Dell Inspiron 7400 User manual

Inspiron 7400
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P130G
Regulatory Type: P130G003
September 2020
Rev. A00

Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
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.
© 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.

Chapter 1: Working inside your computer...................................................................................... 6
Before working inside your computer.............................................................................................................................6
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection......................................................................................................................7
ESD field service kit ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
Transporting sensitive components................................................................................................................................ 8
After working inside your computer................................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Removing and installing components........................................................................... 9
Recommended tools........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Screw list............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Major components of Inspiron 7400..............................................................................................................................10
Base cover........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Removing the base cover...........................................................................................................................................12
Installing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................14
Battery..................................................................................................................................................................................16
Lithium-ion battery precautions............................................................................................................................... 16
Removing the 4-cell battery...................................................................................................................................... 17
Installing the 4-cell battery........................................................................................................................................ 18
Removing the 6-cell battery...................................................................................................................................... 18
Installing the 6-cell battery....................................................................................................................................... 20
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive..............................................................................................................21
Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive............................................................................................................... 22
Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane H10............................................................................24
Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive/Intel Optane H10..............................................................................25
Heat sink..............................................................................................................................................................................27
Removing the heat sink..............................................................................................................................................27
Installing the heat sink................................................................................................................................................28
Fan........................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Removing the fan (4-cell battery).......................................................................................................................... 29
Installing the fan (4-cell battery).............................................................................................................................30
Removing the fan (6-cell battery)........................................................................................................................... 31
Installing the fan (6-cell battery).............................................................................................................................32
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Removing the speakers..............................................................................................................................................33
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................ 34
Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................36
Removing the display assembly............................................................................................................................... 36
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................37
Power-adapter port.......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Removing the power-adapter port......................................................................................................................... 40
Installing the power-adapter port.............................................................................................................................41
Coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Contents
Contents 3

Removing the coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................42
Installing the coin-cell battery.................................................................................................................................. 43
Antenna module................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Removing the antenna module.................................................................................................................................43
Installing the antenna module...................................................................................................................................45
Touchpad.............................................................................................................................................................................47
Removing the touchpad.............................................................................................................................................47
Installing the touchpad............................................................................................................................................... 48
I/O board.............................................................................................................................................................................49
Removing the I/O board............................................................................................................................................49
Installing the IO board................................................................................................................................................ 50
Power button...................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Removing the power-button with optional fingerprint reader.......................................................................... 51
Installing the power button........................................................................................................................................51
Fingerprint-reader board................................................................................................................................................. 52
Removing the fingerprint-reader board................................................................................................................. 52
Installing the fingerprint-reader board................................................................................................................... 53
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Removing the system board..................................................................................................................................... 54
Installing the system board....................................................................................................................................... 57
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................................................ 60
Removing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly................................................................................................60
Installing the palm-rest and keyboard assembly...................................................................................................61
Chapter 3: Drivers and downloads............................................................................................... 63
Chapter 4: System setup............................................................................................................. 64
Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................ 64
Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................64
One time boot menu.........................................................................................................................................................65
System setup options.......................................................................................................................................................65
Updating the BIOS in Windows .................................................................................................................................... 69
Updating BIOS on systems with BitLocker enabled............................................................................................70
Updating your system BIOS using a USB flash drive..........................................................................................70
Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu............................................................................................. 71
System and setup password........................................................................................................................................... 74
Assigning a system setup password........................................................................................................................74
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password.................................................................................75
Clearing CMOS settings.............................................................................................................................................75
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.....................................................................................76
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting......................................................................................................... 77
Locate the Service Tag or Express Service Code of your Dell computer .............................................. 77
System diagnostic lights.................................................................................................................................................. 77
SupportAssist diagnostics............................................................................................................................................... 78
Recovering the operating system..................................................................................................................................78
Flashing BIOS (USB key).................................................................................................................................................79
Flashing the BIOS.............................................................................................................................................................. 79
WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................79
4Contents

Flea power release............................................................................................................................................................ 80
Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Dell.................................................................................81
Contents 5

Working inside your computer
Before working inside your computer
About this task
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > 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 attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the
cable from the network device.
5. 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 to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped
with your computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect your computer from 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 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 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 is 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.
1
6 Working inside your computer

CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables
have connectors with locking tabs or thumbscrews that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable.
When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting
cables, ensure that the ports and the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than
in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
●Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an
immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has received
a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or
nonfunctional memory.
●Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory
integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
●Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do
not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on
parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
●Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
●When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
●Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD field service 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, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly
on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
●Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
Working inside your computer 7

mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use
wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and
tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
●ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored
kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist
strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional
office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is
strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm
sounds if the test fails.
●Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
●Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components
●ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
●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.
ESD protection summary
It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static
mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians 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.
After working inside your computer
About this task
CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or 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.
8Working inside your computer

Removing and installing components
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
●Phillips screwdriver #0
●Phillips screwdriver #1
●Plastic scribe
Screw list
NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and
then place them in a screw storage box. This is to ensure that the correct number of screws and correct screw type is
restored when the component is replaced.
NOTE: Some computers have magnetic surfaces. Ensure that the screws are not left attached to such surfaces when
replacing a component.
NOTE: Screw color may vary with the configuration ordered.
Table 1. Screw list
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Base cover Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x5 4
Base cover Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3.5+2.5
(captive)
3
4-cell battery Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 4
4-cell battery Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x4 1
6-cell battery Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 4
6-cell battery Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x4.5 1
M.2 2230 solid-state
drive bracket
System board M2x2.5 1
M.2 2280 solid-state
drive/Intel Optane
System board M2x2.5 1
2
Removing and installing components 9

Table 1. Screw list (continued)
Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image
Heat sink System board Captive ●For computers
without discrete
graphics: 4
●For computers with
discrete graphics: 7
Fan Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 2
Display assembly Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x4 4
Power-adapter port Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 1
Touchpad bracket Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 3
Touchpad Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 2
I/O board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M1.6x2.5 1
I/O board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 1
Power-button bracket Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 3
Power-button Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x3 2
Wireless-card bracket System board M2x2.5 1
Touchpad Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 2
Touchpad bracket Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 3
Wireless-card bracket System board M2x3 1
System board Palm-rest and keyboard
assembly
M2x2 1
NOTE: Only on
computers with a
6-cell battery
Major components of Inspiron 7400
The following image shows the major components of Inspiron 7400.
10 Removing and installing components

1. base cover
2. power-adapter port
3. heat sink
4. M.2 2280 solid-state drive
5. M.2 2230 solid-state drive
6. M.2 2230 solid-state drive bracket
7. system board
8. right speaker
9. touchpad
10. display assembly
11. palm-rest and keyboard assembly
12. left speaker
13. I/O board
14. power-button with optional fingerprint reader
15. coin-cell battery
16. fan
17. battery
NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These
parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for
purchase options.
Removing and installing components 11

Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
About this task
NOTE: Before removing the base cover, ensure that there is no micro-SD card installed in the micro-SD card slot on your
computer.
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
12 Removing and installing components

Removing and installing components 13

Steps
1. Remove the four screws (M2x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Loosen the three captive screws (M2x3.5+2.5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the middle and continue to work on the sides to open the base cover.
4. Lift and slide the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
6. Press and hold the power button for five 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 process.
About this task
The following images indicate the location of the base cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
14 Removing and installing components

Removing and installing components 15

Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board if disconnected.
2. Place and snap the base cover into place on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Tighten the three captive screws (M2x3.5+2.5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the four screws (M2x5) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Battery
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the system and
operate the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no longer
turns on when the power button is pressed.
●Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
●Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
●Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
●Do not bend the battery.
16 Removing and installing components

●Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery.
●Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental
puncture or damage to the battery and other system components.
●If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing,
bending, 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 4-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
About this task
NOTE: The 4-cell battery can be identified by the 52 Wh printout on the left side of the battery.
The following images indicate the location of the 4-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board, if applicable.
2. Remove the four screws (M2x2) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Remove the screw (M1.6x4) that secures the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Removing and installing components 17

Installing the 4-cell battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: The 4-cell battery can be identified by the 52 Wh printout on the left side of the battery.
The following images indicate the location of the 4-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Place the battery on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Align the screw holes on the battery to the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Replace the four screws (M2x2) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Replace the screw (M1.6x4) that secures the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
5. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Removing the 6-cell battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the base cover.
18 Removing and installing components

About this task
NOTE: The 6-cell battery can be identified by the 78 Wh printout on the left side of the battery.
The following images indicate the location of the 6-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
2. Remove the screw (M1.6x4.5) that secures the battery to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
3. Lift the battery off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
4. Lift the thermal tape that covers the battery-cable connector on the system board.
5. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.
6. Remove the battery from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Removing and installing components 19

Installing the 6-cell battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
About this task
NOTE: The 6-cell battery can be identified by the 78 Wh printout on the left side of the battery.
The following images indicate the location of the 6-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2. Adhere the thermal tape that covers the battery-cable connector on the system board.
20 Removing and installing components