Back to Contents Page

Before You Begin

Dell™ XPS™ M1210 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:

Recommended Tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

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:

Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, and click Start® Shut Down® Shut down.

The computer turns off after the operating system shutdown process is complete.

  1. 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.
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.
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: Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this document assumes that a part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
NOTICE: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, 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 help prevent damage to 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).

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network device.
  1. Disconnect any telephone or network cables from the computer.

  2. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

  3. Close the display and turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface.

NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery before working inside the computer.
  1. Remove the main battery:

    1. Slide the battery-bay latch release on the bottom of the computer until it clicks.

    1. Slide the battery out toward the back of the computer and lift to remove the battery from the bay.

NOTE: To replace the battery, follow the removal procedure in reverse order. When you are replacing the battery, ensure that you properly insert the two battery tabs into the corresponding slots in the base of the computer.

I

1

battery-bay latch release

2

battery (9-cell battery shown)

3

battery tabs (2)

  1. Turn the computer top-side up and open the display.

  2. Press the power button to ground the system board.

  3. Remove any installed ExpressCard from the ExpressCard slot.

  4. Remove any media from the optical drive, if installed.

  5. Remove the hard drive (see Removing the Hard Drive).

Back to Contents Page