Dell Vostro A90 User manual

Dell™Vostro™A90ServiceManual
Model PP39S
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, and Windows XP 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
Before You Begin
Module Cover
Memory Module
Solid-state Drive
Wireless Mini-Card
Keyboard
Palm Rest
Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology
Power Button Board
Display
Speaker
Camera
System Board
Microphone
Coin-Cell Battery
Flashing the BIOS
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™A90ServiceManual
Removing the Module Cover
Replacing the Module Cover



Removing the Module Cover

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the two screws on the module cover.

3. Lift the cover off the computer at an angle as shown in the figure.
Replacing the Module Cover

1. Align the tabs on the module cover to the bottom of the computer and gently replace the module cover.

2. Replace and tighten the two screws on the module cover.

3. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place.

4. Slide the battery-lock latch to the lock position.
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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.
CAUTION: Before performing this procedure, turn off the computer, disconnect the AC adapter from the electrical outlet and the computer,
disconnect the modem from the wall connector and the computer, and remove any other external cables from the computer.
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
2
module cover tab (3)
3
screw (2)



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Before You Begin
Dell™Vostro™A90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 that 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. Shut down the operating system:
Windows®XP:
Click Start®ShutDown®Shut down.
Ubuntu®Dell Desktop:
Click ®Quit ®Shut down.
Ubuntu®Classic Desktop:
Click ®Shut down.

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.




NOTE: Flash BIOS update program CD ships only in certain countries when you replace the system board.
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.




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).

3. If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.

4. Press and eject any installed cards from the 3-in-1 memory card reader.


5. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer.

6. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.



7. Turn the computer over.

8. Slide the battery-bay release latch and the battery-lock latch towards the outer edges.

9. Slide the battery out of the battery bay.

10. Turn the computer top-side up, open the display, and press the power button to ground the system board.
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
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.
NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, you must remove the battery from the battery bay 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-bay release latch
2
battery
3
battery-lock latch



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Flashing the BIOS
Dell™Vostro™A90ServiceManual
Flashing the BIOS From a CD
Flashing the BIOS From the Solid-state Drive in Windows®XP
Flashing the BIOS From the Solid-state Drive in Ubuntu®
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 solid-state 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 <0> during POST to enter the system setup program.

4. Press <Fn> and <F9> to reset the computer defaults.

5. Press <Esc>, select Save changes and reboot, and press <Enter> to save configuration changes.

6. Remove the flash BIOS-update program CD from the drive and restart the computer.
Flashing the BIOS From the Solid-state Drive in Windows®XP

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.

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.
Flashing the BIOS From the Solid-state Drive in Ubuntu®
NOTE: Your computer may or may not ship with an external optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures
that involve discs.
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.
NOTE: Your computer may or may not ship with an external optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures
that involve discs.


1. Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged in and the main battery is properly installed.

2. Turn on the computer.

3. Click ®Places®Documents.

4. Create a new folder and name it BIOS.

5. Locate the latest BIOS update file for your computer at support.dell.com.

6. Click Download Now to download the file.

7. If the Export Compliance Disclaimer window appears, click Yes, I Accept this Agreement.
The File Download window appears.

8. Click Save this program to disk and then click OK.
The Save In window appears.

9. Click the down arrow to view the Save In menu, select Documents®BIOS, and then click Save.

10. Click Close if the Download Complete window appears.

11. Open the terminal command line application and proceed as follows:
a. Type sudo -s
b. Type your password
c. Type cd Documents
d. Type cd BIOS
e. Type ./a90A00
flash start... string appears.
The computer will restart automatically once the BIOS flash is complete.
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
NOTE: Your computer may or may not ship with an external optical drive. Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures
that involve discs.

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Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology
Dell™Vostro™A90ServiceManual
Removing the Card
Replacing the Card


If you ordered a card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, it is already installed.
Removing the Card

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the module cover (see Removing the Module Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Removing the Keyboard).

4. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

5. Turn the palm rest over.

6. Remove the two screws that secure the card to the palm rest.

7. Lift the card out of the palm rest.
Replacing the Card

1. Insert card into the slot and replace the two screws.

2. Turn the palm rest over.

3. Replace the palm rest (see Replacing the Palm Rest).

4. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard).

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
internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology
3
cable




5. Replace the module cover (see Replacing the Module Cover).

6. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place and slide the battery-lock latch towards the lock position.
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

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Camera
Dell™Vostro™A90ServiceManual
Removing the Camera
Replacing the Camera


Removing the Camera

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the module cover (see Removing the Module Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Removing the Keyboard).

4. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

5. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly).

6. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel).

7. Disconnect the camera cable from the connector.

8. Remove the camera board.
Replacing the Camera

1. Align the camera board over the slot holes and gently replace it.

2. Reconnect the camera cable to the connector.

3. Replace the display bezel (see Replacing the Display Bezel).

4. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly).

5. Replace the palm rest (see Replacing the Palm Rest).

6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard).

7. Replace the module cover (see Replacing the Module Cover).

8. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place and slide the battery-lock latch towards the lock position.
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
camera
2
camera cable connector

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

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Coin-Cell Battery
Dell™Vostro™A90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 module cover (see Removing the Module Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Removing the Keyboard).

4. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

5. Remove the display assembly (see Removing the Display Assembly).

6. Remove the system board (see Removing the System Board).

7. Turn the system board over.

8. Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board connector.

9. Remove the coin-cell battery.
Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery

1. Replace the coin-cell battery.

2. Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board connector and hold the coin-cell battery in place.

3. Replace the system board (see Replacing the System Board).

4. Replace the display assembly (see Replacing the Display Assembly).

5. Replace the palm rest (see Replacing the Palm Rest).

6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard).

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


7. Replace the module cover (see Replacing the Module Cover).

8. Slide the main battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place and slide the battery-lock latch towards the lock position.
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

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Display
Dell™Vostro™A90ServiceManual
Display Assembly
Display Bezel
Display Panel
Display Panel Cable



Display Assembly

Removing the Display Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the module cover (see Removing the Module Cover).

3. Remove the keyboard (see Removing the Keyboard).

4. Remove the palm rest (see Removing the Palm Rest).

5. Turn the computer over, make note of the cable routing, and carefully dislodge the Mini-Card antenna cables from their routing guides.

6. Pull the Mini-Card antenna cables through the system board as shown in the figure.

7. Disconnect the display cables and the speaker cable from the respective system board connectors.

8. Make note of the display cables and the speaker cable routing and carefully dislodge from their routing guides as shown in the figure.
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
Mini-Card antenna cables




9. Remove the two screws from the display assembly hinges.

10. Remove the display assembly from the computer base.

Replacing the Display Assembly

1. Align the display assembly hinges with the holes in the base of the computer and then lower the display into place.

2. Replace and tighten the two display assembly hinge screws.

3. Carefully route the display cables and the speaker cable into their routing guides and connect them to the respective system board connectors.

4. Carefully slide the Mini-Card antenna cables through the system board and into their routing guides.

5. Replace the palm rest (see Replacing the Palm Rest).

6. Replace the keyboard (see Replacing the Keyboard).

7. Replace the module cover (see Replacing the Module Cover).

8. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place and slide the battery-lock latch towards the lock position.
Display Bezel

1
display cables
2
Mini-Card antenna cables
3
speaker cable


1
display cable connectors
2
screw (2)
3
speaker cable connector




Removing the Display Bezel


1. Follow the instructions in Removing the Display Assembly.

2. Using your fingertips, carefully pry up the inside edge of the display bezel.

3. Remove the display bezel.

Replacing the Display Bezel

1. Realign the display bezel over the display panel, and gently snap into place.

2. Follow the instructions in Replacing the Display Assembly.
Display Panel

Removing the Display Panel

1. Follow the instructions Removing the Display Assembly.

2. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel).

3. Remove the camera (see Removing the Camera).

4. Remove the six screws securing the display panel assembly to the display cover.

5. Remove the display panel assembly.
NOTICE: The display bezel is extremely fragile. Be careful when removing it to prevent damaging the bezel.
1
display panel
2
display bezel


6. Remove the four screws (two on each side) that secure the display panel brackets to the display panel.

Replacing the Display Panel

1. Attach the display bracket to the display panel by replacing the four screws (two on each side of the display panel).

2. Align the display assembly panel with the display cover and replace the six screws.

3. Replace the camera (see Replacing the Camera).

4. Replace the display bezel (see Replacing the Display Bezel).

5. Follow the instructions in Replacing the Display Assembly.
Display Panel Cable

1
display cover
2
screw (6)
3
display panel


1
screw (4 total; 2 on each side)
2
display panel bracket (1 left, 1 right)

Removing the Display Panel Cable

1. Follow the instructions in Removing the Display Assembly.

2. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel).

3. Remove the camera (see Removing the Camera).

4. Remove the display panel (see Removing the Display Panel).

5. Turn over the display panel and place it on a clean surface.

6. Lift the conductive tape that secures the flex cable to the display board connector and disconnect the flex cable.

Replacing the Display Panel Cable

1. Connect the flex cable to the display board connector and secure it with the conductive tape.

2. Replace the display panel (see Replacing the Display Panel).

3. Replace the camera (see Replacing the Camera).

4. Replace the display bezel (see Replacing the Display Bezel).

5. Follow the instructions in Replacing the Display Assembly.
Back to Contents Page

NOTE: The Display Panel cables and connectors may differ depending on the Display Panel you ordered.
1
back of display panel
2
flex cable
3
conductive tape
4
display board connector

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Keyboard
Dell™Vostro™A90ServiceManual
Removing the Keyboard
Replacing the Keyboard
For more information about the keyboard, see the Dell Technology Guide.



Removing the Keyboard

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Turn the computer over.



3. Remove the two screws from the base of the computer.

4. Turn the computer top-side up and open the display.

5. Carefully lift the keyboard and hold it to access the keyboard connector.


6. Push out the securing tabs that secure the keyboard cable to the system board and remove the keyboard.
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.
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the
keyboard.
NOTICE: Be extremely careful when removing and handling the keyboard. Failure to do so could result in scratching the display panel.
NOTICE: The securing tabs that secure the keyboard cable to the system board are fragile. To avoid damage to the securing tabs, do not push
them too far.

Replacing the Keyboard

1. Slide the keyboard cable connector into the slot and push in the securing tabs to secure the keyboard cable to the system board.


2. Align the tabs on the keyboard to the bottom of the palm rest and keep it in place.

3. Close the display, turn the computer over.

4. Replace the two screws in the base of the computer.

5. Slide the battery into the battery bay, until it clicks into place and slide the battery-lock latch to the lock position.
Back to Contents Page

1
keyboard
2
keyboard tab (3)
3
keyboard cable
4
securing tab (2)
NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the
keyboard.

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Memory Module
Dell™Vostro™A90ServiceManual
Removing the Memory Module
Replacing the Memory Module

You can increase your computer memory by replacing the current memory module on the system board with a higher one. See "Basic Specifications" in your
Setup Guide for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.
Your computer has a user-accessible SODIMM socket that can be accessed from the bottom of the computer.
Removing the Memory Module

The memory module is located at the bottom of the computer.

1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Remove the module cover (see Removing the Module Cover).


3. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.

4. Remove the memory module from the connector.
Replacing the Memory Module


1. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.

2. Align the notch in the memory module edge connector with the tab in the memory module connector slot.

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.
NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.
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 damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory module securing clips.
1
memory module connector
2
securing clip (2)
3
memory module


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).