ... cable to the system board 7 Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the connector on the system board 8 Disconnect the G sensor cable from the connector on the system board 9 Disconnect the Tobii eye tracker cable from the connector on the system board NOTE This step is only applicable to computers shipped with a Tobii eye tracker 10 Place the computer face up CAUTION Place the compu...

Page 40: ... before performing the installation procedure About this task CAUTION Place the computer on a soft and clean surface to avoid scratching the display NOTE The display assembly is a Hinge up Display HUD and cannot be further disassembled If components within the display assembly must be replaced the entire display assembly is to be replaced The following image indicates the location of the display a...

Page 41: ...splay cable G sensor cable Tobii eye tracker cable Antenna cables 5 Place the computer face down 6 Connect the Tobii eye tracker cable to the connector on the system board NOTE This step is only applicable to computers shipped with a Tobii eye tracker 7 Connect the G sensor cable to the connector on the system board 8 Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the lat...

Page 42: ... the left I O board Next steps 1 Install the rear I O cover 2 Install the base cover 3 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Right I O board Removing the right I O board Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover 3 Remove the battery 4 Remove the 2230 solid date drive in M 2 slot two if installed 5 Remove the 2280 solid ...

Page 43: ...peaker cable from the right I O board 5 Remove the three screws M2x3 that secure the right I O board to the palm rest assembly 6 Lift the right I O board off the palm rest assembly Installing the right I O board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task The following image indicates the location of the ...

Page 44: ... cable on the right I O board and the system board NOTE The I O board cable is polarity sensitive To prevent damage to your computer ensure that the MB UMT end of the cable is connected to the system board 6 Replace the two screws M2x3 that secure the right I O board cable to the right I O board and system board Next steps 1 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 2 Install...

Page 45: ...nstalled 4 Remove the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 5 Remove the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 6 Remove the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 7 Remove the rear I O cover 8 Remove the battery About this task The following image indicates the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure 45 ...

Page 46: ...the system board 9 Remove the three screws M2x4 5 that secure the solid state drive support bracket to the system board 10 Remove the solid state drive support bracket from the system board 11 Remove the two screws M2x3 that secure the right I O board cable to the right I O board and the system board 12 Lift the right I O board cable off the right I O board and the system board 13 Disconnect the p...

Page 47: ...the system board and the left I O board out of the palm rest assembly 21 Turn the system board over 22 Remove the left I O board 23 Remove the fan and heat sink assembly Installing the system board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task The following image indicates the location of the system board a...

Page 48: ...er 8 Connect the G sensor cable to the connector on the system board 9 Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch 10 Connect the power adapter port cable from the system board 11 Using the alignment pins connect the right I O board cable to the right I O board and the system board NOTE The I O board cable is polarity sensitive To prevent damage to your compu...

Page 49: ...alled 4 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 5 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 6 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 7 Install the base cover 8 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Left I O board Removing the left I O board Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your ...

Page 50: ... component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task CAUTION The interposer board is installed between the left I O board and system board Install the interposer board before installing the left I O board Handle the board by lifting and holding from the edges or the sides as the pins on the interposer board are fragile The following image indicates ...

Page 51: ...te drive in M 2 slot two if installed 6 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 7 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 8 Install the base cover 9 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Fan and heat sink assembly Removing the fan and heat sink assembly Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2...

Page 52: ... touch it CAUTION For maximum cooling of the processor do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease The following image indicates the location of the fan and heat sink assembly and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure 52 ...

Page 53: ...at sink assembly from the system board Installing the fan and heat sink assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure CAUTION If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that the thermal conductivity is achieved About this task The following ima...

Page 54: ...nstall the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 6 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 7 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 8 Install the base cover 9 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Power adapter port Removing the power adapter port Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your c...

Page 55: ...ort bracket to the palm rest assembly 2 Lift the power adapter port bracket off the palm rest assembly 3 Lift the power adapter port along with its cable off the palm rest assembly Installing the power adapter port Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task The following image indicates the location of t...

Page 56: ... M 2 slot one if installed 7 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 8 Install the base cover 9 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Power button assembly Removing the power button assembly Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover 3 Remove the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed...

Page 57: ...2 Lift the power button bracket off the power button assembly 3 Peel the power button assembly and its cable off the palm rest assembly Installing the power button assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task The following image indicates the location of the power button assembly and provides a vi...

Page 58: ...lot two if installed 7 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 8 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 9 Install the base cover 10 Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer Keyboard Removing the keyboard Prerequisites 1 Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer 2 Remove the base cover 3 Remove the 2230 solid state...

Page 59: ...10 Follow step 1 to step 21 in removing the system board About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure 59 ...

Page 60: ...rd 4 Lift the keyboard bracket off the keyboard 5 Remove the 28 M1 2x1 6 screws that secure the keyboard to the palm rest assembly 6 Lift the keyboard off the palm rest assembly Installing the keyboard Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure About this task The following image indicates the location of the keyboard a...

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Page 62: ...the right I O board 3 Install the battery 4 Install the rear I O cover 5 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 6 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 7 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 8 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 9 Install the base cover 10 Follow the procedure in After working...

Page 63: ...w step 1 to step 21 in removing the system board 14 Remove the touchpad 15 Remove the power adapter port 16 Remove the power button assembly 17 Remove the keyboard Steps After performing the pre requisites you are left with the palm rest Installing the palm rest Prerequisites If you are replacing a component remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure Steps To instal...

Page 64: ...tall the display assembly 9 Install the battery 10 Install the rear I O cover 11 Install the speakers 12 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 13 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot two if installed 14 Install the 2280 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 15 Install the 2230 solid state drive in M 2 slot one if installed 16 Install the base cover 17 F...

Page 65: ...Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938 65 ...

Page 66: ...he operating system logo appears continue to wait until you see the desktop Then turn off your computer and try again Navigation keys NOTE For most of the System Setup options changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart the system Table 4 Navigation keys Keys Navigation Up arrow Moves to the previous field Down arrow Moves to the next field Enter Selects a value in ...

Page 67: ...sor speed CPU ID Displays the processor identification code CPU L1 Cache Displays the processor L1 cache size CPU L2 Cache Displays the processor L2 cache size CPU L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 cache size Integrated Graphics Displays the integrated graphics Discrete Graphics 1 Displays the first discrete graphics that are installed on your computer Discrete Graphics 2 Displays the second disc...

Page 68: ... Enables or disables the computer to turn on from opening the lid Default Enabled USB Emulation Enables or disables 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 Default Enabled NOTE You cannot boot any type of USB device floppy hard drive or memory key when this option is o...

Page 69: ...Guard Extensions Enables or disables Intel Software Guard Extensions Default Software Controlled Intel Software Guard Extensions allocated memory size Displays the allocated memory size for Intel Software Guard Extensions Camera Thunderbolt Enables or disables Thunderbolt technology support The options are Enabled Disabled Default Disabled Thunderbolt Boot Support Enables or disables booting from ...

Page 70: ...ngth of your password Min 4 Max 32 Password Bypass Allows you to bypass the System password and the Internal HDD password when it is set during a system restart Choose one of the options Disabled Always prompt for the system and internal HDD password when they are set This option is enabled by default Default Reboot bypass Bypass the password prompts on Restarts warm boots Password Change Allows y...

Page 71: ...ake effect immediately Computrace R Allows you to activate or disable the optional Computrace software The options are Deactivate Disable Activate Default Secure boot Table 8 Secure Boot Option Description Boot List Option Displays the available boot options Legacy UEFI Default UEFI File Browser Add Boot Option Enables you to add the boot options File Browser Del Boot Option Enables you to delete ...

Page 72: ...Enables or disables Attempt Legacy Boot Default Disabled Boot Option Priorities Displays the boot sequence Boot Option 1 Displays the available first boot option Boot Option 2 Displays the available second boot option Boot Option 3 Displays the available third boot option Updating the BIOS in Windows Prerequisites It is recommended to update your BIOS System Setup when you replace the system board...

Page 73: ... then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress and the system will ask for this on each reboot If the recovery key is not known this can result in data loss or an unnecessary operating system re install For more information on this subject see Knowledge Article https www dell com support article sln153694 Updating your system BIOS using a USB flash drive About this task If the computer ca...

Page 74: ...ed the following USB drive formatted to the FAT32 file system key does not have to be bootable BIOS executable file that you downloaded from the Dell Support website and copied to the root of the USB drive AC power adapter that is connected to the computer Functional computer battery to flash the BIOS Perform the following steps to perform the BIOS update flash process from the F12 menu CAUTION Do...

Page 75: ...he new password field Use the following guidelines to assign the system password A password can have up to 32 characters The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9 Only lower case letters are valid upper case letters are not valid Only the following special characters are valid Space 3 Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK 4 Press Es...

Page 76: ... About this task CAUTION Clearing CMOS settings will reset the BIOS settings on your computer Steps 1 Remove the base cover 2 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board 3 Press the power button for 15 seconds 4 Wait for one minute 5 Connect the battery cable to the system board 6 Replace the base cover Clearing BIOS System Setup and System passwords About this task To clear the system or B...

Page 77: ...r button Alienhead NOTE The color of the status lights depends on the configuration set in the Alienware Control Center AWCC Power status light Indicates the power status Solid Computer is turned on Power adapter is connected and the battery has less than ten percent charge Breathe Computer is in sleep state Off Computer is in hibernation or turned off The power status light blinks amber along wit...

Page 78: ...puter 2 Disconnect the power adapter from your computer 3 Remove the base cover 4 Disconnect the battery cable from the system board 5 Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power 6 Connect the battery cable to the system board 7 Install the base cover 8 Connect the power adapter to your computer 9 Turn on your computer WiFi power cycle About this task If your computer is...

Page 79: ... telephone based support and service options Availability varies by country and product and some services may not be available in your area To contact Dell for sales technical support or customer service issues Steps 1 Go to Dell com support 2 Select your support category 3 Verify your country or region in the Choose a Country Region drop down list at the bottom of the page 4 Select the appropriat...

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