Contents Chapter 1: Working inside your computer..................5 Before working inside your computer..........................5 Before you begin ................................5 Safety instructions................................5 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection........................6 ESD field service kit ................................6 Transporting sensitive components..........................7 After working inside your computer..........................7 Chapter 2: Removing and installing components................8 Recommended tools................................
Page 4
Updating BIOS on systems with BitLocker enabled................... 65 Updating your system BIOS using a USB flash drive..................65 Updating the Dell BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu environments................... 66 Flashing the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu.................... 66 System and setup password............................67 Assigning a system setup password........................
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.
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 For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
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.
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 ● Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and...
Table 1. Screw list Component Screw type Quantity Screw image Wireless-card bracket M2x4 Power-adapter port M2x4 Power button M2x2 Type-C bracket M2x4 System board M2x4 M2x2 USB board M2x4 I/O board M2x4 Power-button shield M2x2 Base cover Removing the base cover Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the four screws (M2x6) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Loosening the two captive screws located in the front of the computer creates a gap which can be used to pry and lift the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Page 13
Steps 1. Connect the battery cable to the system board, if the battery cable had been previously disconnected. Removing and installing components...
2. Align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and then snap the base cover into place. 3. Replace the four screws (M2x6) that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
Installing the battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.
Next steps 1. Install the base cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Touchpad Removing the touchpad Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. About this task The following image indicates the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Page 17
Steps 1. Remove the seven (M2x2) screws that secure the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly 2. Lift the touchpad bracket off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: After removing the touchpad, if the replacement touchpad is not installed immediately, replace the touchpad bracket to the palm-rest and key board assembly.
Installing the touchpad Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the touchpad and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.
Next steps 1. Install the battery. 2. Install the base cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid-state drives Removing the solid-state drive in SSD slot one Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the solid-state drive and the system board. 2. Lift the thermal shield off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the slot on the system board. Installing the solid-state drive in SSD slot one Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Page 21
Steps 1. Align the notches on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot. 2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot. 3. Place the thermal shield on the solid-state drive. 4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board. 5.
Removing the 2280 solid-state drive in SSD slot two Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task NOTE: Depending on the configuration ordered, your computer may support either 2230 solid-state drive or 2280 solid- state drive in M.2 slot two.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the thermal shield to the system board and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the thermal shield off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Slide and lift the solid-state drive off the solid-state drive slot on the system board. Installing the solid-state drive in SSD slot two Prerequisites If your are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Page 24
Steps 1. Align the notches on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot. 2. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot. 3. Place the solid-state drive bracket on the solid-state drive 4. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the solid-state drive and system board. 5.
Procedure to move the screw mount About this task This computer supports two solid-state drive form factors: ● M.2 2230 ● M.2 2280 If you are replacing the solid-state drive of a different form factor other than the one removed, see the following procedure to move the location of the screw mount.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the wireless card to the USB board. 2. Lift the bracket that secures the wireless card to the system board. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless-card slot. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Page 27
Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black...
Memory module Removing the memory module Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. About this task The following image indicates the location of the memory modules and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 2. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle. 3. Press the memory module down until it clicks into place. NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
Steps 1. Note the routing of the cable that connects the left speaker to the right speaker and remove it from the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Note the position of the rubber grommets before lifting the speakers. 2.
Steps 1. Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the speakers in the slots on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out of the speakers when removing the speakers, push them back in place before replacing the speakers.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x2) that secure the rear cover to the system board. 3. Push the rear cover away from the system board and lift it off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the rear cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Slide the rear cover towards the system board till it snaps into place. 2. Align the screw holes on the rear cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the rear cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
Page 34
About this task The following images indicate the location of the display assembly and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Peel the tapes that secure the antenna cables to the system board. Removing and installing components...
2. Note the routing of the antenna cable and display cable, and remove the antenna cables from the left fan. 3. Peel the tape and open the latch, and disconnect the display cable from the system board. 4. Flip the computer over and place the computer on a clean and flat surface. 5.
Page 36
Steps 1. Align the screw holes on the display hinges with screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and place the display assembly on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Route the antenna cable and display cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly and to the top side of the computer and along the left of the power adapter port.
3. Replace eight screws (M2.5x4) that secure the display-assembly hinges to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4. Turn the display assembly over. 5. Connect the display cable to the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable. 6.
3. Disconnect the power-adapter port-cable from the system board. 4. Lift the power-adapter port, along with its cable, off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the power-adapter port Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following image indicates the location of the power-adapter port and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Page 39
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes that you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. Make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board. NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location of the connectors so that you can reconnect the cables correctly after you replace the system board.
Page 40
Steps 1. Remove the two (M2x4) screws that secure the Type-C bracket to the system board and lift the Type-C bracket off the system board. 2. Peel the tape that secures the display cable to the system board. 3. Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board and place it on a flat and clean surface. 4.
NOTE: After removing the screws, lift the system board from the top left and right sides of the heat sink. Ensure the connectors are released from the ports and pins on the left and right sides of your computer. NOTE: Place the system board on a clean and flat surface.
Page 42
NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes that you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. Make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board. About this task The following image indicates the connectors on your system board. 1.
Page 43
Steps NOTE: Place the system board on a clean and flat surface. Replace the board, and heat sink. 2. Turn the system board over. Removing and installing components...
CAUTION: Before replacing the system board, ensure that the power button cable is routed below the USB board. If the power button cable is not routed and connected properly, the computer will not power on. 3. Align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. NOTE: Align the system board with the positioning pins on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
8. Remove the memory module. 9. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 16 in Removing the system board. NOTE: System board can be removed with the heat sink and USB board attached. About this task The following image indicates the location of the heat sink and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
Page 46
Steps 1. Place the heat sink on the system board and align the screw holes on the heat sink with the screw holes on the system board. 2. Replace the six screws (M2x4) that secure the heat sink to the system board. 3.
USB board Removing the USB board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the base cover. 3. Remove the battery. 4. Remove the rear cover. 5. Remove the solid-state drive 6. Remove the solid-state drive 7.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the USB board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. At an angle, insert the USB board in to the system board. 2. Install the two screws (M2x4) that secure the USB board to the system board. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Open the latch and disconnect the I/O board cable from the system board. 2. Remove the two screws (M2x4) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Remove the I/O board from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Installing the I/O board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Open the latch and connect the I/O board cable to the system board and close the latch. 2. Align the screw holes on the I/O board with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Install the two screws (M2x4) that secure the I/O board to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Next steps 1.
Steps 1. Remove the two screws (M2x2) that secure the power-button shield to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Lift the power-button shield off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Remove the two screws (M2x2) that secure the power button to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
Steps 1. Place the power button on the slot on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 2. Replace the two screws (M2x2) that secure the power button to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 3. Align the screw holes on the power-button shield with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. 4.
9. Remove the wireless card. 10. Remove the memory module. 11. Remove the power-adapter port. 12. Remove the speakers. 13. Remove the system board. NOTE: System board can be removed with the heat sink, and USB board attached. 14. Remove the power button.
Page 54
Next steps 1. Install the power button. 2. Install the system board. NOTE: System board can be removed with the heat sink, and USB board attached. 3. Install the speakers. 4. Install the power-adapter port. 5. Install the memory module. 6.
Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938. Drivers and downloads...
System setup CAUTION: Unless you are an expert computer user, do not change the settings in the BIOS Setup program. Certain changes can make your computer work incorrectly. NOTE: Depending on the computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not be displayed. NOTE: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen information for future reference.
One time boot menu To enter one time boot menu, turn on your computer, and then press F2 immediately. NOTE: It is recommended to shutdown the computer if it is on. The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option. The boot menu options are: ●...
Page 58
Table 4. System setup options—System information menu Overview Processor L3 Cache Displays the processor L3 Cache size. Current Clock Speed Displays the current processor clock speed. Minimum Clock Speed Displays the minimum processor clock speed. Microcode Version Displays the microcode version. Intel Hyper-Threading Capable Displays whether the processor is Hyper-Threading (HT) capable.
Page 59
Table 6. System setup options—System Configuration menu (continued) System Configuration Date/Time Date Sets the computer date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Changes to the date take effect immediately. Time Sets the computer time in HH/MM/SS 24-hour format. You can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour clock. Changes to the time take effect immediately.
Page 60
Table 6. System setup options—System Configuration menu System Configuration Default: ON. Table 7. System setup options—Video menu Video LCD Brightness Brightness on battery power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on battery power. Brightness on AC power Sets the screen brightness when the computer is running on AC power.
Page 61
Table 8. System setup options—Security menu Security NOTE: This feature may cause compatibility issues or loss of functionality with some legacy tools and applications. Enable Strong Passwords Enables or disables strong passwords. Default: OFF. Password Configuration Control the minimum and maximum number of characters that are allowed for Admin and System passwords.
Page 62
Table 11. System setup options—Performance menu Performance Default: ON. Multi-Core Support Changes the number of CPU cores available to the operating system. The default value is set to the maximum number of cores. Default: All Cores. Enable C-State Control Enables or disables the CPU's ability to enter and exit low-power states. Default: ON.
Page 63
Table 13. System setup options—Wireless menu Wireless WLAN Default: ON. Bluetooth Default: ON. Wireless Device Enable Enable or disable internal WLAN/Bluetooth devices. WLAN Default: ON. Bluetooth Default: ON. Table 14. System setup options—POST Behavior menu POST Behavior Numlock Enable Enables or disables Numlock when the computer boots. Default: ON.
Page 64
Dell Auto operating system Recovery Controls the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console Threshold and for Dell operating system Recovery tool. Default: 2. SupportAssist operating system Recovery Enables or disables the boot flow for SupportAssist operating system Recovery tool in the even of certain system errors.
If BitLocker is enabled, it must be suspended before updating the system BIOS, and then re-enabled after the BIOS update is completed. Steps 1. Restart the computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. ● Enter the Service Tag or Express Service Code and click Search. ● Click Drivers & Downloads. ● Click Detect Drivers and follow the on-screen instructions.
One-Time boot menu on the computer. Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12 One-Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS update option.
● BIOS executable file that you downloaded from the Dell Support website and copied to the root of the USB drive ● AC power adapter that is connected to the computer ● Functional computer battery to flash the BIOS Perform the following steps to perform the BIOS update flash process from the F12 menu: CAUTION: Do not turn off the computer during the BIOS update process.
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords About this task To clear the system or BIOS passwords, contact Dell technical support as described at www.dell.com/contactdell. NOTE: For information on how to reset Windows or application passwords, refer to the documentation accompanying Windows or your application.
Troubleshooting SupportAssist diagnostics About this task The SupportAssist diagnostics (previously known as ePSA diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The SupportAssist diagnostics is embedded in the BIOS and is launched by it internally. The SupportAssist diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups.
It enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state. You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures.
Backup media and recovery options It is recommended to create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with Windows. Dell proposes multiple options for recovering Windows operating system on your Dell PC. For more information. see...
WiFi power cycle About this task If your computer is unable to access the Internet due to WiFi connectivity issues, a WiFi power cycle procedure may be performed. The following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle: NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
Getting help and contacting Dell Self-help resources You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources: Table 21. Self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com My Dell Tips...