HP A524x - Pavilion - 512 MB RAM User manual

hp pavilion home pc
upgrading and
servicing guide

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upgrading and servicing guide iii
safety information.......................................................................... 1
opening and closing the pc............................................................. 1
preparing the pc.......................................................................................1
before opening the pc ...............................................................................1
after closing the pc ...................................................................................2
removing the side panel ............................................................................2
replacing the side panel ............................................................................2
removing the front panel............................................................................2
replacing the front panel ...........................................................................3
locating components inside the pc ..............................................................3
removing and replacing drives....................................................... 4
removing an optical drive ..........................................................................4
replacing or adding an optical drive...........................................................4
removing a memory card reader or a diskette (floppy) drive ..........................5
installing a memory card reader or a diskette (floppy) drive...........................5
removing a hard disk drive ........................................................................6
replacing a hard disk drive........................................................................7
installing a second hard disk drive..............................................................8
removing a second hard disk drive ...........................................................10
adding memory ........................................................................... 11
removing a memory module.....................................................................11
installing a memory module .....................................................................11
removing or installing an add-in card .......................................... 12
removing an add-in card .........................................................................12
installing an add-in card..........................................................................13
replacing the battery.................................................................... 13
table of contents

iv upgrading and servicing guide

upgrading and servicing guide 1
safety information
This product has not been evaluated for connection to
an “IT” power system (an AC distribution system with
no direct connection to earth, according to IEC
60950).
WARNING: Please read “safety
information” in the beginning of the
User’s Guide before installing and
connecting your system to the electrical
power system.
The Upgrading and Servicing Guide provides
instructions on how to remove and replace hardware
components of your PC.
opening and closing the pc
preparing the pc
Before you upgrade any component in your PC, you
need to prepare the PC so that you can safely handle
it and the components.
Read the following items before attempting to upgrade
or service the PC.
• These procedures assume familiarity with the
general terminology associated with personal
computers, and with the safety practices and
regulatory compliance required for using and
modifying electronic equipment.
• Write down and save the system model and serial
numbers, all installed options, and other
information about the system. It will be easier to
consult this information than to open up and
examine the PC.
• HP recommends that you use an antistatic wrist
strap and a conductive foam pad when working on
the system.
WARNING: Always disconnect the modem
cable from the telephone system, and then
disconnect the PC from the power source
before removing the front and side panels
of the PC. Failure to do so before you open
the PC, or do any procedures, can result in
personal injury or equipment damage.
before opening the pc
To avoid injury and equipment damage, always
follow this procedure in this order before opening
the PC:
1 Remove any diskette or optical disc (CD or DVD)
from the PC.
2 Click the Start button, and then click Turn Off
Computer. Click Turn Off.
3 Disconnect the modem/telephone cable, if present.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal
injury from electrical shock or hot
surfaces, disconnect the power cable from
the wall socket, and allow the internal
system components to cool before
touching.
4 Disconnect the power cable from the electrical
outlet and then from the PC.
5 Disconnect all other attached cables (such as the
keyboard, mouse and monitor) and all external
devices.

2upgrading and servicing guide
CAUTION: Static electricity can damage the
electronic components of the PC or
optional equipment. Ensure that you are
discharged of static electricity by briefly
touching a grounded metal object.
after closing the pc
To avoid injury and equipment damage, always
follow this procedure in this order after closing the PC:
1 Reconnect the power cable.
W
ARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, fire, or damage to the equipment,
do not plug telecommunications or
telephone connectors into the network
interface card (NIC) (labeled as an
Ethernet connector).
2 Reconnect the modem/telephone cable and all
other attached cables (such as the keyboard, mouse
and monitor) and external devices.
3 Turn on the PC and all peripherals.
4 If you installed an add-in card, install any software
drivers supplied by the card manufacturer.
removing the side panel
1 See “before opening the
pc” on page 1.
2 Loosen the two
thumbscrews on the right
side of the back panel.
The first time you loosen
these screws, you may
need to use a Phillips
screwdriver.
WARNING:
Beware of sharp
edges inside the
chassis.
3 Slide the panel back about 2.5 cm (1 inch), lift it
off the unit, and set it aside.
NOTE: You do not need to remove the other side
panel to replace the hardware listed in this guide.
replacing the side panel
1 Align the notches inside
the side panel with the
holes on the chassis
frame.
2 Slide the side panel
forward on the frame until
it locks into place, and
then tighten the
thumbscrews on the side
panel.
3 See “after closing the pc”
on page 2.
removing the front panel
This procedure is necessary only when removing or
replacing an optical drive, a memory card reader or a
diskette drive.
1 Remove the side panel. See “removing the side
panel” on page 2.
2 Unlock or pull back the front panel release tab (A),
located at the bottom of the front panel. Pull the tab
all the way back. The arrow mark on the chassis
points to unlock when the tab is in the unlock
position.
A
B

upgrading and servicing guide 3
3 Locate the three small tabs (B) attached to the front
panel on the side of the chassis. Press each tab
away from the centre of the chassis. Press the top,
the middle and the bottom tab, and then gently
remove the front panel.
replacing the front panel
1 Place the chassis upright, and then align the bottom
of the front panel with the ridge on the bottom of
the chassis.
Or
Slide the bottom of the front panel under the bottom
of the chassis, making sure the tab on the bottom of
the front panel is inserted into the slot on the bottom
of the chassis.
2 Guide the three small tabs (B) on each side of the
front panel into the correct holes until the panel
snaps into place.
A
B
3 Lock the front panel release tab (A) by pushing it
forward. The arrow mark on the chassis points to
lock when the tab is in the lock position.
locating components inside the pc
AUpper optical drive bay, may be a CD-ROM,
CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD+RW, or combination
drive
BLower optical drive bay, may be empty (blank
plate) or a CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM,
DVD+RW or combination drive
C Diskette (floppy) drive (select models)
DMemory card reader (select models)
EHard disk drive with an expansion bay for
second hard disk drive (select models)
FHard disk drive or an expansion bay for
second hard disk drive (select models)
NOTE:If your PC comes with a cage around your
hard disk drive, (E) is the primary hard disk drive and
(F) is an expansion bay for a second hard disk drive.
If your PC does not come with this cage, (F) is your
primary hard disk drive.

4upgrading and servicing guide
removing and
replacing drives
Your PC includes several drives that you can replace
or upgrade. See “locating components inside the pc”
on page 3.
CAUTION: Back up your personal files on
the hard disk drive to an external
storage device, such as a CD, before
removing the hard disk drive. Failure to
do so will result in data loss. After
replacing the hard disk drive, you need
to run System Recovery using the
recovery discs to load the factory-
installed files. See the User’s Guide for
details about the recovery procedure.
You can add an optical drive to an empty lower
optical bay.
IMPORTANT: Before adding a new optical drive,
make sure that it is compatible with the Microsoft ®
Windows®XP operating system. Also, make sure you
have the correct software and drivers for the optical
drive to work with the operating system.
You can replace the (primary) hard disk drive or install
a second hard disk drive in the PC.
removing an optical drive
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Remove the front panel. See “removing the front
panel” on page 2.
3 Gently lay the PC on its side.
4 Lift the plastic tab (C) on the side of the optical
drive you want to remove. Push the drive partway
out through the front of the PC (D).
NOTE: You do not need to remove the screws
on the side of the optical drive to remove it from
the PC.
5 Make a note of each cable and plug orientation
attached to the back of the optical drive, that you
want to replace before removing the cables.
6 Disconnect the power cable and data cable from
the back of the optical drive, using a gentle rocking
motion. Disconnect the sound cable, if present.
7 Pull the drive out through the front of the PC (D).
replacing or adding
an optical drive
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Remove the front panel. See “removing the front
panel” on page 2.
3 If your optical drive bay is empty, remove the
drive cover by pressing the tabs on each side of the
drive cover, and then pulling it toward you and out
of the PC.

upgrading and servicing guide 5
4 Slide the new optical drive through the front of the
PC. Don’t slide the drive in all the way; you need
room to attach the cables.
5 Connect the power cable and data cable to the
back of the optical drive. Some drive models may
have a sound cable. If so, connect the sound cable.
6 Push the optical drive all the way in through the
front of the PC until it snaps into place (D).
7 Replace the front panel. See “replacing the front
panel” on page 3.
8 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and to close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.
removing a memory card reader
or a diskette (floppy) drive
Your PC has a drive cage that can hold a memory
card reader and a diskette drive. You can replace
either of these drives.
To ensure that the drive fits properly into the PC, be
sure to purchase the replacement diskette drive from
HP. Refer to the Warranty and Support Guide for
contact information.
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Remove the front panel. See “removing the front
panel” on page 2.
3 Gently lay the PC on its side.
4 Make a note of each cable attached to the drive
you want to replace.
5 Remove the screw from the side of the drive cage to
remove the memory card reader or the diskette
drive.
6 Remove the cables attached to the back of the drive
in the drive cage.
7 Push the memory card reader or the diskette drive
towards the front of the PC and pull the drive out
through the front of PC.
installing a memory card reader
or a diskette (floppy) drive
1 See “removing a memory card reader or the
diskette (floppy) drive” on page 5.
Or
Remove the faceplate of the drive bay.

6upgrading and servicing guide
2 Slide the drive inside of the drive cage through the
front of the PC. Make sure the connectors face
toward the back.
3 Attach the cables to the drive you are installing.
4 Install the screw to secure the drive you are
installing to the drive cage.
5 Replace the front panel. See “replacing the front
panel” on page 3.
6 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and to close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.
removing a hard disk drive
The hard disk drive of your PC may be located inside
a cage. If it is, follow the first set of instructions, “To
remove a hard disk drive (with a hard disk drive
cage)” on page 6. If your hard disk drive is not
located inside a cage, follow the second set of
instructions, “To remove a hard disk drive (without a
hard disk drive cage)” on page 7.
The hard disk drive is preloaded with the system
recovery partition of your PC. If you remove this hard
disk drive, store in an antistatic bag that is properly
sealed.
To remove a hard disk drive
(with a hard disk drive cage)
(select models)
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Gently lay the PC on its side.
3 Make a note of each cable attached to the hard
disk drive before removing the cables.
4 Remove the cables from the back of the hard disk
drive.
5 Push the release tab attached to the hard disk drive
bracket (H) until it is unlocked. Gently push the
hard disk drive in the same direction, and then pull
it out of the hard disk drive bracket (J).

upgrading and servicing guide 7
To remove a hard disk drive
(without a hard disk drive cage)
(select models)
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Remove the front panel. See “removing the front
panel” on page 2.
3 Gently lay the PC on its side.
4 Remove the four screws from the front of the chassis
that secure the hard disk drive. Lift the hard disk
drive out of the chassis.
5 Make a note of each cable attached to the hard
disk drive before removing the cables.
6 Remove the IDE and power cables from the back of
the hard disk drive.
replacing a hard disk drive
The hard disk drive of your PC may be located inside
a cage. If it is, follow the first set of instructions, “To
replace a hard disk drive (with a hard disk drive
cage)” on page 7. If your hard disk drive is not
located inside a cage, follow the second set of
instructions, “To replace a hard disk drive (without a
hard disk drive cage)” on page 8.
To replace a hard disk drive
(with a hard disk drive cage)
1 Make sure the release tab on the hard disk drive
bracket is in the unlocked position before you insert
the new hard disk drive.
2 Attach the IDE and power supply cables to the back
of the hard disk drive.
WARNING: Make sure the IDE cable end
labeled Master is connected to the
primary hard disk drive. If you have a
second hard disk drive, make sure the
IDE cable labeled Slave is connected to
the second hard disk drive. If the IDE
cable is not connected correctly, the PC
will not be able to locate the hard disk
drives and data may be lost.

8upgrading and servicing guide
3 Align the two screws on the top and two screws on
the bottom of the replacement hard disk drive with
the screw head tracks on the top and bottom of the
hard disk drive bracket. Slide the hard disk drive
until it snaps into place (K).
4 Push the release tab on the top of the hard disk
drive bracket into the locked position (L).
5 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and to close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.
To replace a hard disk drive
(without a hard disk drive cage)
1 Attach the power cable to the back of the drive.
2 Make sure you attach the connector that is marked
Master on the IDE ribbon cable to the back of the
primary hard disk drive.
3 Place the hard disk drive inside the chassis. Align
the drive with the four screw holes on the front of
the PC to secure the hard disk drive. Insert and
tighten the screws.
4 Connect the other end of the IDE cable to the
motherboard.
5 Replace the front panel. See “replacing the front
panel” on page 3.
6 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and to close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.
installing a second
hard disk drive
Some PC models may have an empty bay to add a
second hard disk drive. You must provide the drive
and four 6/32 x ¼-inch screws to secure the drive to
the chassis.
NOTE:If your PC does not include a cage around the
hard disk drive, and you want to install a second hard
disk drive, please contact Customer-replaceable Parts
Service, which is available in some countries/regions.
For contact information, refer to the Warranty and
Support Guide. If your PC does include a cage
around the hard disk drive, use the following
instructions.

upgrading and servicing guide 9
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Remove the front panel. See “removing the front
panel” on page 2.
3 Gently lay the PC on its side.
4 If you are also removing the hard disk drive, see
“removing a hard disk drive” on page 6.
NOTE: You do not need to remove the hard disk
drive from the bracket when installing a second
hard disk drive.
5 Remove the two screws on the hard disk drive
bracket (N).
6 Slide the bracket away from the bottom of
the chassis, and then pull it up and out of the
chassis (O).
7 Attach the power cable to the back of the drive.
8 Make sure you attach the connector that is marked
Master on the IDE ribbon cable to the back of the
primary hard disk drive. Connect the remaining
part of the cable, that is marked Slave, to the
second hard disk drive.
WARNING: Make sure the IDE cable end
labeled Master is connected to the primary
hard disk drive. If the IDE cable is not
connected correctly, the PC will not be able
to locate the hard disk drives and data
may be lost.
9 Place the second hard disk drive inside the chassis,
and align it with the screw holes (P) on the front of
the chassis. Use four regular 6/32 x ¼-inch screws
(not included) to secure the hard disk drive to the
front of the PC. Tighten the screws from the front of
the PC chassis into the drive.
10 Connect the end of the IDE cable labeled CPU to
the motherboard.

10 upgrading and servicing guide
11 Place the hard disk drive bracket over the new
second hard disk drive, align the four tabs with the
holes on the front of the chassis, and then slide the
bracket toward the bottom of the chassis until it
snaps into place (Q).
12 Attach the two screws to the hard disk drive
bracket (R).
13 Replace the hard disk drive. See “replacing a hard
disk drive” on page 7.
14 Replace the front panel. See “replacing the front
panel” on page 3.
15 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and to close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.
removing a second hard disk
drive
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Remove the front panel. See “removing the front
panel” on page 2.
3 Gently lay the PC on its side.
4 See “removing a hard disk drive” on page 6.
NOTE: You do not need to remove the hard disk
drive from the bracket when removing a second
hard disk drive.
5 Remove the two screws on the hard disk drive
bracket (N).
6 Slide the bracket away from the bottom of the
chassis (O), and then pull it up and out of the
chassis.
7 Remove the four screws on the front of the chassis
to release the second hard disk drive from the front
of the chassis (P). Lift the second hard disk drive out
of the chassis.
8 Make a note of each cable attached to the second
hard disk drive before removing the cables.
Remove the IDE and power cables from the back of
the second hard disk drive.

upgrading and servicing guide 11
adding memory
The motherboard contains sockets for DDR DIMMs
(double data rate dual in-line memory modules). The
exact number of sockets depends on which model you
have.
To determine which type of memory module your
PC uses, and for specific memory module information
and specifications, go to the Web site listed in your
Warranty and Support Guide and click the
Support link.
WARNING: Using the wrong type of
memory module could damage the
system.
removing a memory module
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Gently lay the PC on its side.
3 Locate the memory sockets on the motherboard.
CAUTION: When handling a memory
module, be careful not to touch any of
the contacts. Doing so may damage the
module.
4 Move any cabling out of the way, if necessary.
WARNING: Do not pull the memory
module out of the socket. Use the
retaining clips to eject the module.
5 Push down the two retaining clips on the ends of
the socket until the memory module pops out of the
socket.
6 Hold the memory module by its edges only, as you
lift it away from the socket. Store it in its antistatic
packaging.
installing a memory module
Upgrade the memory in your PC with memory of the
same type and speed as the memory originally
installed in your PC.
CAUTION: When handling a memory
module, be careful not to touch any of
the contacts. Doing so may damage the
module.
1 Open both latches of the memory module socket.
See “removing a memory module” on page 11.
• If you are replacing a memory module, put the
new memory module in the same memory slot
from which the old memory was removed.
Or
• If you are adding a memory module, install the
new module into the socket nearest the
preinstalled module, and install additional
modules in the next available sockets.
2 Hold the new memory module only by its edges as
you remove it from the antistatic packaging. (Avoid
touching the memory chips or the gold contacts on
the module.)

12 upgrading and servicing guide
3 The memory module can be installed in only one
way. Match the notch on the module with the tab
on the memory socket. Push the module carefully
and firmly into the slot, ensuring that the latches on
both ends snap into place.
4 Replace any cabling that was removed.
5 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.
removing or installing an
add-in card
An add-in card is a circuit board, such as a PCI or an
AGP card that fits into a PC add-in card slot. Your PC
contains several add-in card slots that can be used to
add components to your PC. The PC component
configurations vary by model.
WARNING: Do not overload the system by
installing add-in cards that draw excessive
current. The system is designed to provide
2 amps (average) of +5 V power for each
board/card in the PC. The total +5 V
current draw in a fully loaded system (one
with all add-in card slots filled) must not
exceed the total number of slots multiplied
by 2 amps.
A Phillips screwdriver is needed to remove, replace or
add an add-in card.
removing an add-in card
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the pc” on page 1.
2 Gently lay the PC on its side.
3 Inside the PC, locate the add-in card slots on the
motherboard.
4 If you are replacing a card, make a note of any
external or internal cables attached to the card,
and then disconnect them.
5 Remove the add-in card slot cover by removing
the screw, and then removing the cover from the
chassis.
Or
Loosen the screw on the card you are replacing.
Hold the card at the top and carefully pull the card
straight out of the add-in card slot.

upgrading and servicing guide 13
installing an add-in card
1 Align the edge of the add-in card with the slot
on the chassis, and gently but firmly press the
card straight down into the add-in card slot. The
whole connector should be seated properly in the
card slot.
2 Insert the screw to secure the card you have
replaced.
3 Connect any external or internal cables attached to
the card.
4 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.
NOTE: If the new card or device isn’t working, read
through the card manufacturer’s installation
instructions, and recheck all connections, including
those to the card, power supply, keyboard and
monitor.
replacing the battery
A lithium battery on the motherboard provides backup
power for the PC’s timekeeping capability. The battery
has an estimated life expectancy of seven years.
When the battery starts to weaken, the date and time
may be incorrect. If the battery fails, replace it with a
CR2032 lithium battery (3 volt, 220mAH rating) or an
equivalent battery.
WARNING: There is danger of explosion if
the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace
only with the same, or equivalent, type of
battery. Discard used batteries according
to the manufacturer’s instructions.
1 Complete the procedures to prepare the PC, and to
remove the side panel. See “opening and closing
the PC” on page 1.
2 Gently lay the PC on its side.
3 Remove any cabling, if necessary, to reach the
battery.
4 Remove any memory modules, if necessary, to
reach the battery. See “adding memory” on
page 11.
5 Press the latch away from the battery, and lift the
battery from the socket to release the battery.
6 Install the new CR2032 battery in the socket, with
the positive (+) side facing the latch.
7 Replace memory modules or cables you removed.
8 Set the chassis upright.
9 Complete the procedures to replace the side panel,
and to close the PC. See “opening and closing the
pc” on page 1.

Printed in