Inspiron 15

3000 Series
Service Manual (with optical drive)

Regulatory Model: P47F

Regulatory Type: P47F003
December 2020
Rev. A01
Notes, cautions, and warnings

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

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential 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.

Copyright © 2016 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws.
Dell ™ and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein
may be trademarks of their respective companies.
 Contents

Chapter 1: Before working inside your computer............................................................................7

Before you begin .................................................................................................................................................................7
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Recommended tools........................................................................................................................................................... 8

Chapter 2: After working inside your computer............................................................................. 9

Chapter 3: Removing the battery................................................................................................. 10

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Chapter 4: Replacing the battery..................................................................................................11

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Chapter 5: Removing the optical drive......................................................................................... 12

Prerequisites........................................................................................................................................................................12
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................12

Chapter 6: Replacing the optical drive......................................................................................... 14

Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................14
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................14

Chapter 7: Removing the keyboard.............................................................................................. 15

Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Chapter 8: Replacing the keyboard.............................................................................................. 17

Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................17
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................17

Chapter 9: Removing the base cover............................................................................................ 18

Prerequisites........................................................................................................................................................................18
Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................18

Chapter 10: Replacing the base cover.......................................................................................... 21

Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................21
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................21

Chapter 11: Removing the hard drive........................................................................................... 22

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................22
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................22

Chapter 12: Replacing the hard drive........................................................................................... 25

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

Contents 3
 Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................25

Chapter 13: Removing the memory module.................................................................................. 26

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................26
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................26

Chapter 14: Replacing the memory module.................................................................................. 28

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................28
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Chapter 15: Removing the wireless card...................................................................................... 30

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................30
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................30

Chapter 16: Replacing the wireless card...................................................................................... 32

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................32
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 33

Chapter 17: Removing the power-button board............................................................................34

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................34
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................34

Chapter 18: Replacing the power-button board........................................................................... 36

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................36
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................36

Chapter 19: Removing the speakers............................................................................................. 37

Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 37

Chapter 20: Replacing the speakers............................................................................................ 38

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................38
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 38

Chapter 21: Removing the I/O board............................................................................................39

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................39
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................39

Chapter 22: Replacing the I/O board............................................................................................41

Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................41
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................41

Chapter 23: Removing the coin-cell battery.................................................................................42

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................42
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................42

Chapter 24: Replacing the coin-cell battery.................................................................................43

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

4 Contents
 Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 43

Chapter 25: Removing the heat sink............................................................................................ 44

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................44
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................44

Chapter 26: Replacing the heat sink............................................................................................ 46

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................46
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................46

Chapter 27: Removing the system board......................................................................................47

Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 47

Chapter 28: Replacing the system board......................................................................................51

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 51
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................51

Chapter 29: Removing the touch pad...........................................................................................52

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................52
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................52

Chapter 30: Replacing the touch pad.......................................................................................... 55

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................55
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................55

Chapter 31: Removing the power-adapter port............................................................................ 56

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................56
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................56

Chapter 32: Replacing the power-adapter port............................................................................58

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................58
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................58

Chapter 33: Removing the display assembly................................................................................ 59

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................59
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................59

Chapter 34: Replacing the display assembly................................................................................ 62

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................62
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................62

Chapter 35: Removing the display bezel...................................................................................... 63

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................63
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................63

Chapter 36: Replacing the display bezel...................................................................................... 65

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................65

Contents 5
 Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................65

Chapter 37: Removing the display panel...................................................................................... 66

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................66
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................66

Chapter 38: Replacing the display panel...................................................................................... 68

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................68
Post-requisites...................................................................................................................................................................68

Chapter 39: Removing the camera...............................................................................................69

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................69
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................69

Chapter 40: Replacing the camera............................................................................................... 71

Procedure.............................................................................................................................................................................71
Post-requisites....................................................................................................................................................................71

Chapter 41: Removing the display hinges..................................................................................... 72

Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................................... 72
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 72

Chapter 42: Replacing the display hinges.................................................................................... 74

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 74
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 74

Chapter 43: Removing the palm rest............................................................................................75

Prerequisites.......................................................................................................................................................................75
Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................75

Chapter 44: Replacing the palm rest............................................................................................ 77

Procedure............................................................................................................................................................................ 77
Post-requisites................................................................................................................................................................... 77

Chapter 45: Flashing the BIOS.....................................................................................................78

Chapter 46: Getting help and contacting Dell.............................................................................. 79

6 Contents
 1
Before working inside your computer
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

Topics:
• Before you begin
• Safety instructions
• Recommended tools

Before you begin

1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer.
● Windows 10: Click or tap Start > Power > Shut down.
● Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon > Shut down.
● Windows 7: Click or tap Start > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all cables such as telephone cables, network cables and so on, from your computer.
5. Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, and so on, from your computer.
6. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.

Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety.
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety
best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

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.

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.

CAUTION: You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical
assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the
safety instructions that shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

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

Before working inside your computer 7

 the cable. When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When
connecting cables, ensure that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.

CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.

Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
● Phillips screwdriver
● Plastic scribe

8 Before working inside your computer

 2
After working inside your computer
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.

1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, and cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, and any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.

After working inside your computer 9

 3
Removing the battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure

Procedure
1. Close the display and turn the computer over.
2. Slide the battery-release latch to the unlocked position.
3. Lift the battery at an angle and remove the battery from the battery bay.

a. battery
b. battery-release latch

4. Turn the computer over, open the display, and press the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.

10 Removing the battery

 4
Replacing the battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure

Procedure
1. Close the display and turn the computer over.
2. Place the battery in the battery bay and snap the battery into place.
NOTE: The battery-release latch returns to the locked position if the battery is installed properly.

Replacing the battery 11

 5
Removing the optical drive
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
Remove the battery.

Procedure
1. Remove the screw that secures the optical-drive assembly to the base cover.
2. Using a plastic scribe, push the optical-drive assembly out of the optical-drive bay.
3. Pull the optical-drive assembly out of the optical-drive bay.

1. optical-drive assembly 2. plastic scribe

3. screw 4. base cover

4. Carefully pry the optical-drive bezel off the optical drive.

5. Remove the screw that secures the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.
NOTE: Note the orientation of the optical-drive bracket so that you can replace it correctly.

12 Removing the optical drive

1. screw 2. optical drive
3. optical-drive bezel 4. optical-drive bracket

Removing the optical drive 13

 6
Replacing the optical drive
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Align the screw hole on the optical-drive bracket with the screw hole on the optical drive.
NOTE: You must correctly align the optical-drive bracket to ensure that the optical drive can be properly secured to the
computer. For correct orientation, see step 5 in “Removing the optical drive”.

2. Replace the screw that secures the optical-drive bracket to the optical drive.
3. Align the tabs on the optical-drive bezel with the slots on the optical drive and snap the optical-drive bezel into place.
4. Slide the optical-drive assembly into the optical-drive bay.
5. Replace the screw that secures the optical-drive assembly to the base cover.

Post-requisites
Replace the battery.

14 Replacing the optical drive

 7
Removing the keyboard
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
Remove the battery.

Procedure
1. Turn the computer over and open the display.
2. Using a plastic scribe, gently release the tabs that secure the keyboard to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Slide the keyboard up to release it from the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
4. Carefully turn the keyboard over and place it on the palm-rest assembly.

1. tabs (5) 2. plastic scribe

Removing the keyboard 15

 3. keyboard 4. slots (6)

5. palm-rest assembly

5. Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board.

1. latch 2. keyboard cable

3. keyboard 4. palm-rest assembly

6. Lift the keyboard, along with the cable, off the palm-rest assembly.

16 Removing the keyboard

 8
Replacing the keyboard
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the keyboard cable into the system-board connector and close the latch to secure the cable.
2. Carefully turn the keyboard over, slide the tabs on the keyboard into the slots on the palm-rest assembly, and snap the
keyboard into place.
3. Close the display and turn the computer over.

Post-requisites
Replace the battery.

Replacing the keyboard 17

 9
Removing the base cover
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.

Procedure
1. Open the display and remove the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the base cover from its connector on the
system board.
2. Open the latch and disconnect the optical-drive cable from its connector on the system board.

1. screws (5) 2. palm-rest assembly

3. base cover 4. optical-drive cable

18 Removing the base cover

 5. latch

3. Close the display and turn the computer over.

4. Remove the screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.

a. screws (13)
b. base cover
c. palm-rest assembly

5. Using your fingertips, gently pry the base cover off the palm-rest assembly.

a. base cover
b. palm-rest assembly

6. Turn the base cover over.

7. Release the optical-drive interposer from the tabs on the base cover.

Removing the base cover 19

 1. base cover 2. optical-drive interposer

3. tabs (2) 4. optical-drive cable

20 Removing the base cover

 10
Replacing the base cover
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Align the optical-drive interposer with the tabs on the base cover and snap it into place.
2. Turn the base cover over.
3. Slide the tabs on the base cover into the slots on the palm-rest assembly and snap the base cover into place.
4. Replace the screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Turn the computer over.
6. Open the display and replace the screws that secure the palm-rest assembly to the base cover.
7. Slide the optical-drive cable into its connector and close the latch to secure the cable.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the keyboard.
2. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
3. Replace the battery.

Replacing the base cover 21

 11
Removing the hard drive
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

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

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the hard drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
1. Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
2. Open the latch and disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.
3. Lift the hard-drive assembly off the palm-rest assembly.

22 Removing the hard drive

 1. screws (4) 2. hard-drive assembly

3. hard-drive cable 4. latch

4. Disconnect the interposer from the hard-drive assembly.

a. interposer
b. hard-drive assembly

5. Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive and lift it off the hard drive.

Removing the hard drive 23

 a. hard drive
b. screws (4)
c. hard-drive bracket

24 Removing the hard drive

 12
Replacing the hard drive
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

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

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Align the screw holes on the hard-drive bracket with the screw holes on the hard drive.
2. Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.
3. Connect the interposer to the hard-drive assembly.
4. Align the screw holes on the hard-drive assembly with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
5. Replace the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
6. Slide the hard-drive cable into the system-board connector and close the latch to secure the cable.

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

Replacing the hard drive 25

 13
Removing the memory module
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
1. Using your fingertips, spread apart the securing clips at each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops
up.
2. Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.

a. memory module
b. securing clips (2)

26 Removing the memory module

c. memory-module slot

Removing the memory module 27

 14
Replacing the memory module
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
2. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the memory module down until it clicks into place.
NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.

1. memory module 2. securing clips (2)

3. memory-module slot 4. notch
5. tab

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.

28 Replacing the memory module

2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

Replacing the memory module 29

 15
Removing the wireless card
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
1. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
2. Remove the screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.
3. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot.

30 Removing the wireless card

1. antenna cables (2) 2. wireless card

3. wireless-card slot 4. screw

Removing the wireless card 31

 16
Replacing the wireless card
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
CAUTION: To avoid damage to the wireless card, do not place any cables under it.

1. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot and slide the card into the slot.
2. Press the other end of the wireless card and replace the screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.
3. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.
The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer:

Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color

Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black

32 Replacing the wireless card

 1. screw 2. wireless card

3. wireless-card slot 4. antenna cables (2)

5. notch 6. tab

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

Replacing the wireless card 33

 17
Removing the power-button board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
1. Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.
2. Open the latch and disconnect the power-button board cable from the system board.

a. latch

34 Removing the power-button board

 b. power-button board cable
c. palm rest assembly

3. Close the display and turn the computer over.

4. Peel the tape that secures the power-button board cable to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Remove the screw that secures the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.
6. Note the power-button board cable routing and peel it off the palm-rest assembly.
7. Slide and remove the power-button board, along with its cable, from under the tab on the palm-rest assembly.

1. power-button board cable 2. palm-rest assembly

3. tab 4. power-button board

5. tape 6. screw

Removing the power-button board 35

 18
Replacing the power-button board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the power-button board under the tab on the palm-rest assembly and align the screw hole on the power-button board
with the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Replace the screw that secures the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Adhere the tape that secures the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.
4. Adhere the power-button board cable to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Slide the power-button board cable through the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
6. Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.
7. Slide the power-button board cable into its connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

36 Replacing the power-button board

 19
Removing the speakers
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
2. Note the speaker-cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Lift the speakers, along with the speaker cable, off the palm-rest assembly.

1. speaker cable 2. palm-rest assembly

3. speakers (2) 4. system board

Removing the speakers 37

 20
Replacing the speakers
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Align the speakers using the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly and snap the speakers into place.
2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

38 Replacing the speakers

 21
Removing the I/O board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
1. Remove the screw that secures the I/O board to the palm-rest assembly.
2. Turn the I/O board over and peel the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the I/O board.
3. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O-board cable from the I/O board.
4. Lift the I/O board off the palm-rest assembly.

1. screw 2. I/O board

Removing the I/O board 39

 3. tape 4. I/O-board cable

5. latch

40 Removing the I/O board

 22
Replacing the I/O board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the I/O-board cable into its connector on the I/O board and close the latch to secure the cable.
2. Adhere the tape that secures the I/O-board cable to the I/O board.
3. Turn the I/O board over and align the screw hole on the I/O board with the screw hole on the palm-rest assembly.
4. Replace the screw that secures the I/O board to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

Replacing the I/O board 41

 23
Removing the coin-cell battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program’s settings to default. It is
recommended that you note the BIOS setup program’s settings before removing the coin-cell battery.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the coin-cell battery out of the battery socket on the system board.

1. system board 2. plastic scribe

3. battery socket 4. coin-cell battery

42 Removing the coin-cell battery

 24
Replacing the coin-cell battery
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
With the positive-side facing up, snap the coin-cell battery into the battery socket on the system board.

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

Replacing the coin-cell battery 43

 25
Removing the heat sink
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you
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.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.

Procedure
1. Remove the screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.
2. Slide to release the heat sink from the tab on the display hinge.
3. Lift the heat sink off the system board.

44 Removing the heat sink

1. tab 2. screws (4)

3. heat sink 4. system board

Removing the heat sink 45

 26
Replacing the heat sink
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.

NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original system board and heat sink are reinstalled together. If either
the system board or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal pad provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is
achieved.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the heat sink below the tab on the display hinge and place it on the system board.
2. Align the screws on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board.
3. Replace the screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.

Post-requisites
1. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
2. Replace the keyboard.
3. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
4. Replace the battery.

46 Replacing the heat sink

 27
Removing the system board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.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 setup
program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You
must make the desired changes again 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 the cables correctly after you replace the system board.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I/O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.

Procedure
1. Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.
2. Open the latches and disconnect the power-button board cable and touch-pad cable from the system board.

Removing the system board 47

 1. latches (2) 2. touch-pad cable

3. palm-rest assembly 4. power-button board cable

3. Close the display and turn the computer over.

4. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
5. Remove the screw that secures the system board to the palm-rest assembly.

a. system board
b. screw
c. speaker cable

48 Removing the system board

6. Lift the speaker at an angle to release the system board.
7. Carefully lift the system board to release the ports from the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
8. Turn the system board over.

a. system board
b. tab
c. speaker

9. Peel the tapes that secure the I/O-board cable and display cable to the system board.
10. Open the latches and disconnect the I/O-board cable and display cable from the system board.
11. Disconnect the power-adapter port cable from the system board.
12. Lift the system board off the palm-rest assembly.

1. system board 2. tape

3. display cable 4. power-adapter port cable

Removing the system board 49

 5. palm-rest assembly 6. latches (2)

7. I/O-board cable 8. tape

50 Removing the system board

 28
Replacing the system board
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.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 setup
program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You
must make the desired changes again after you replace the system board.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the display cable and I/O-board cable into the connectors on the system board and close the latches to secure the
cables.
2. Adhere the tapes that secure the display cable and I/O-board cable to the system board.
3. Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board.
4. Turn the system board over.
5. Slide the ports into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
6. Slide the system board below the tab on the left speaker and align the screw hole on the system board with the screw hole
on the palm-rest assembly.
7. Replace the screw that secures the system board to the palm-rest assembly.
8. Connect the speaker cable to the system board.
9. Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible,
10. Slide the power-button board cable and touch-pad cable into the connectors on the system board and close the latches to
secure the cables.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the heat sink.
2. Replace the I\O board.
3. Replace the wireless card.
4. Replace the memory module.
5. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
6. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
7. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
8. Replace the keyboard.
9. Replace the battery.

Replacing the system board 51

 29
Removing the touch pad
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I/O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.
10. Remove the system board.

Procedure
1. Peel the tape off the touch-pad bracket.

a. palm-rest assembly

52 Removing the touch pad

 b. touch-pad bracket
c. tape

2. Remove the screws that secure the touch-pad bracket to the touch pad.
3. Peel off the tape that secures the touch-pad bracket to the touch pad.
4. Open the latch and disconnect the touch-pad cable from the touch pad.

1. touch-pad cable 2. latch

3. palm-rest assembly 4. screws (3)

5. touch-pad bracket 6. tape

5. Lift the touch-pad bracket off the touch pad.

a. touch-pad bracket
b. palm-rest assembly

6. Lift the touch pad off the palm-rest assembly.

Removing the touch pad 53

 a. palm-rest assembly
b. touch pad

54 Removing the touch pad

 30
Replacing the touch pad
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Place the touch pad on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Slide the tabs on the touch-pad bracket into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Slide the touch-pad cable into the connector on the touch pad and close the latch to secure the cable.
4. Align the screw holes on the touch-pad bracket with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
5. Replace the screws that secure the touch-pad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
6. Adhere the tape over the touch-pad bracket.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the heat sink.
2. Replace the I/O board.
3. Replace the wireless card.
4. Replace the memory module.
5. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
6. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
7. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
8. Replace the keyboard.
9. Replace the battery.

Replacing the touch pad 55

 31
Removing the power-adapter port
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
1. Remove the battery.
2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I\O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.
10. Remove the system board.

Procedure
1. Remove the screw that secures the display hinge to the palm-rest assembly.
2. Open the display hinge to an angle of 90 degrees.

56 Removing the power-adapter port

 a. screw
b. palm-rest assembly
c. display hinge

3. Note the power-adapter port cable routing and remove the cable from its routing guides.
4. Remove the screw that secures the power-adapter port to the palm-rest assembly.
5. Lift the power-adapter port, along with its cable, off the palm-rest assembly.

1. screw 2. power-adapter port

3. palm-rest assembly 4. power-adapter port cable

Removing the power-adapter port 57

 32
Replacing the power-adapter port
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Replace the screw that secures the power-adapter port to the palm-rest assembly.
3. Route the power-adapter port cable along its routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
4. Close the display hinge and replace the screw that secures the display hinge to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the display assembly.
2. Replace the system board.
3. Replace the heat sink.
4. Replace the I\O board.
5. Replace the wireless card.
6. Replace the memory module.
7. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
8. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
9. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
10. Replace the keyboard.
11. Replace the battery.

58 Replacing the power-adapter port

 33
Removing the display assembly
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1. Remove the battery.

2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I/O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.
10. Remove the system board.

Procedure
1. Remove the screws that secure the display hinges to the palm-rest assembly and open the hinges to an angle of 90 degrees.
2. Note the antenna cable routing and remove the cable from its routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Note the display cable routing and remove the cable from its routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

Removing the display assembly 59

 1. antenna cables (2) 2. palm-rest assembly

3. display cable 4. display hinges (2)

5. screws (3)

4. Open the palm-rest assembly.

a. palm-rest assembly

60 Removing the display assembly

 b. display assembly

5. Lift the palm-rest assembly at an angle off the display assembly.

a. palm-rest assembly
b. display assembly

6. Place the display assembly on a clean, flat surface.

a. display assembly

Removing the display assembly 61

 34
Replacing the display assembly
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Place the display assembly on the palm-rest assembly.
2. Close the display hinges and align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
3. Replace the screws that secure the display hinges to the palm-rest assembly.
4. Route the display cable through its routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
5. Route the antenna cables through its routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
6. Close the display and turn the computer over.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the system board.
2. Replace the heat sink.
3. Replace the I/O board.
4. Replace the wireless card.
5. Replace the memory module.
6. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
7. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
8. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
9. Replace the keyboard.
10. Replace the battery.

62 Replacing the display assembly

 35
Removing the display bezel
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1. Remove the battery.

2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I/O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.
10. Remove the system board.
11. Remove the display assembly.

Procedure
1. Using your fingertips, gently pry up the inner edges of the display bezel.
2. Lift the display bezel off the display assembly.

Removing the display bezel 63

 a. display bezel
b. display panel

64 Removing the display bezel

 36
Replacing the display bezel
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
Align the display bezel with the display back-cover and gently snap the display bezel into place.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the display assembly.
2. Replace the system board.
3. Replace the heat sink.
4. Replace the I/O board.
5. Replace the wireless card.
6. Replace the memory module.
7. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
8. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
9. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
10. Replace the keyboard.
11. Replace the battery.

Replacing the display bezel 65

 37
Removing the display panel
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1. Remove the battery.

2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I/O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.
10. Remove the system board.
11. Remove the display assembly.
12. Remove the display bezel.

Procedure
1. Remove the screws that secure the display panel to the display back-cover.
2. Turn the display panel over.

66 Removing the display panel

 a. screws (4)
b. display panel
c. display back-cover

3. Peel the tape that secures the display cable to the display back-cover.
4. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the display back-cover.
5. Lift the display panel off the display back-cover.

1. display panel 2. display cable

3. latch 4. tape

5. display back-cover

Removing the display panel 67

 38
Replacing the display panel
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the display cable into the connector on the display back-cover and close the latch to secure the cable.
2. Adhere the tape that secures the display cable to the display back-cover.
3. Turn the display panel over and place it on the display back-cover.
4. Align the screw holes on the display panel with the screw holes on the display back-cover.
5. Replace the screws that secure the display panel to the display back-cover.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the display bezel.
2. Replace the display assembly.
3. Replace the system board.
4. Replace the heat sink.
5. Replace the I/O board.
6. Replace the wireless card.
7. Replace the memory module.
8. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
9. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
10. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
11. Replace the keyboard.
12. Replace the battery.

68 Replacing the display panel

 39
Removing the camera
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touchscreen display.

1. Remove the battery.

2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I/O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.
10. Remove the system board.
11. Remove the display assembly.
12. Remove the display bezel.

Procedure
1. Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the camera off the display back-cover.
2. Disconnect the camera cable from the camera.

Removing the camera 69

 1. display back-cover 2. camera

3. plastic scribe 4. camera cable

70 Removing the camera

 40
Replacing the camera
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Connect the camera cable to the camera.
2. Align the camera to the alignment posts on the display back-cover and snap the camera in place.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the display bezel.
2. Replace the display assembly.
3. Replace the system board.
4. Replace the heat sink.
5. Replace the I/O board.
6. Replace the wireless card.
7. Replace the memory module.
8. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
9. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
10. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
11. Replace the keyboard.
12. Replace the battery.

Replacing the camera 71

 41
Removing the display hinges
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touchscreen display.

1. Remove the battery.

2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the I/O board.
9. Remove the heat sink.
10. Remove the system board.
11. Remove the heat sink.
12. Remove the display bezel.
13. Remove the display panel.

Procedure
1. Remove the screws that secure the display hinges to the display back-cover.
2. Release the hinges from the latches and lift the display hinges off the display back-cover.

72 Removing the display hinges

1. screws (6) 2. latches (2)

3. display hinges (2) 4. display back-cover

Removing the display hinges 73

 42
Replacing the display hinges
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
1. Slide the hinges under the latches on the display back-cover.
2. Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the display back-cover.
3. Replace the screws that secure the display hinges to the display back-cover.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the display panel.
2. Replace the display bezel.
3. Replace the display assembly.
4. Replace the system board.
5. Replace the heat sink.
6. Replace the I/O board.
7. Replace the wireless card.
8. Replace the memory module.
9. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
10. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
11. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
12. Replace the keyboard.
13. Replace the battery.

74 Replacing the display hinges

 43
Removing the palm rest
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Prerequisites
• Procedure

Prerequisites
NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1. Remove the battery.

2. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the optical drive”.
3. Remove the keyboard.
4. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 5 in “Removing the base cover”.
5. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 3 in “Removing the hard drive”.
6. Remove the memory module.
7. Remove the wireless card.
8. Remove the power-button board.
9. Remove the speakers.
10. Remove the I/O board.
11. Remove the heat sink.
12. Remove the system board.
13. Remove the touch pad.
14. Remove the power-adapter port.
15. Remove the display assembly.

Procedure
After performing the prerequisites, we are left with the palm rest.

Removing the palm rest 75

1. palm rest

76 Removing the palm rest

 44
Replacing the palm rest
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow
the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After
working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.

Topics:
• Procedure
• Post-requisites

Procedure
Place the palm rest on a clean and flat surface.

Post-requisites
1. Replace the display assembly.
2. Replace the power-adapter port.
3. Replace the touch pad.
4. Replace the system board.
5. Replace the heat sink.
6. Replace the I/O board.
7. Replace the speakers.
8. Replace the power-button board.
9. Replace the wireless card.
10. Replace the memory module.
11. Follow the procedure from step 4 to step 6 in “Replacing the hard drive”.
12. Follow the procedure from step 3 to step 7 in “Replacing the base cover”.
13. Replace the keyboard.
14. Follow the procedures from step 4 to step 5 in “Replacing the optical drive”.
15. Replace the battery.

Replacing the palm rest 77

 45
Flashing the BIOS
You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. To flash the BIOS:
1. Turn on the computer.
2. Go to www.dell.com/support.
3. Click Product Support, enter the Service Tag of your computer and click Submit.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4. Click Drivers & downloads.

5. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
6. Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.
7. Click Download File to download the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.
8. Save the file and, once the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
9. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

78 Flashing the BIOS

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Getting help and contacting Dell
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources:

Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com

Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 Dell Help & Support app

Windows 10 Get started app

Windows 8.1 Help + Tips app

Accessing help in Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 In Windows search, type Help and Support, and press Enter.
Accessing help in Windows 7 Click Start > Help and Support.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
www.dell.com/support/linux

Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions, www.dell.com/support

product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software
updates, and so on
Learn about your operating system, setting up and using your See Me and My Dell at www.dell.com/support/manuals.
computer, data backup, diagnostics, and so on.

Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your country.

NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing
slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.

Getting help and contacting Dell 79