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Adding and Replacing Parts

Dell™ Latitude™ D620 User's Guide

Before You Begin	Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Card
Hinge Cover	Mobile Broadband Card
Keyboard	Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card
Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology	Hard Drive
Coin-Cell Battery	Media Bay
Memory

Before You Begin

This chapter provides procedures for removing and installing the components in your computer. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure assumes that the following conditions exist:

• You have performed the steps in Turning Off Your Computer and Before Working Inside Your Computer.
  
  
• You have read the safety information in your Dell™ Product Information Guide.
  
  
• 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:

• Small flat-blade screwdriver
  
  
• Phillips screwdriver
  
  
• Small plastic scribe
  
  
• Flash BIOS update program CD
  
  

Turning Off Your Computer

NOTICE: To avoid losing data, save and close any open files and exit any open programs before you turn off your computer.

1. Shut down the operating system:
   
   
   1. Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click Start® Shut Down® Shut down® OK.
      
      

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process finishes.

2. Ensure that the computer and any 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 for 4 seconds.
   
   

Before Working Inside Your Computer

Use the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damage and to help ensure your own personal safety.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

CAUTION: 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.

NOTICE: Only a certified service technician should perform repairs on your computer. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty.

NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector 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.

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.
   
   

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall connector.

4. Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.
   
   
5. Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.
   
   

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you service the computer.

6. Remove any installed modules, including a second battery, if installed (see Media Bay).
   
   
7. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
   
   
8. Remove the battery (see Replacing the Battery).
   
   
9. Press the power button to ground the system board.
   
   
10. Remove any installed PC Cards from the PC Card slot (see Removing a Card or Blank).
    
    

Hinge Cover

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

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: The hinge cover is fragile and can be damaged if extreme force is used. Be careful when removing the hinge cover.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Turn the computer top-side up, and then open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that the display rests on your work surface.
   
   

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the hinge cover, do not lift the cover on both sides simultaneously. Removing the hinge cover in a different way than described may cause the plastic to break.

1

hinge cover

2

plastic scribe

3

indent

3. Starting on the right side of the computer, use a plastic scribe to pry up the hinge cover. Lift the cover away from the computer going from the right toward the left, and lay the cover aside.
   
   
4. To replace the hinge cover, insert the left edge of the cover into place.
   
   
5. Press from left to right until the cover snaps into place.
   
   

Keyboard

CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, follow the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.

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. Follow the instructions in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Turn the computer right-side up and open it.
   
   

1

hinge cover

2

keyboard

3. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
   
   

1	keyboard tabs (5)	2	screws (3)	3	palm rest
4	keyboard connector on system board	5	keyboard cable connector	6	pull-tab

NOTICE: The keycaps on the keyboard are fragile, easily dislodged, and time-consuming to replace. Be careful when removing and handling the keyboard.

4. Remove the three screws across the top of the keyboard.
   
   

NOTE: Lift the keyboard carefully in step 5 to ensure that you do not pull on the keyboard cable.

5. Rotate the keyboard up 90-degrees and lay it on the palm rest to gain access to the keyboard connector.
   
   
6. If the keyboard cable is held in place by a keyboard lock arm next to the keyboard connector, carefully pivot the lock arm upward to uncover the cable.
   
   
7. Pull up on the pull-tab to disconnect the keyboard cable connector from the keyboard connector on the system board.
   
   

NOTE: When you replace the keyboard, ensure that the keyboard tabs are completely in place to avoid scratching the palm rest.

Internal Card With Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, follow the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.

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: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.

If you ordered an internal card with Bluetooth wireless technology with your computer, it is already installed.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
   
   

1

card cable

2

card

3

metal tab

NOTICE: Be careful when removing the card to avoid damaging the card, card cable, or surrounding components.

3. Carefully remove the card cable from its routing guide.
   
   
4. While grasping the card cable with one hand, use a plastic scribe to gently pry the card out from underneath the metal tab with the other hand.
   
   
5. Lift the card from the compartment, ensuring that you do not pull on the card cable with excessive force.
   
   

6. Disconnect the card from the cable and remove the card from the computer.
   
   

Coin-Cell Battery

CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, follow the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.

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: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin working inside the computer.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
   
   
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
   
   

1

battery connector

2

coin-cell battery

3

plastic mylar

4. Remove the battery connector from the connector on the system board.
   
   
5. Being careful not to break the plastic, slightly raise the corner of the mylar above the battery.
   
   
6. While holding the mylar, grasp the battery and pull out of the battery compartment.
   
   

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. See Specifications for information on the memory supported by your computer. Install only memory modules that are intended for your computer.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: If your computer has only one memory module, install the memory module in the connector labeled "DIMMA."

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not function at optimal performance.

NOTE: Memory modules purchased from Dell are covered under your computer warranty.

Your computer has two user-accessible SODIMM sockets, one accessed from beneath the keyboard (DIMM A), and the other accessed from the bottom of the computer (DIMM B).

To add or replace a memory module in the DIMM A connector:

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
   
   
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
   
   

1

memory module (DIMM A)

2

securing clips (2)

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module securing clips.

4. If you are replacing a memory module, ground yourself and remove the existing module:
   
   
   1. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.
      
      
   2. Remove the module from the connector.
      
      

1

securing clips (2 per connector)

2

memory module

5. Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
   
   

NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.

1. Align the notch in the module connector with the tab in the connector slot.
   
   
2. Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.
   
   

To add or replace a memory module in the DIMM B connector:

NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMMA" before you install a module in the connector labeled "DIMMB." Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Turn the computer bottom-side up, loosen the captive screw in the memory module cover, and then remove the cover.
   
   

1

memory module cover

2

captive screw

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the memory-module securing clips.

3. If you are replacing a memory module, ground yourself and remove the existing module:
   
   
   1. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.
      
      
   2. Remove the module from the connector.
      
      

1

securing clips (2 per connector)

2

memory module

NOTICE: Insert memory modules at a 45-degree angle to avoid damaging the connector.

4. Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
   
   

NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot properly. No error message indicates this failure.

1. Align the notch in the module edge connector with the tab in the connector slot.
   
   
2. Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle, and rotate the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.
   
   

5. Replace the cover.
   
   

NOTICE: If the cover is difficult to close, remove the module and reinstall it. Forcing the cover to close may damage your computer.

6. Insert the battery into the battery bay, or connect the AC adapter to your computer and an electrical outlet.
   
   
7. Turn on the computer.
   
   

As the computer boots, it detects the additional memory and automatically updates the system configuration information.

To confirm the amount of memory installed in the computer, click Start®Help and Support, and then click Computer Information.

8. Replace the memory module cover.
   
   

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Card

If you ordered a WLAN card with your computer, the card is already installed.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
   
   
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
   
   

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the connector, do not use tools to spread the securing clips.

4. If a WLAN card is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a WLAN card, remove the existing card:
   
   
   1. Disconnect the WLAN card from any attached cables.
      
      
   2. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the metal securing tabs until the card pops up slightly.
      
      
   3. Slide and lift the WLAN card out of its connector.
      
      

NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and realign the card.

NOTE: Do not insert a Mobile Broadband card into the WLAN card slot.

NOTE: The WLAN card may have two or three connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered.

1

WLAN card

2

metal securing tabs (2)

5. To install a WLAN card:
   
   
   1. Move any antenna cables out of the way to make space for the WLAN card.
      
      
   2. Align the WLAN card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card into the connector until you feel a click.
      
      

1

WLAN card

2

antenna cable connectors

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the WLAN card, never place cables on top of or under the card.

NOTE: Your WLAN card may have two or three connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered.

NOTE: For more specific information about which cable to connect to which connector, see the documentation that came with your WLAN card.

3. Connect the antenna cables to the WLAN card, ensuring that you route the cables correctly.
   
   

Mobile Broadband Card

NOTE: Mobile Broadband cards may not be available in all regions.

If you ordered a Mobile Broadband card with your computer, the card is already installed.

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the hinge cover (see Hinge Cover).
   
   
3. Remove the keyboard (see Keyboard).
   
   

1

Mobile Broadband card

2

antenna wires (2)

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the connector, do not use tools to spread the securing clips.

4. If a Mobile Broadband card is not already installed, go to step 5. If you are replacing a Mobile Broadband card, remove the existing card:
   
   
   1. Disconnect the Mobile Broadband card from any attached cables.
      
      

1

Mobile Broadband card

2

metal securing tabs (2)

2. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the metal securing tabs until the card pops up slightly.
   
   
3. Slide and lift the Mobile Broadband card out of its connector.
   
   

NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors and realign the card.

NOTE: Do not insert a WLAN card into the Mobile Broadband card slot.

NOTICE: The Mobile Broadband card may have one or two connectors, depending on the type of card you ordered.

5. To install a Mobile Broadband card:
   
   
   1. Move any antenna cables out of the way to make space for the Mobile Broadband card.
      
      
   2. Align the card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the card into the connector until you feel a click.
      
      

1

Mobile Broadband card

2

antenna wires (2)

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the Mobile Broadband card, never place cables on top of or under the card and ensure that you route the cables properly.

NOTE: For more specific information about which cable to connect to which connector, see the documentation that came with your Mobile Broadband card.

3. Connect the white antenna cable to the connector on the card marked with a white triangle; connect the black antenna cable to the connector on the card marked with a black triangle.
   
   

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   
2. Remove the battery (see Replacing the Battery).
   
   

1

SIM card

2

metal brackets (2)

NOTICE: Do not touch the SIM card connectors to protect the card from electrostatic discharge (ESD). To prevent ESD, hold the card in your hand before you insert or remove the card.

3. With the cut-off corner on the card facing away from the card slot, insert the SIM card into the slot so that it slides under the metal tabs on the sides.
   
   

Hard Drive

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.

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

NOTICE: To prevent data loss, turn off your computer before removing the hard drive. Do not remove the hard drive while the computer is on, in standby mode, or in hibernate mode.

NOTICE: Hard drives are extremely fragile; even a slight bump can damage the drive.

NOTE: Dell does not guarantee compatibility or provide support for hard drives from sources other than Dell.

To replace the hard drive in the hard drive bay:

1. Follow the procedures in Before You Begin.
   
   

1

screws (2)

2

hard drive

2. Turn the computer over, and remove the two hard drive screws.
   
   

NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in protective antistatic packaging. See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the Product Information Guide.

3. Slide the hard drive out of the computer.
   
   
4. Remove the new drive from its packaging.
   
   

Save the original packaging for storing or shipping the hard drive.

NOTICE: Use firm and even pressure to slide the drive into place. If you use excessive force, you may damage the connector.

5. Slide the hard drive into the bay until it is fully seated.
   
   
6. Replace and tighten the two screws.
   
   
7. Use the Operating System CD to install the operating system for your computer (see Using the Operating System CD).
   
   
8. Use the Drivers and Utilities CD to install the drivers and utilities for your computer (see Reinstalling Drivers and Utilities).
   
   

Media Bay

NOTE: If the device security screw is not present, you can remove and install devices while the computer is running and connected to a docking device (docked).

Removing Media Bay Devices

NOTICE: To prevent damage to devices, store them in a safe, dry place when they are not installed in the computer. Avoid pressing down on them or placing heavy objects on top of them.

1. If present, remove the device security screw from the bottom of the computer.
   
   
2. If the computer is running, double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon on the taskbar, click the device you want to eject, and click Stop.
   
   
3. Press the device latch release.
   
   

4. Pull the device out of the media bay.
   
   

To install a device, push the new device into the bay until it clicks into place.

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