Dell Vostro A840 User manual

Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Before You Begin
Module Cover
Memory Module
Mini-Cards
Center Control Cover
Keyboard
Display
Palm Rest
System Fan
Processor Heat Sink
Processor
Hard Drive
Coin-Cell Battery
Optical Drive
Speaker
System Board
Battery Latch Assembly
Flashing the BIOS
Model PP38L, PP37L
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
©2008DellInc.Allrightsreserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Vostro are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell
under license. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and Windows Vista start button are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
September 2009 Rev. A01
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

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Module Cover
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the Module Cover
Replacing the Module Cover


Removing the Module Cover

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.

2. Turn the computer over.

3. Remove the two screws from the module cover.

4. Lift the module cover away from the computer.
Replacing the Module Cover

1. Replace the module cover.

2. Replace the two screws on the module cover.

3. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place.
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
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface
(such as a connector on the back of the computer).
1
module cover screw (2)
2
module cover

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Battery Latch Assembly
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the Battery Latch Assembly
Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly


Removing the Battery Latch Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

1. Remove the system board (see System Board).

2. Remove the screw from the battery-lock latch and remove it.

3. Remove the screw from the battery-bay release latch.


4. Slide the battery latch assembly to the right to remove it.

5. Unhook the latch spring from the latch.
Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly


1. Replace the spring and slide the battery latch assembly into place.

2. Replace and tighten the screws.

3. Replace the system board (see Replacing the System Board).

4. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks in place.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching a connector on the back
panel of the computer.
NOTICE: Before you remove the battery release button, observe the orientation of the button to ensure proper installation when the button is
replaced.
1
battery-lock latch
2
battery-bay release latch
3
latch spring


NOTICE: Ensure the battery latch assembly is properly oriented. The indent for the button should face up when installing the assembly.

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

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Before You Begin
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Recommended Tools
Turning Off Your Computer
Before Working Inside Your Computer
This section provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the
following conditions exist:
lYou have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.
lYou have read the safety information shipped with your computer.
lA component can be replaced or—if purchased separately—installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
Recommended Tools
The procedures in this document may require the following tools:
lSmall flat-blade screwdriver
lPhillips screwdriver
lFlash BIOS update program CD
Turning Off Your Computer


1. Save and close all open files and exit all open programs.

2. Click Start , click the arrow , and then click Shut Down.
The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

3. Ensure that the computer and all attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut
down your operating system, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
Before Working Inside Your Computer
Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help to ensure your own personal safety.






1. Ensure that the work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.

2. Turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer).

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you turn off your computer.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal
mounting bracket. Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as
authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not
authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking
tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep
them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented
and aligned.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.



3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.

4. Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.

5. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.



6. Remove the main battery:
a. Unlock the battery by sliding the battery-lock latch towards the outer edge.
b. Slide the battery-bay release latch and hold it.
c. Remove the battery from the battery bay.

7. Press the power button to ground the system board.
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
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the computer, use only the battery designed for this particular Dell computer. Do not use batteries designed for
other Dell computers.
1
battery-lock latch
2
battery-bay release latch
3
battery



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Flashing the BIOS
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Flashing the BIOS From a CD
Flashing the BIOS From the Hard Drive
If a BIOS-update program CD is provided with the new system board, flash the BIOS from the CD. If you do not have a BIOS-update program CD, flash the
BIOS from the hard drive.
Flashing the BIOS From a CD

1. Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged in and that the main battery is installed properly.

2. Insert the BIOS-update program CD, and restart the computer.
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. The computer continues to boot and updates the new BIOS. When the flash update is complete, the
computer will automatically reboot.

3. Press <F2> during POST to enter the system setup program.

4. Press <Alt><f> to reset the computer defaults.

5. Press <Esc>, select Save changes and reboot, and press <Enter> to save configuration changes.

6. Remove the BIOS-update program CD from the drive and restart the computer.
Flashing the BIOS From the Hard Drive

1. Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged in, the main battery is properly installed, and a network cable is attached.

2. Turn on the computer.

3. Locate the latest BIOS update file for your computer at support.dell.com.

4. Click Download Now to download the file.

5. If the Export Compliance Disclaimer window appears, click Yes, I Accept this Agreement.
The File Download window appears.

6. Click Save this program to disk and then click OK.
The Save In window appears.

7. Click the down arrow to view the Save In menu, select Desktop, and then click Save.
The file downloads to your desktop.

8. Click Close if the Download Complete window appears.
The file icon appears on your desktop and is titled the same as the downloaded BIOS update file.

9. Double-click the file icon on the desktop and follow the instructions on the screen.
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
NOTE: If you use a BIOS-update program CD to flash the BIOS, set up the computer to boot from a CD before inserting the CD.

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Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the Bluetooth®Card
Replacing the Bluetooth®Card

Removing the Bluetooth®Card

1. Follow the instructions in "BeforeYouBegin"onpage9.

2. Remove the palm rest (see Palm Rest).

3. Remove the bluetooth card cable connector from the system board.

4. Gently lift the bluetooth card from the bluetooth card compartment on the computer base.
Replacing the Bluetooth®Card

1. Replace the bluetooth card in the compartment in the computer base.

2. Replace the bluetooth cable connector to the system board.

3. Follow the instructions in Replacing the Palm Rest.

4. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks in place.
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
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such
as the back panel) on the computer.
1
bluetooth card cable
2
bluetooth card
3
bluetooth card compartment
4
bluetooth card cable connector

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Coin-Cell Battery
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the Coin-Cell Battery
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery



Removing the Coin-Cell Battery

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the system board (see Removing the System Board).

3. Turn the system board over.

4. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board connector.

5. Remove the coin-cell battery out of the mylar sleeve.
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

1. Replace the coin cell battery in the mylar sleeve.

2. Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board connector.

3. Follow the instructions in Replacing the System Board.

4. Slide the main battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place.
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
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface
(such as a connector on the back of the computer).
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you begin working inside the
computer.
1
coin-cell battery
2
coin-cell battery cable connector

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Processor
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the Processor
Replacing the Processor


Removing the Processor



1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the heat sink (see Processor Heat Sink).

3. To loosen the ZIF socket, use a small, flat-blade screwdriver and rotate the ZIF-socket cam screw counterclockwise until it comes to the cam stop.
The ZIF-socket cam screw secures the processor to the system board. Make a note of the arrow on the ZIF-socket cam screw.



4. Lift the processor from the ZIF socket.
Replacing the Processor

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface
(such as a connector on the back of the computer).
NOTICE: To prevent intermittent contact between the ZIF-socket cam screw and the processor when removing or replacing the processor, press
to apply slight pressure to the center of the processor while turning the cam screw.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the processor, hold the screwdriver so that it is perpendicular to the processor when turning the cam screw.
1
processor
2
pin-1 corner of processor
3
ZIF socket
4
ZIF-socket cam screw




NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the processor heat sink. The oils in your skin can
reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.
NOTICE: When removing the processor, pull it straight up. Be careful not to bend the pins on the processor.



1. Align the pin-1 corner of the processor so that it points to the triangle on the ZIF socket, and insert the processor into the ZIF socket.
When the processor is correctly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height. If one or more corners of the processor are higher than the
others, the processor is not seated correctly.


2. Tighten the ZIF socket by turning the cam screw clockwise to secure the processor to the system board.

3. Peel the backing off the thermal cooling pad and adhere the thermal pad to the portion of the processor heat sink that covers the processor.

4. Follow the instructions in Replacing the Processor Heat Sink.

5. Update the BIOS using a flash BIOS-update program CD (see Flashing the BIOS).
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
NOTICE: Ensure that the cam lock is in the fully open position before seating the processor. Seating the processor properly in the ZIF socket does
not require force.
NOTICE: A processor that is not properly seated can result in an intermittent connection or permanent damage to the processor and the ZIF
socket.
NOTICE: To prevent intermittent contact between the ZIF-socket cam screw and the processor when removing or replacing the processor, press
to apply slight pressure to the center of the processor while turning the cam screw.

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Processor Heat Sink
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the Processor Heat Sink
Replacing the Processor Heat Sink


Removing the Processor Heat Sink

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the system board (see Removing the System Board).

3. Turn the system board over.

4. Loosen the four captive screws on the processor heat sink.

5. Lift the processor heat sink out of the computer.
Replacing the Processor Heat Sink

1. Peel the backing off the thermal pad and adhere the pad to the portion of the processor heat sink assembly that covers the processor.

2. Slide the processor heat sink under the bracket and align the four captive screws with the screw holes on the system board.

3. Tighten the four captive screws.

4. Follow the instructions in Replacing the System Board.
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
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface
(such as a connector on the back of the computer).
1
processor heat sink
2
captive screw (4)
NOTE: The original thermal pad can be reused if the original processor and processor heat sink are reinstalled together. If either the processor or the
processor heat sink is replaced, use the thermal pad provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
NOTE: This procedure assumes that you have already removed the processor heat sink and are ready to replace it.

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Display
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Display Assembly
Display Bezel
Display Panel
Display Panel Cable
Display Inverter



Display Assembly

Removing the Display Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in Before Working Inside Your Computer

2. Remove the memory module(s) (see Removing the Memory Module(s)).

3. Remove the WLAN card (see Removing the WLAN Card).

4. Remove the center control cover (see Removing the Center Control Cover).

5. Remove the keyboard (see Removing the Keyboard).

6. Remove the mylar tapes and then remove the two screws from the back of the computer.

7. Pull the display cable tab to disconnect the display cable from the system board connector.

8. Make note of the cable routing and carefully dislodge the WLAN antenna cables and the rest of the cables from their routing guides. Pull the cables
away, so that they are clear of the palm rest.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface
(such as a connector on the back of the computer).
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay before you begin working inside the
computer.
NOTE: Note how the display cable is routed through their routing guides.


9. Remove the two screws from either side of the display hinges.

10. Lift and remove the display assembly.

Replacing the Display Assembly


1. Place the display assembly in place and replace the two screws on each side of the display hinges.

2. Re-route and connect the display cable to the connector on the system board.

3. Carefully route the WLAN antenna cables into their routing guides on the palm rest and through the computer base.

4. Replace the keyboard (see Keyboard).

5. Replace the two screws at the back of the computer.

6. Turn the computer over and carefully route the WLAN card antenna cables through their routing guides and connect them to the WLAN card.

7. Reconnect the WLAN card if applicable (see Replacing the WLAN Card).

8. Replace the memory modules (see Replacing the Memory Module(s)).

9. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks in place.
1
display cable
2
antenna cables
1
display hinge screw (4)
2
antenna cables
3
display cable


CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Display Bezel

Removing the Display Bezel


1. Remove the display assembly (see Display).

2. Remove the four rubber bumpers from the top and mylar tapes from the bottom of the display bezel.

3. Remove the six screws on the display bezel.

4. Using your fingertips, carefully pry up the inside edge of the display bezel.

5. Remove the display bezel.

Replacing the Display Bezel


1. Align the display bezel over the display panel, and gently snap into place.

2. Replace and tighten the six screws.

3. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly).
Display Panel

NOTICE: The display bezel is extremely fragile. Be careful when removing it to prevent damaging the bezel.
1
rubber bumper (4)
2
screw (6)
3
display bezel
4
display panel
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Removing the Display Panel

1. Remove the display assembly (see Display).

2. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel).

3. Remove the six screws securing the display panel assembly to the display cover.

4. Disconnect the cables from the connectors on each end of the inverter board.

5. Remove the display panel assembly.

6. Remove the eight screws (four on each side) that secure the display panel brackets to the display panel.

Replacing the Display Panel


1. Align the display panel brackets with the display panel.

NOTE: Make a note of the routing of the cables behind the display panel.
1
display panel
2
screw (6)
3
display inverter
4
display cover
1
display panel bracket
(1 left; 1 right)
2
display bracket screw
(8 total; 4 on each side)
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

2. Replace the eight screws that secure the display panel brackets to each side of the display panel.

3. Align the display panel with the display cover and replace the six screws.

4. Connect the display cables to the ends of the inverter board.

5. Route the cables back through their routing channels.

6. Replace the display bezel (see Replacing the Display Bezel).

7. Replace the display assembly (see Display).
Display Panel Cable

Removing the Display Panel Cable

1. Remove the display assembly (see Display).

2. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel).

3. Remove the display panel (see Removing the Display Panel).

4. Turn over the display panel and remove the conductive tape on the display board.

5. Disconnect the flex cable from the display board.

Replacing the Display Panel Cable


1. Connect the flex cable to the connector on the inverter board.

2. Connect the flex cable to the connector on the back of the display panel and adhere the tape back into position.

3. Replace the display panel (see Replacing the Display Panel).

4. Replace the display bezel (see Replacing the Display Bezel).

5. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly).
Display Inverter
NOTE: The Display Panel cables and connectors may differ depending on the Display Panel you ordered.
1
display board connector
2
flex cable
3
conductive tape


CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.


Removing the Display Inverter

1. Remove the display assembly (see Display).

2. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel).

3. Disconnect the cables from the connectors on either side of the inverter board.

4. Lift out the inverter board from the securing plastic tabs.

Replacing the Display Inverter


1. Align the holes on the inverter board with the tabs on the display cover and snap it into position.

2. Connect the cables on either side of the inverter board.

3. Replace the display bezel (see Replacing the Display Bezel).

4. Replace the display assembly (see Display).
Back to Contents Page

1
inverter board
2
connector (2)
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

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System Fan
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the System Fan
Replacing the System Fan


Removing the System Fan

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the palm rest(see Removing the Palm Rest).

3. Disconnect the fan cable from the system board connector.

4. Remove the two screws securing the system fan to the computer cover.

5. Lift the system fan out.
Replacing the System Fan


1. Place the system fan in positon on the computer cover.

2. Replace and tighten the two screws.

3. Connect the fan cable to the system board connector.

4. Follow the instructions in Replacing the Palm Rest.
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
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface
(such as a connector on the back of the computer).
1
screw (2)
2
fan cable connector
3
system fan

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CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

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Hard Drive
Dell™Vostro™A840/A860ServiceManual
Removing the Hard Drive
Replacing the Hard Drive
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Removing the Hard Drive
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1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
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2. Remove the system board (see Removing the System Board)
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3. Remove the two screws securing the hard drive assembly to the system board.
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4. Holding the connector end of the hard drive assembly, pull the hard drive assembly from the system board connector.
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5. Press down on the hard drive at the non-connector end slot to remove the hard drive off the hard drive cage.
CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For additional safety best
practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: If you remove the hard drive from the computer when the drive is hot, do not touch the metal housing of the hard drive.
NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer (see Turning Off Your Computer) before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard
drive while the computer is on or in Sleep state.
NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile. Exercise care when handling the hard drive.
NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell.
NOTE: If you are installing a hard drive from a source other than Dell, you need to install an operating system, drivers, and utilities on the new hard
drive (see "Restoring Your Operating System" and "Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities" in your Setup Guide).