Table of Contents
- Vostro 3500 Service Manual
- Contents
- Working on your computer
- Technology and components
- Exploded View
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Secure Digital Card
- Base cover
- Battery
- Memory modules
- WLAN card
- Solid-state drive
- Hard drive
- Coin-cell battery
- System fan
- Heat sink
- Speakers
- IO board
- Touchpad
- Display assembly
- Display bezel
- Display panel
- Camera
- Display back-cover and antenna assembly
- Power button
- System board
- Power-adapter port
- Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
- System setup
- BIOS overview
- Entering BIOS setup program
- Navigation keys
- One time boot menu
- BIOS setup
- Updating the BIOS
- System and setup password
- Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
- Troubleshooting
- Getting help and contacting Dell
DELL 3500 User Manual
Displayed below is the user manual for 3500 by DELL which is a product in the Notebooks category. This manual has pages.
Related Manuals
Vostro 3500
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: P90F
Regulatory Type: P90F005 / P90F006
October 2021
Rev. A03
Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2020-2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Chapter 1: Working on your computer........................................................................................... 6
Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Before working inside your computer.......................................................................................................................6
Safety precautions.........................................................................................................................................................7
ESD field service kit ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection............................................................................................................... 8
Transporting sensitive components.......................................................................................................................... 9
After working inside your computer..........................................................................................................................9
Chapter 2: Technology and components.......................................................................................10
USB features.......................................................................................................................................................................10
Power button LED behavior............................................................................................................................................ 12
HDMI 1.4............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Chapter 3: Exploded View............................................................................................................ 15
Chapter 4: Disassembly and reassembly ...................................................................................... 17
Secure Digital Card............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Removing the Secure Digital card............................................................................................................................17
Installing the Secure Digital card..............................................................................................................................18
Base cover........................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Removing the base cover...........................................................................................................................................19
Installing the base cover.............................................................................................................................................21
Battery................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
Lithium-ion battery precautions...............................................................................................................................23
Disconnecting the battery.........................................................................................................................................23
Reconnecting the battery..........................................................................................................................................24
Removing the battery.................................................................................................................................................25
Installing the battery...................................................................................................................................................26
Memory modules............................................................................................................................................................... 28
Removing the memory module.................................................................................................................................28
Installing the memory module...................................................................................................................................28
WLAN card..........................................................................................................................................................................29
Removing the WLAN card.........................................................................................................................................29
Installing the WLAN card...........................................................................................................................................30
Solid-state drive................................................................................................................................................................ 32
Removing the M.2 2230 Solid-state drive............................................................................................................ 32
Installing the M.2 2230 Solid-state drive...............................................................................................................32
Removing the M.2 2280 Solid-state drive............................................................................................................ 33
Installing the M.2 2280 Solid-state drive...............................................................................................................34
Hard drive............................................................................................................................................................................35
Removing the hard drive assembly......................................................................................................................... 35
Installing the hard drive assembly........................................................................................................................... 36
Coin-cell battery................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Contents
Contents 3
Removing the coin-cell...............................................................................................................................................38
Installing the coin-cell battery..................................................................................................................................39
System fan..........................................................................................................................................................................39
Removing the system fan..........................................................................................................................................39
Installing the system fan............................................................................................................................................40
Heat sink.............................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Removing the Heatsink - UMA................................................................................................................................. 41
Installing the Heatsink - UMA...................................................................................................................................42
Removing the Heatsink - Discrete.......................................................................................................................... 43
Installing the Heatsink - Discrete.............................................................................................................................44
Speakers.............................................................................................................................................................................. 45
Removing the speakers..............................................................................................................................................45
Installing the speakers................................................................................................................................................46
IO board............................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Removing the IO board.............................................................................................................................................. 47
Installing the IO board................................................................................................................................................ 48
Touchpad.............................................................................................................................................................................49
Removing the touch pad assembly......................................................................................................................... 49
Installing the touch pad assembly........................................................................................................................... 50
Display assembly................................................................................................................................................................ 51
Removing the display assembly................................................................................................................................ 51
Installing the display assembly..................................................................................................................................53
Display bezel.......................................................................................................................................................................54
Removing the display bezel.......................................................................................................................................54
Installing the display bezel ....................................................................................................................................... 55
Display panel.......................................................................................................................................................................56
Removing the display panel...................................................................................................................................... 56
Installation display panel............................................................................................................................................ 58
Camera.................................................................................................................................................................................60
Removing the camera................................................................................................................................................ 60
Installing the camera................................................................................................................................................... 61
Display back-cover and antenna assembly................................................................................................................. 62
Removing the display back-cover........................................................................................................................... 62
Installing the display back-cover..............................................................................................................................62
Power button..................................................................................................................................................................... 63
Removing the power button.....................................................................................................................................63
Installing the power button....................................................................................................................................... 64
System board..................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Removing the system board - Realtek audio........................................................................................................65
Installing the system board - Realtek audio.......................................................................................................... 67
Removing the system board - Cirrus Logic audio............................................................................................... 69
Installing the system board - Cirrus Logic audio...................................................................................................71
Power-adapter port.......................................................................................................................................................... 74
Removing the power adapter port.......................................................................................................................... 74
Installing the power adapter port............................................................................................................................ 74
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly.................................................................................................................................75
Removing the palmrest and keyboard assembly..................................................................................................75
Chapter 5: System setup............................................................................................................. 78
BIOS overview....................................................................................................................................................................78
4Contents
Entering BIOS setup program........................................................................................................................................ 78
Navigation keys..................................................................................................................................................................78
One time boot menu......................................................................................................................................................... 79
BIOS setup.......................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................79
Boot Options................................................................................................................................................................ 80
System configuration.................................................................................................................................................. 81
Video...............................................................................................................................................................................82
Security..........................................................................................................................................................................82
Passwords..................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Secure Boot.................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Expert Key Management........................................................................................................................................... 85
Performance................................................................................................................................................................. 86
Power management....................................................................................................................................................86
Wireless..........................................................................................................................................................................87
POST behavior............................................................................................................................................................. 88
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................................. 88
System logs...................................................................................................................................................................89
Updating the BIOS...................................................................................................................................................... 89
System and setup password......................................................................................................................................91
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.....................................................................................92
Updating the BIOS............................................................................................................................................................ 93
Updating the BIOS in Windows................................................................................................................................93
Updating the BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu................................................................................................................ 93
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows..........................................................................................93
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu.....................................................................................93
System and setup password...........................................................................................................................................94
Assigning a system setup password....................................................................................................................... 94
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password.................................................................................95
Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords.......................................................................................... 95
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................96
Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries........................................................................................................................ 96
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics................................................................97
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check................................................................97
System diagnostic lights.................................................................................................................................................. 97
Recovering the operating system................................................................................................................................. 99
Backup media and recovery options.............................................................................................................................99
WiFi power cycle............................................................................................................................................................... 99
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)......................................................................................................... 99
Chapter 7: Getting help and contacting Dell............................................................................... 101
Contents 5
Working on your computer
Topics:
•Safety instructions
Safety instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless
otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped
with your computer.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your
computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/
regulatory_compliance.
WARNING: Disconnect your computer from all power sources before opening the computer cover or panels.
After you finish working inside the computer, replace all covers, panels, and screws before connecting your
computer to an electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat, dry, and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching the
pins and the contacts.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal
surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal
surface to dissipate static electricity which could harm internal components.
CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull it by its connector or its pull tab, not the cable itself. Some cables
have connectors with locking tabs or thumbscrews that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable.
When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending the connector pins. When connecting
cables, ensure that the ports and the connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.
CAUTION: Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries in laptops. Swollen batteries should not be used
and should be replaced and disposed properly.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
Before working inside your computer
Steps
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer. Click Start > Power > Shut down.
1
6 Working on your computer
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.
5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
6. After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the system board.
CAUTION: Place the computer on a flat, soft, and clean surface to avoid scratches on the display.
7. Place the computer face down.
Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or
reassembly:
●Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
●Disconnect the system and all attached peripherals from AC power.
●Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the system.
●Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
●After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
●Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are
essentially powered while turned off. The internal power enables the system to be remotely turned on (wake on LAN) and
suspended into a sleep mode and has other advanced power management features.
Unplugging, pressing and holding the power button for 20 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board.
Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done through
the use of a field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare
metal and never to a painted or non-metal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and
ensure that you remove all jewelry such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.
ESD field service kit
The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components:
anti-static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD field service kit
The components of an ESD field service kit are:
●Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an
anti-static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal
on the system being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly
on the mat. ESD-sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
●Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist
and bare metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that
is temporarily placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD
mat, and the hardware is known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never
use wireless wrist straps. Always be aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear
Working on your computer 7
and tear, and must be checked regularly with a wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is
recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at least once per week.
●ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored
kit, it is a best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A
wrist strap tester is the best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your
regional office to find out if they have one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is
strapped to your wrist and push the button to test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm
sounds if the test fails.
●Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts
that are insulators and often highly charged.
●Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For
example, deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are
typically installed in a rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always
look for a large open flat work area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to
accommodate the type of system that is being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an
ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or
30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically handling any hardware components
●ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded
bags are preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the
new part arrived in. The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be
used in the original box that the new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an
ESD-protected work surface, and parts should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is
shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
●Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts
to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
ESD protection summary
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.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection
ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,
processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such
as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased
density, 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.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
●Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes
an immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has
received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or
nonfunctional memory.
●Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of
intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM
receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to
the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory
integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")
failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
●Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not
provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts
with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.
●Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
8Working on your computer
●When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static
packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you
discharge static electricity from your body.
●Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
Transporting sensitive components
When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place
these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
After working inside your computer
About this task
NOTE: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.
Steps
1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer.
2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer.
3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer.
4. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
5. Turn on your computer.
Working on your computer 9
Technology and components
This chapter details the technology and components available in the system.
Topics:
•USB features
•Power button LED behavior
•HDMI 1.4
USB features
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, was introduced in 1996. It dramatically simplified the connection between host computers and
peripheral devices like mouses, keyboards, external drivers, and printers.
Table 1. USB evolution
Type Data Transfer Rate Category Introduction Year
USB 2.0 480 Mbps High Speed 2000
USB 3.2 Gen 1 5 Gbps Super-Speed 2010
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Super-Speed USB)
For years, the USB 2.0 has been firmly entrenched as the de facto interface standard in the PC world with about 6 billion
devices sold, and yet the need for more speed grows by ever faster computing hardware and ever greater bandwidth demands.
The USB 3.2 Gen 1 finally has the answer to the consumer's demands with a theoretically 10 times faster than its predecessor. In
a nutshell, USB 3.2 Gen 1 features are as follows:
●Higher transfer rates (up to 5 Gbps)
●Increased maximum bus power and increased device current draw to better accommodate power-hungry devices
●New power management features
●Full-duplex data transfers and support for new transfer types
●Backward USB 2.0 compatibility
●New connectors and cable
The topics below cover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Speed
Currently, there are 3 speed modes that are defined by the latest USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification. They are Super-Speed, Hi-Speed,
and Full-Speed. The new Super-Speed mode has a transfer rate of 4.8 Gbps. While the specification retains Hi-Speed, and
Full-Speed USB mode, commonly known as USB 2.0 and 1.1 respectively, the slower modes still operate at 480 Mbps and 12
Mbps respectively and are kept to maintain backward compatibility.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 achieves the much higher performance by the technical changes below:
●An additional physical bus that is added in parallel with the existing USB 2.0 bus (see the figure below).
●USB 2.0 previously had four wires (power, ground, and a pair for differential data); USB 3.2 Gen 1 adds four more for two
pairs of differential signals (receive and transmit) for a combined total of eight connections in the connectors and cabling.
2
10 Technology and components
●USB 3.2 Gen 1 utilizes the bi-directional data interface, rather than USB 2.0's half-duplex arrangement. This gives a 10-fold
increase in theoretical bandwidth.
With today's ever increasing demands that are placed on data transfers with high-definition video content, terabyte storage
devices, high megapixel count digital cameras etc., USB 2.0 may not be fast enough. Furthermore, no USB 2.0 connection could
ever come close to the 480Mbps theoretical maximum throughput, making data transfer at around 320 Mbps (40 MB/s) —
the actual real-world maximum. Similarly, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connections will never achieve 4.8Gbps. We will likely see a real-world
maximum rate of 400 MB/s with overheads. At this speed, USB 3.2 Gen 1 is a 10x improvement over USB 2.0.
Applications
USB 3.2 Gen 1 opens up the laneways and provides more headroom for devices to deliver a better overall experience. Where
USB video was barely tolerable previously (both from a maximum resolution, latency, and video compression perspective), it's
easy to imagine that with 5-10 times the bandwidth available, USB video solutions should work that much better. Single-link
DVI requires almost 2Gbps throughput. Where 480Mbps was limiting, 5Gbps is more than promising. With its promised 4.8Gbps
speed, the standard will find its way into some products that previously weren't USB territory, like external RAID storage
systems.
Listed below are some of the available Super-Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1 products:
●External Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 Hard Drives
●Portable USB 3.2 Gen 1 Hard Drives
●USB 3.2 Gen 1 Drive Docks & Adapters
●USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drives & Readers
●USB 3.2 Gen 1 Solid-state Drives
●USB 3.2 Gen 1 RAIDs
●Optical Media Drives
●Multimedia Devices
●Networking
●USB 3.2 Gen 1 Adapter Cards & Hubs
Compatibility
The good news is that USB 3.2 Gen 1 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all,
while USB 3.2 Gen 1 specifies new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability
of the new protocol, the connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same
location as before. Five new connections to carry receive and transmitted data independently are present on USB 3.2 Gen 1
cables and only come into contact when connected to a proper Super-Speed USB connection.
Technology and components 11
Power button LED behavior
On certain Dell Latitude systems, the power button LED is used to provide an indication of the system status, and as a result the
power button illuminates when pressed. The systems with the optional power button/fingerprint reader will have no LED under
the power button and hence will apply the available LED's in the system to provide an indication of the system status.
Power button LED behavior without Fingerprint reader
●System is ON (S0) = LED illuminates solid white.
●System in Sleep/Standby (S3, SOix) = LED is off
●System is Off/Hibernating (S4/S5) = LED is off
Power On and LED behavior with Fingerprint reader
●Pressing the power button for a duration between 50 msec to 2 sec turns on the device.
●Power button does not register additional presses until the SOL (Sign-Of-Life) has been provided to the user.
●System LED's illuminates upon pressing the power button.
●All the available LED's (Keyboard backlit/ Keyboard caps lock LED/ Battery Charge LED) illuminates and displays specified
behavior.
●The auditory tone is Off by default. It can be enabled in the BIOS setup.
●Safeguards do not time out if the device gets hung during the logon process.
●Dell logo: Turns on within 2 secs after pressing the power button.
●Full boot: Within 22 secs after pressing the power button.
●Below is the example timelines:
12 Technology and components
Power button with fingerprint reader will have no LED and will leverage the available LED's in the system to provide indication of
the system status
●Power Adapter LED:
○The LED on Power adapter connector illuminates white when power is supplied from electrical outlet.
●Battery Indicator LED:
○If the computer is connected to an electrical outlet, the battery light operates as follows:
1. Solid white -the battery is charging. When the charge is complete the LED turns off.
○If the computer is running on a battery, the battery light operates as follows:
1. Off -the battery is adequately charged (or the computer is turned off).
2. Solid amber -the battery charge is critically low. A low battery state is approximately 30 minutes or less of battery life
remaining.
●Camera LED
○White LED activates when camera is on.
●Mic Mute LED:
○When activated (muted), the mic mute LED on the F4 Key should illuminate WHITE.
●RJ45 LEDs:
○Table 2. LED on either side of RJ45 port
Link speed indicator (LHS) Activity indicator (RHS)
Green Amber
Technology and components 13
HDMI 1.4
This topic explains the HDMI 1.4 and its features along with the advantages.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI
provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a DVD player, or A/V receiver and a
compatible digital audio and/or video monitor, such as a digital TV (DTV). The primary advantage is cable reduction and content
protection provisions. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multichannel digital audio on a single
cable.
Advantages of HDMI
●Quality HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.
●Low-cost HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats
in a simple, cost-effective manner.
●Audio HDMI supports multiple audio formats from standard stereo to multichannel surround sound.
●HDMI combines video and multichannel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple
cables currently used in A/V systems.
●HDMI supports communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality.
14 Technology and components
Exploded View
1. Base cover
2. Battery
3. DC-in Port
4. Solid-State Drive bracket
5. Solid-State Drive
6. WLAN Card
7. System Board
8. Memory modules
3
Exploded View 15
9. Speakers
10. Palmrest Assembly
11. Touchpad
12. Display Assembly
13. Power Button Module
14. IO Board
15. Coin Cell Battery
16. HDD Assembly
17. Heatsink assembly
18. Fan Assembly
NOTE: Dell provides a list of components and their part numbers for the original system configuration purchased. These
parts are available according to warranty coverages purchased by the customer. Contact your Dell sales representative for
purchase options.
16 Exploded View
Disassembly and reassembly
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Topics:
•Secure Digital Card
•Base cover
•Battery
•Memory modules
•WLAN card
•Solid-state drive
•Hard drive
•Coin-cell battery
•System fan
•Heat sink
•Speakers
•IO board
•Touchpad
•Display assembly
•Display bezel
•Display panel
•Camera
•Display back-cover and antenna assembly
•Power button
•System board
•Power-adapter port
•Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Secure Digital Card
Removing the Secure Digital card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
4
Disassembly and reassembly 17
About this task
Steps
1. Push the secure digital card to release it from the computer.
2. Slide the secure digital card out of the computer.
Installing the Secure Digital card
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
18 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
Slide the secure digital into the slot until it clicks into place.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Base cover
Removing the base cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
Disassembly and reassembly 19
About this task
Steps
1. Remove the seven (M2.5x6) screws and loosen the two captive screws from the base cover.
20 Disassembly and reassembly
2. Pry open the base cover starting from the recesses located in the U-shaped indents at the top edge of the base cover near
the hinges.
NOTE: CAUTION: DO NOT pry up from the edge near the vents at the top side of the base cover as this may damage
the base cover.
3. Lift up the top side of the base cover and remove it from the system.
Installing the base cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 21
About this task
Steps
1. Align and place the base cover on the computer, press the edges and sides of the base cover until it snaps into place.
22 Disassembly and reassembly
2. Tighten the seven (M2.5x6) screws and the two captive screws to secure the base cover to the computer.
Next steps
1. Replace the SD card
2. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer
Battery
Lithium-ion battery precautions
CAUTION:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery completely before removing it. Disconnect the AC power adapter from the system and
operate the computer solely on battery power—the battery is fully discharged when the computer no longer
turns on when the power button is pressed.
●Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
●Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
●Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
●Do not bend the battery.
●Do not use tools of any kind to pry on or against the battery.
●Ensure any screws during the servicing of this product are not lost or misplaced, to prevent accidental
puncture or damage to the battery and other system components.
●If the battery gets stuck inside your computer as a result of swelling, do not try to release it as puncturing,
bending, or crushing a lithium-ion battery can be dangerous. In such an instance, contact Dell technical
support for assistance. See www.dell.com/contactdell.
●Always purchase genuine batteries from www.dell.com or authorized Dell partners and resellers.
●Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed properly. For guidelines on how to
handle and replace swollen Lithium-ion batteries, see Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries.
Disconnecting the battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
Disassembly and reassembly 23
About this task
Steps
1. Peel back the tape covering the battery connector.
2. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the system board.
Reconnecting the battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
24 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board.
2. Replace the tape covering the battery connector.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Install the SD card.
3. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Removing the battery
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
Disassembly and reassembly 25
About this task
Steps
1. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the battery to the palmrest.
2. Lift and move the battery away from the computer.
Installing the battery
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
26 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Align the tabs on the battery with the slots on the palm rest assembly.
NOTE: When installing the battery into the system, insert the tab at the bottom left corner of the battery into the hook
on the bottom side of the palm rest.
2. Replace the three (M2x3) screws that secure the battery to the palmrest.
3. Reconnect the battery cable to the connector on the system board.
NOTE: When installing the battery into the system, insert the tab at the bottom left corner of the battery into the hook
on the bottom side of the palm rest.
Next steps
1. Install the base cover.
2. Install the SD card.
Disassembly and reassembly 27
3. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Memory modules
Removing the memory module
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
About this task
Steps
1. Pry the clips securing the memory module until the memory module pops-up.
2. Remove the memory module from the memory module slot.
Installing the memory module
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
28 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory module slot and slide the memory module firmly into the
slot at an angle.
2. Press the memory module down until the clips secure it.
NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.
Next steps
1. Connect the battery cable.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
WLAN card
Removing the WLAN card
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
Disassembly and reassembly 29
About this task
Steps
1. Remove the single (M2x3) screw that secures the WLAN card bracket to the system board.
2. Slide and remove the WLAN card bracket that secures the WLAN antenna cables.
3. Disconnect the WLAN antenna cables from the connectors on the WLAN card.
4. Pull out the WLAN card from the M.2 port on the system board.
Installing the WLAN card
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
30 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Replace the WLAN card into the M.2 Slot on the system board.
2. Connect the WLAN antenna cables to the connectors on the WLAN card.
NOTE:
Table 3. WLAN Antenna Cables
Cable color Indicator on WLAN
White White triangle
Black Black triangle
3. Place the WLAN card bracket to secure the WLAN antenna cables to the WLAN card.
4. Replace the single (M2x3) screw to secure the WLAN bracket and the WLAN card to the palmrest.
Next steps
1. Connect the battery cable.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 31
Solid-state drive
Removing the M.2 2230 Solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
About this task
Steps
1. Remove the single (M2x2.2) screw and loosen the single captive screw, securing the SSD thermal plate to the palmrest, to
lift it out of the system.
2. Turn the thermal plate over and remove the single (M2x2) screw securing the M.2 2230 SSD to the thermal plate.
3. Lift the solid-state drive off the thermal plate.
Installing the M.2 2230 Solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
32 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Place the solid-state drive into the thermal plate and install the single (M2x2) screw.
2. Slide and insert the tab of the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
3. Replace the single (M2x2.2) screw and tighten the single captive screw to secures the thermal plate to the palmrest.
Next steps
1. Connect the battery cable.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Removing the M.2 2280 Solid-state drive
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
Disassembly and reassembly 33
About this task
Steps
1. Remove the single (M2x2.2) screw and the single captive screw from the thermal bracket and lift the bracket out of the
system.
2. Lift the solid-state drive from the M.2 slot on the system board and remove it from the system.
Installing the M.2 2280 Solid-state drive
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
34 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Slide and insert the Solid-state drive into the M.2 port on the system board.
2. Place the thermal bracket on the solid-state drive, replace the single (M2x2.2) screw and tighten the captive screw to
secure the thermal plate to the palmrest.
Next steps
1. Connect the battery cable.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Hard drive
Removing the hard drive assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
Disassembly and reassembly 35
About this task
Steps
1. Lift the latch and disconnect the hard drive cable from the system board.
2. Remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the hard drive assembly to the palmrest and lift the hard drive assembly along
with its cable from the system.
3. Disconnect the interposer from the hard drive.
4. Remove the four (M3x3) screws from the hard drive bracket to free the hard drive.
Installing the hard drive assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
36 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Align the hard drive with the hard drive bracket and replace the four (M3x3) screws.
2. Connect the interposer to the hard drive.
3. Align and place the hard drive assembly on the palmrest, then replace the three (M2x3) screws to secure the hard drive
assembly to the palmrest.
4. Connect the hard drive cable to the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
Next steps
1. Install the battery.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 37
Coin-cell battery
Removing the coin-cell
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
5. Remove the IO board.
NOTE: The Coin-cell is installed on the IO board.
About this task
Steps
1. Use a plastic scribe to pry up the coin-cell battery from the slot on the IO daughter board.
2. Remove the coin-cell battery from the IO daughter board.
38 Disassembly and reassembly
Installing the coin-cell battery
About this task
Steps
1. With the positive-side facing up, insert the coin-cell battery into the battery socket on the I/O board.
2. Press the battery until it clicks into place.
Next steps
1. Install the IO board.
2. Connect the battery cable.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Install the SD card.
5. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
System fan
Removing the system fan
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
Disassembly and reassembly 39
About this task
Steps
1. Disconnect the fan cable from the connector on the system board.
2. Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secures the fan to the palmrest.
Installing the system fan
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
40 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Align and place the fan on the palm rest.
2. Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the fan to the palmrest.
3. Connect the fan cable to the connector on the system board .
Next steps
1. Reconnect the battery cable.
2. Replace the base cover.
3. Replace the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Heat sink
Removing the Heatsink - UMA
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
Disassembly and reassembly 41
About this task
Steps
1. Loosen the four captive screws that secure the heatsink to the system board.
2. Lift the heatsink off the system board.
Installing the Heatsink - UMA
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
42 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Place the heatsink on the system board and align the captive screws on the heatsink with the screw holes on the system
board.
2. Tiighten the four captive screws to secure the heatsink to the system board.
Next steps
1. Reconnect the battery cable.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Removing the Heatsink - Discrete
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
Disassembly and reassembly 43
About this task
Steps
1. Loosen the four captive screws and remove the three (M2x3) screws that secure the heatsink to the system board.
2. Lift the heatsink off the system board.
Installing the Heatsink - Discrete
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
44 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Place the heatsink on the system board and align the captive screws on the heatsink with the screw holes on the system
board.
2. Tiighten the four captive screws and install the three (M2x4) screws to secure the heatsink to the system board.
Next steps
1. Reconnect the battery cable.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Speakers
Removing the speakers
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
5. Remove the SSD.
Disassembly and reassembly 45
About this task
Steps
1. Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
2. Unroute and remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on palmrest.
3. Lift the speakers, along with the cable, off the system.
Installing the speakers
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
NOTE: If the rubber grommets are pushed out when removing the speakers, push them back in before replacing the
speakers.
46 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Using the alignment posts and rubber grommets, place the speakers in the slots on the palm rest.
2. Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on the palmrest.
3. Connect the speaker cable to the connector on the system board .
Next steps
1. Install the SSD.
2. Reconnect the battery cable.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Install the SD card.
5. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
IO board
Removing the IO board
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
Disassembly and reassembly 47
About this task
Steps
1. [For models shipped with a fingerprint reader] : Disconnect the fingerprint reader to IO daughter board FFC and IO daughter
board to system board FFC from the IO daughter board.
2. [For models shipped without a fingerprint reader] : Disconnect the power button FFC, IO daughter board FFC, and display
cable from the system board.
3. Peel back the power button FFC and IO daughter board FFC from the palm rest.
4. Remove the three (M2x4) screws that secure the IO board to the palmrest, and remove the IO board from the system.
5. Disconnect and remove the power button FFC and IO daughter board FFC from the IO daughter board.
Installing the IO board
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
48 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Reconnect the power button FFC and IO daughter board FFC to the IO daughter board.
2. Place the IO daughter board onto the from the system.
3. Replace the three (M2x4) screws to secure the IO daughter board to the palmrest.
4. [For models shipped without a fingerprint reader] : Reconnect the power button FFC, IO daughter board FFC, and display
cable to the connectors on the system board.
5. [For models shipped with a fingerprint reader] : Reconnect the fingerprint reader to IO daughter FFC and IO daughter board
to system board FFC from the IO daughter board.
Next steps
1. Connect the battery cable.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Touchpad
Removing the touch pad assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 49
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
About this task
Steps
1. Disconnect the touchpad FFC from the system board.
2. Peel back the conductive tape from the touchpad module.
3. Remove the three (M2x2) screws securing the touchpad bracket in place.
4. Remove the touchpad bracket from the system.
5. Remove the two (M2x2) screws securing the touchpad module in place.
6. Remove the touchpad module with touchpad FFC from the system.
7. Disconnect the touchpad FFC from the touchpad module.
Installing the touch pad assembly
About this task
NOTE: Ensure that the touch pad is aligned with the guides available on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly, and the gap
on either sides of the touch pad is equal.
50 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Reconnect the touchpad FFC to the touchpad module.
2. Align and place the touchpad module onto the system.
3. Install the two (M2x2) screws to secure the touchpad module to the palmrest.
4. Install the touchpad bracket on the touchpad and secure it using the three (M2x2) screws.
5. Peel back the conductive tape over the touchpad module.
6. Reconnect the touchpad FFC to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the battery.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Display assembly
Removing the display assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
5. Remove the WLAN.
Disassembly and reassembly 51
About this task
52 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Disconnect the display cable from the connector on the system board.
2. Unthread the display cable and WLAN antenna cables from the routing channels.
3. Open the system to at least 90-degrees and place the system on the edge of a table so that the palm rest is laying flat on
the table and the display assembly is over the edge.
4. Remove the six (M2.5x6) screws securing the display assembly in place.
5. Remove the display assembly from the system.
Installing the display assembly
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
NOTE: Ensure that the hinges are opened to the maximum before replacing the display assembly on the palmrest and
keyboard assembly.
Disassembly and reassembly 53
Steps
1. Align and place the system under the hinges on the display assembly.
2. Install the six (M2.5x6) screws onto te hinges to secure the display to the system chassis.
3. Re-route the display cable and WLAN antenna cables through the routing channels on the palmrest.
4. Reconnect the display cable to the connector on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the WLAN.
2. Install the base cover.
3. Install the SD card.
4. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Display bezel
Removing the display bezel
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery cable.
5. Remove the display assembly.
54 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
1. Using a plastic scribe, pry the display bezel from the outer edge to separate it from the display assembly.
2. Lift the display bezel from the display assembly.
Installing the display bezel
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 55
About this task
Steps
Align the display bezel with the display back-cover and antenna assembly, and then gently snap the display bezel into place.
Next steps
1. Install the display assembly.
2. Reconnect the battery cable.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Install the SD card.
5. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Display panel
Removing the display panel
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the WLAN.
6. Remove the display assembly.
7. Remove the display bezel.
56 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Disassembly and reassembly 57
Steps
1. Remove the six (M2.5x2.5) and two (M2x2.5) screws securing the display panel to the hinges.
2. Gently flip the display panel assembly forward, peel back the mylar tape securing the display cable on the rear of the display
panel.
NOTE: Ensure the panel has a clean and smooth surface to rest on to prevent damage.
3. Disconnect the display cable from the display panel assembly and lift the display panel away from the system.
NOTE: Do not remove the metal brackets from the panel.
Installation display panel
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
58 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Disassembly and reassembly 59
Steps
1. Place the display panel on a flat and clean surface .
2. Connect the display cable to the connector at the back of the display panel and close the latch to secure the cable .
3. Adhere the tape that secures the display cable to the back of the display panel .
4. Turn the display panel over and place it on the display back-cover .
5. Replace the six (M2x2.5) and two (M2.5x2.5) screws that secure the display panel to the display back-cover.
Next steps
1. Install the display bezel.
2. Install the display assembly.
3. Install the WLAN.
4. Install the battery.
5. Install the base cover.
6. Install the SD card.
7. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Camera
Removing the camera
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
5. Remove the WLAN.
6. Remove the display assembly.
7. Remove the display bezel.
8. Remove the display panel.
About this task
60 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Disconnect the camera cable from the camera module.
2. Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the camera off the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
Installing the camera
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
About this task
Steps
1. Using the alignment post, adhere the camera module on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
2. Connect the camera cable to the camera module.
Next steps
1. Install the display panel.
2. Install the display bezel.
3. Install the display assembly.
4. Install the WLAN.
5. Connect the battery cable.
6. Install the base cover.
7. Install the SD card.
8. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 61
Display back-cover and antenna assembly
Removing the display back-cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
5. Remove the WLAN.
6. Remove the display assembly.
7. Remove the display bezel.
8. Remove the display panel.
9. Remove the camera.
About this task
After performing all the preceding steps, you are left with the display back-cover.
Installing the display back-cover
About this task
Place the display back-cover on a clean and flat surface.
62 Disassembly and reassembly
Next steps
1. Install the camera.
2. Install the display panel.
3. Install the display bezel.
4. Install the display assembly.
5. Install the WLAN.
6. Connect the battery cable.
7. Install the base cover.
8. Install the SD card.
9. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Power button
Removing the power button
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
5. Remove the IO board.
Disassembly and reassembly 63
About this task
Steps
1. Remove the two (M2x3) screws securing the power button to the palmrest.
2. Disconnect the power button cable and remove the power button from the system.
Installing the power button
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
64 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
NOTE: When replacing/re-installing the power button with fingerprint reader assembly on the Vostro 3501, a mylar sticker
must be adhered to the fingerprint reader FPC to ensure that it is properly grounded to the palm rest. The mylar sticker is
packaged together with new replacement power button with fingerprint reader assemblies
Steps
1. Place the power-button board into the slot on the palmrest.
2. Install the two (M2x3) screws to secure the power button to the palmrest.
3. Connect the power button cable to the connector on the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the IO board.
2. Connect the battery cable.
3. Install the base cover.
4. Install the SD card.
5. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
System board
Removing the system board - Realtek audio
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the WLAN.
6. Remove the SSD.
Disassembly and reassembly 65
7. Remove the hard drive assembly.
8. Remove the memory
9. Remove the system fan.
10. Remove the heatsink.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the heat sink.
11. Remove the display assembly.
About this task
Steps
1. Disconnect the following cables from the system board:
a. Speaker cable
b. Keyboard FFC
66 Disassembly and reassembly
c. Power adapter port cable
d. Keyboard backlight FFC
e. Touchpad FFC
f. Hard drive FFC
g. IO board FFC
h. Fingerprint reader FFC
i. Power button FFC from the system board
2. Remove the single (M2x4) screw that secures the system board to the palmrest.
3. Carefully lift the system board away from the chassis.
Installing the system board - Realtek audio
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 67
About this task
Steps
1. Align and place the system board on the palmrest.
2. Replace the single (M2x4) screw that secures the system board to the palmrest.
3. Connect the following cables to the system board:
a. Speaker cable
b. Keyboard FFC
c. Keyboard backlight FFC
d. Touchpad FFC
e. Hard drive FFC
f. IO board FFC
g. Power adapter port cable
68 Disassembly and reassembly
h. Fingerprint reader FFC
i. Power button FFC from the system board
Next steps
1. Install the display assembly.
2. Install the heatsink.
3. Install the system fan.
4. Install the memory
5. Install the SSD.
6. Install the WLAN.
7. Install the battery.
8. Install the base cover.
9. Install the SD card.
10. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Removing the system board - Cirrus Logic audio
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the WLAN.
6. Remove the SSD.
7. Remove the hard drive assembly.
8. Remove the memory
9. Remove the system fan.
10. Remove the heatsink.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the heat sink.
11. Remove the display assembly.
Disassembly and reassembly 69
About this task
70 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Disconnect the following cables from the system board:
a. Speaker cable
b. Keyboard FFC
c. Power adapter port cable
d. Keyboard backlight FFC
e. Touchpad FFC
f. Hard drive FFC
g. IO board FFC
h. Fingerprint reader FFC
i. Power button FFC from the system board
2. Peel back the Mylar tape from over the screw hole
3. Remove the two (M2x4) screws that secures the system board to the palmrest.
4. Carefully lift the system board away from the chassis.
Installing the system board - Cirrus Logic audio
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 71
About this task
72 Disassembly and reassembly
Steps
1. Align and place the system board on the palmrest.
2. Peel back the Mylar tape from over the screw hole.
3. Replace the two (M2x4) screws that secures the system board to the palmrest.
4. Connect the following cables to the system board:
a. Speaker cable
b. Keyboard FFC
c. Keyboard backlight FFC
d. Touchpad FFC
e. Hard drive FFC
f. IO board FFC
g. Power adapter port cable
h. Fingerprint reader FFC
i. Power button FFC from the system board
Next steps
1. Install the display assembly.
2. Install the heatsink.
3. Install the system fan.
4. Install the memory
5. Install the SSD.
6. Install the WLAN.
7. Install the battery.
8. Install the base cover.
9. Install the SD card.
10. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Disassembly and reassembly 73
Power-adapter port
Removing the power adapter port
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Disconnect the battery cable.
5. Remove the WLAN.
6. Remove the SSD.
7. Remove the system fan.
8. Remove the display assembly.
9. Remove the system board
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the heat sink.
About this task
Steps
1. Disconnect and un-route the power adapter port module from the system board.
2. Remove the power adapter port module from the system.
Installing the power adapter port
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
74 Disassembly and reassembly
About this task
Steps
Place the power adapter port module into the slot provided on the palmrest.
Next steps
1. Install the system board.
2. Install the display assembly.
3. Install the system fan.
4. Install the SSD.
5. Install the WLAN.
6. Connect the battery cable.
7. Install the base cover.
8. Install the SD card.
9. Follow the procedure in after working inside your computer.
Palm-rest and keyboard assembly
Removing the palmrest and keyboard assembly
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in before working inside your computer.
2. Remove the SD card.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Remove the WLAN.
6. Remove the memory
7. Remove the display assembly.
8. Remove the SSD.
Disassembly and reassembly 75
9. Remove the hard drive assembly.
10. Remove the speakers.
11. Remove the coin-cell battery.
12. Remove the system fan.
13. Remove the heatsink.
NOTE: The system board can be removed along with the heat sink.
14. Remove the IO board.
15. Remove the touchpad.
16. Remove the power adapter port.
17. Remove the system board.
About this task
NOTE: The system board can be removed and installed together with the heatsink still attached.
After performing the preceding steps, you are left with the palmrest and keyboard assembly.
Palmrest for systems with Realtek Audio:
Palmrest for systems with Cirrus Logic audio:
Next steps
1. Install the system board.
2. Install the power adapter port.
3. Install the touchpad.
4. Install the IO board.
5. Install the heatsink.
6. Install the system fan.
7. Install the coin-cell battery.
8. Install the speakers.
9. Install the hard drive assembly.
10. Install the SSD.
11. Install the display assembly.
12. Install the memory
13. Install the WLAN.
14. Install the battery.
15. Install the base cover.
76 Disassembly and reassembly
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: Before you change BIOS Setup program, it is recommended that you write down the BIOS Setup program screen
information for future reference.
Use the BIOS Setup program for the following purposes:
●Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM and the size of the hard drive.
●Change the system configuration information.
●Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, and enabling or disabling
base devices.
Topics:
•BIOS overview
•Entering BIOS setup program
•Navigation keys
•One time boot menu
•BIOS setup
•Updating the BIOS
•System and setup password
•Clearing BIOS (System Setup) and System passwords
BIOS overview
The BIOS manages data flow between the computer's operating system and attached devices such as hard disk, video adapter,
keyboard, mouse, and printer.
Entering BIOS setup program
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Press F2 immediately to enter the BIOS setup program.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the desktop. Then,
turn off your computer and try again.
Navigation keys
NOTE: For most of the System Setup options, changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart
the system.
Table 4. Navigation keys
Keys Navigation
Up arrow Moves to the previous field.
Down arrow Moves to the next field.
5
78 System setup
Table 4. Navigation keys (continued)
Keys Navigation
Enter Selects a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow
the link in the field.
Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.
Tab Moves to the next focus area.
NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.
Esc Moves to the previous page until you view the main screen.
Pressing Esc in the main screen displays a message that
prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the
system.
One time boot menu
To enter one time boot menu, turn on your computer, and then press F12 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:
●Removable Drive (if available)
●STXXXX Drive (if available)
NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number.
●Optical Drive (if available)
●SATA Hard Drive (if available)
●Diagnostics
The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen.
BIOS setup
NOTE: Depending on the and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.
Overview
Table 5. Overview
Option Description
System Information This section lists the primary hardware features of your
computer.
The options are:
●System Information
○BIOS version
○Service Tag
○Asset Tag
○Manufacture Date
○Ownership Date
○Express Service Code
○Ownership Tag
○Signed Firmware Update
●Battery
System setup 79
Table 5. Overview
Option Description
○Primary
○Battery Level
○Battery State
○Health
○AC Adapter
●Processor Information
○Processor Type
○Maximum Clock Speed
○Minimum Clock Speed
○Current Clock Speed
○Core Count
○Processor ID
○Processor L2 Cache
○Processor L3 Cache
○Microcode Version
○Intel Hyper-Threading Capable
○64-Bit Technology
●Memory Configuration
○Memory Installed
○Memory Available
○Memory Speed
○Memory Channel Mode
○Memory Technology
○DIMM_Slot 1
○DIMM_Slot 2
●Device Information
○Panel Type
○Video Controller
○Video Memory
○Wi-Fi Device
○Native Resolution
○Video BIOS Version
○Audio Controller
○Bluetooth Device
○LOM MAC Address
○dGPU Video Controller
Boot Options
Table 6. Boot Options
Option Description
Enable Boot Devices UEFI Hard Drive - Allows the user to select Enable boot
devices detected by the system.
1. Windows Boot Manager
2. UEFI Hard Drive
NOTE: Legacy Boot mode is not supported on this
platform.
Add / Remove / View Boot Devices Allows the user to add or remove boot devices listed above.
The controls available are as follows:
80 System setup
Table 6. Boot Options (continued)
Option Description
●Add Boot Options
●Remove Boot Options
●View
UEFI Boot Path Security Allows the user to control if the system should ask for admin
password. The controls available are as follows:
●Never
●Always
●Always Except Internal HDD
System configuration
Table 7. System configuration
Option Description
Date/Time The options are:
●Date
●Time
NOTE: Legacy Boot mode is not supported on this
platform.
Network Controller Configurator Integrated NIC:
1. Disabled
2. Enabled
3. Enabled with PXE
Enable UEFI Network Stack:
1. On
2. Off
Storage Interface Port Enablement - Allows the user to enable/disable
onboard drives. The user can toggle on/off for the following
drives:
●SATA-0
●M.2 PCIe SSD-0/SATA-2
SATA Operation Allows the user to set the SATA operation mode for the
storage devices available. The options available are as follows:
●Disabled
●AHCI
●RAID On
Drive Information This section displays the driver configuration and specification
for all storage devices available.
Enable Audio Allows the user to enable internal audio devices. The options
available are as follows:
●Enable Microphone
●Enable Internal Speaker
USB Configuration Allows the user to enable USB Boot devices. The options
available are as follows:
●Enable USB Boot Support
●Enable External USB Ports
System setup 81
Table 7. System configuration (continued)
Option Description
Miscellaneous Devices Allows the user to enable internal Camera. The options
available are as follows:
●Enable Camera
Keyboard Illumination Allows the user to configure the keyboard brightness levels.
The options available are as follows:
●Disabled
●Dim
●Bright
Video
Table 8. Video
Option Description
LCD Brightness Set the screen brightness when running on battery power.
●0 - 100
Brightness on AC power Set the screen brightness when running on AC power.
●0 - 100
EcoPower Enable EcoPower - Enable to increase battery life and reduce
the display brightness when appropriate.
The options are:
●On
●Off
Security
Table 9. Security
Option Description
Enable Admin Setup
Lockout
Allows the admin to allow/block users from accessing the BIOS menu
●On
●Off
NOTE: Deleting the admin password deletes the system password (if set). The admin
password can also be used to delete hard drive password. For this reason, you cannot set
an admin password if a system password or hard drive password is set. Hence, an admin
password has to be set first if the admin password has to be used with system password
and/or hard drive password.
Password Bypass Allows the user to control if the systems prompts for the system and hard drive passwords when
powered on from off state:
●Disabled
●Reboot Bypass
Enable Non-Admin
Password Changes
When enabled, the user can change system and hard drive password without admin password.
●On
●Off
Enable UEFI Capsule
Firmware Updates
Allows the user to configure BIOS updates via UEFI capsule update packages
82 System setup
Table 9. Security (continued)
Option Description
●On
●Off
Absolute Allows the user to enable, disable or permanently disable the BIOS module interface of the
optional Absolute Persistence Module service. The controls are as follows:
●Enabled
●Disabled
●Permanently Disabled
TPM 2.0 Security On Allows the user to enable or disable TPM security. The controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
PPI Bypass for Enable
Commands
Allows the user to enable or disable TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI). The controls are as
follows:
●On
●Off
PPI Bypass for Disabled
Commands
Allows the user to enable or disable TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI). The controls are as
follows:
●On
●Off
PPI Bypass for Clear
Commands
Allows the user to enable or disable TPM Physical Presence Interface (PPI). The controls are as
follows:
●On
●Off
Attestation Enable Allows the user to enable or disable TPM endorsement Hierarchy for the operating system. The
controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
Key Storage Enable Allows the user to enable or disable TPM endorsement Hierarchy for the operating system. The
controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
SHA-256 Allows the user to enable SHA-256 hash algorithm to extend the measurements into the TPM
PCRs during BIOS boot. The controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
Clear Allows the user to clear TPM owner information and returns TPM to default state. The controls
are as follows:
●On
●Off
TPM State Allows the user to enable/disable TPM. The controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
SMM Security
Mitigation
Allows the user to enable/disable UEFI SMM Security Mitigation. The controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
System setup 83
Passwords
Table 10. Passwords
Option Description
Enable Strong
Passwords
Allows the user to enable complex admin and system passwords:
●On
●Off
NOTE: Deleting the admin password deletes the system password (if set). The admin
password can also be used to delete hard drive password. For this reason, you cannot set
an admin password if a system password or hard drive password is set. Hence, an admin
password has to be set first if the admin password has to be used with system password
and/or hard drive password.
Password Configuration Allows the user to set the maximum number of characters for Admin and System oasswords:
●Admin Password Min (04)
●Admin Password Max (32)
●System Password Min (04)
●System Password Max (32)
Admin Password Allows you to configure an admin password.
NOTE: Deleting the admin password deletes the system password (if set). The admin
password can also be used to delete hard drive password. For this reason, you cannot set
an admin password if a system password or hard drive password is set. Hence, an admin
password has to be set first if the admin password has to be used with system password
and/or hard drive password.
Upper Case
Letter
When enabled, this field reinforces password must contain at least one
upper capital letter.
Lower Case
Letter
When enabled, this field reinforces password must contain at least one
lower capital letter.
Digit When enabled, this field reinforces password must contain at least one-
digit number.
Special
Character
When enabled, this field reinforces password must contain at least one
special character.
NOTE: These options by default are disabled.
Minimum
Characters
Defines the number of characters allowed for a password. Min = 4
Password Bypass Allows you to bypass the System password and the Internal hard drive password, when it is set,
during a system restart.
The options are:
●Disabled—This option is enabled by default.
●Reboot bypass
Password Changes Allows you to change the system password and hard drive password without the need of
administrator password.
Enable Non-Admin Password Changes - By default, this option is disabled.
Admin Setup Lockout Allows the administrator to control how the user can access BIOS setup.
Enable Admin Setup Lockout - By default, this option is disabled.
NOTE:
84 System setup
Table 10. Passwords (continued)
Option Description
●If the admin password is set and Enable Admin Setup Lockoutis enabled, you cannot
view the BIOS setup (using F2 or F12) without the admin password.
●If the admin password is set and Enable Admin Setup Lockoutis disabled, the BIOS
setup can be entered and items that are viewed in Locked mode.
Master Password
Lockout
Allows you to disable master password support.
Enable Master Password Lockout - By default, this option is disabled.
NOTE: The Hard Disk password has to be cleared before the settings can be changed.
Secure Boot
Table 11. Secure Boot
Option Description
Secure Boot Secure Boot helps ensure the system boots using only
validated boot software.
Enable Secure Boot—By default, this option is disabled.
NOTE: The system has to be in UEFI boot mode to enable
Enable Secure Boot.
Secure Boot Mode Changes to the Secure Boot operation mode modifies the
behavior of Secure Boot to allow evaluation of UEFI driver
signatures.
The options are:
●Deployed Mode—By default, this option is enabled.
●Audit Mode
Expert Key Management
Table 12. Expert Key Management
Option Description
Enable Custom Mode Aloows the user to manipulate security key databases
●On
●Off — By default, this option is enabled.
Expert Key Management The Custom Mode Key Management options are:
●PK—By default, this option is enabled.
●KEK
●db
●dbx
System setup 85
Performance
Table 13. Performance
Option Description
Multi Core Support This field specifies whether the process has one or all cores
enabled. The default value is set to the maximum number of
cores.
●All Cores — This option is enabled by default.
●1
●2
●3
Intel SpeedStep This feature allows the system to dynamically adjust processor
voltage and core frequency, decreasing average power
consumption and heat production.
Enable Intel SpeedStep
This option is enabled by default.
C-States Control This feature allows you to enable or disable the ability of the
CPU to enter and exit low-power states.
Enable C-state control
This option is enabled by default.
This feature allows the system to dynamically detect high
usage of discrete graphics and adjust system parameters for
higher performance during that time period.
Enable Adaptive C-states for Discrete Graphics
This option is enabled by default.
Intel Turbo Boost Technology This option allows you to enable or disable the Intel
TurboBoost mode of the processor.
Enable Intel Turbo Boost Technology
This option is enabled by default.
Intel Hyper-Threading Technology This option allows you to enable or disable the HyperThreading
in the processor.
Enable Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
This option is enabled by default.
Power management
Table 14. Power Management
Option Description
Wake on AC Allows the system to wake up to perform basic checks when the adapter is connected.
●On
●Off — enabled by default
Enable USB Wake
Support
Allows you to enable USB devices to wake the system from standby mode.
●On
●Off — enabled by default
86 System setup
Table 14. Power Management (continued)
Option Description
NOTE: These features are only functional when the AC power adapter is connected. If the
AC power adapter is removed before Standby, the BIOS removes power from all USB ports to
conserve battery power.
Block Sleep This option enables you to block entering to sleep (S3) mode in operating system environment. By
default, the Block Sleep option is disabled.
NOTE: When Block Sleep is enabled, the system does not go to sleep. Intel Rapid Start gets
disabled automatically, and the operating system power option remains blank if it was set to
Sleep.
Auto On Time Allows the user to set a defined day/time when they want the system to automatically power on
The options are:
●Disable—enabled by default
●Every Day
●Weekdays
●Select Days
The user will see the days of the week listed with fields to select the time.
Battery Charge
Configuration
Allows the user to set the preferred battery charging plan for the system:
The options are:
●Adaptive—enabled by default
●Standard
●Primarily AC Use
●CUstom - Allows the user to set a Start/Stop percentage for battery
Enable Advanced
Battery Charge
Configuration
Allows the user to enable advanced configuration to maximize battery health while supporting
heavy usage. The controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
The UI below allows the user to set the day and time to further configure battery charging
behaviour.
Peak Shift Allows the system to run on battery during peak power usage hours. The controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
The UI below allows the user to set the peak day and time to further configure battery usage
behavior.
Wireless
Table 15. Wireless options
Option Description
Wireless Device Enable The options are:
●WLAN - Enable / Disable the WLAN device
●Bluetooth - Enable / Disable the Bluetooth device
System setup 87
POST behavior
Table 16. POST behavior
Option Description
Numlock Enable Allows the user to enable/disable numlock
Enable numlock
●ON - Enabled by default
●OFF
FN Lock Allows the user to enable/disable Function keys
●ON - Enabled by default
●OFF
Lock Mode:
●Lock Mode Standard - When selected, the F1 - F12 keys will hold their traditional functions.
●Lock Mode Secondary - When selected, the F1 - F12 keys will switch to secondary functions
with media and system controls.
Warnings and Errors Allows the user to configure in what circumstances would the system stop the boot process upon
encountering errors:
●Prompt on Warning Errors — System will wait for user input when errors or warnings are
detected.
●Continue on Warning — System will wait for user input only when errors are detected.
●Continue on Warning and Errors — System will not ask for user input even when errors or
warnings are detected.
Enable Adapter
Warnings
Allows the user to configure the system to give an error message when lower power adapter is
detected. The controls are as follows:
●On
●Off
Fastboot Allows the user to configure the speed of UEFI boot process:
●Minimal
●Thorough
●Auto
Extend BIOS POST Time Allows the user to configure the BIOS POST load time
●0 seconds
●5 seconds
●10 seconds
Maintenance
Table 17. Maintenance
Option Description
Service Tag Displays the service tag of your computer.
Asset Tag Allows the admin to add an Asset Tag. It is a string of 64 characters that are used by IT
administrator to uniquely identify a particular system. Once an asset tag is set, it cannot be
changed.
BIOS Recovery from
Hard Drive
Allows you to enable or disable recovery from a corrupt BIOS from a copy stored on the hard
drive.
88 System setup
Table 17. Maintenance (continued)
Option Description
●ON - Enabled by default.
●OFF
The user also gets a check box that allows enabling automatic recovery of the BIOS without user
input.
Start Data Wipe Allows the user to setup an autowipe on the storage devices on the system upon a reboot.
The options are:
●ON
●OFF - Enabled by default.
System logs
Table 18. System Logs
Option Description
BIOS Event Log Allows you to either keep and clear the BIOS event log.
Clear BIOS Event Log
The options are:
●Keep - This option is enabled by default.
●Clear
Thermal Event Log Allows you to either keep and clear the Thermal event log.
Clear Thermal Event Log
The options are:
●Keep - This option is enabled by default.
●Clear
Power Event Log Allows you to either keep and clear the Power event log.
Clear Power Event Log
The options are:
●Keep - This option is enabled by default.
●Clear
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS in Windows
About this task
CAUTION: If BitLocker is not suspended before updating the BIOS, the next time you reboot the system it
will not recognize the BitLocker key. You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress and the
system will ask for this on each reboot. If the recovery key is not known this can result in data loss or an
unnecessary operating system re-install. For more information on this subject, see Knowledge Article: https://
www.dell.com/support/article/sln153694
Steps
1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. Click Product support. In the Search support box, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search.
System setup 89
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the SupportAssist feature to automatically identify your computer. You
can also use the product ID or manually browse for your computer model.
3. Click Drivers & Downloads. Expand Find drivers.
4. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
5. In the Category drop-down list, select BIOS.
6. Select the latest version of BIOS, and click Download to download the BIOS file for your computer.
7. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
8. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the on-screen instructions.
For more information, see knowledge base article 000124211 at www.dell.com/support.
Updating the BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu
To update the system BIOS on a computer that is installed with Linux or Ubuntu, see the knowledge base article 000131486 at
www.dell.com/support.
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows
About this task
CAUTION: If BitLocker is not suspended before updating the BIOS, the next time you reboot the system it
will not recognize the BitLocker key. You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress and the
system will ask for this on each reboot. If the recovery key is not known this can result in data loss or an
unnecessary operating system re-install. For more information on this subject, see Knowledge Article: https://
www.dell.com/support/article/sln153694
Steps
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in Updating the BIOS in Windows to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information, see the knowledge base article 000145519 at www.dell.com/support.
3. Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5. Restart the computer and press F12 .
6. Select the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
The BIOS Update Utility appears.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update.
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu
Update your computer BIOS using the BIOS update.exe file that is copied to a FAT32 USB drive and booting from the F12
One-Time boot menu.
About this task
CAUTION: If BitLocker is not suspended before updating the BIOS, the next time you reboot the system it
will not recognize the BitLocker key. You will then be prompted to enter the recovery key to progress and the
system will ask for this on each reboot. If the recovery key is not known this can result in data loss or an
unnecessary operating system re-install. For more information on this subject, see Knowledge Article: https://
www.dell.com/support/article/sln153694
BIOS Update
You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB drive or you can also update the BIOS from the F12
One-Time boot menu on the computer.
90 System setup
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.
NOTE: Only computers with BIOS Flash Update option in the F12 One-Time boot menu can use this function.
Updating from the One-Time boot menu
To update your BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu, you need the following:
●USB drive formatted to the FAT32 file system (key does not have to be bootable)
●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. The computer may not boot if you turn
off your computer.
Steps
1. From a turn off state, insert the USB drive where you copied the flash into a USB port of the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and press F12 to access the One-Time Boot Menu, select BIOS Update using the mouse or arrow keys
then press Enter.
The flash BIOS menu is displayed.
3. Click Flash from file.
4. Select external USB device.
5. Select the file and double-click the flash target file, and then click Submit.
6. Click Update BIOS. The computer restarts to flash the BIOS.
7. The computer will restart after the BIOS update is completed.
System and setup password
Table 19. System and setup password
Password type Description
System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system.
Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to
the BIOS settings of your computer.
You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.
NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.
Assigning a system setup password
Prerequisites
You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.
About this task
To enter the system setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
System setup 91
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.
The Security screen is displayed.
2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:
●A password can have up to 32 characters.
●At least one special character: ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` { | }
●Numbers 0 through 9.
●Upper case letters from A to Z.
●Lower case letters from a to z.
3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK.
4. Press Esc and save the changes as prompted by the pop-up message.
5. Press Y to save the changes.
The computer restarts.
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password
Prerequisites
Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing
System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is
Locked.
About this task
To enter the System Setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, update, or delete the existing system password, and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, update, or delete the existing setup password, and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted. If you delete the
System and/or Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.
5. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes.
6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.
The computer restarts.
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.
92 System setup
Updating the BIOS
Updating the BIOS in Windows
Steps
1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. Click Product support. In the Search support box, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search.
NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the SupportAssist feature to automatically identify your computer. You
can also use the product ID or manually browse for your computer model.
3. Click Drivers & Downloads. Expand Find drivers.
4. Select the operating system installed on your computer.
5. In the Category drop-down list, select BIOS.
6. Select the latest version of BIOS, and click Download to download the BIOS file for your computer.
7. After the download is complete, browse the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
8. Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the on-screen instructions.
For more information, see knowledge base article 000124211 at www.dell.com/support.
Updating the BIOS in Linux and Ubuntu
To update the system BIOS on a computer that is installed with Linux or Ubuntu, see the knowledge base article 000131486 at
www.dell.com/support.
Updating the BIOS using the USB drive in Windows
Steps
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 6 in Updating the BIOS in Windows to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information, see the knowledge base article 000145519 at www.dell.com/support.
3. Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5. Restart the computer and press F12 .
6. Select the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
The BIOS Update Utility appears.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update.
Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu
Update your computer BIOS using the BIOS update.exe file that is copied to a FAT32 USB drive and booting from the F12
One-Time boot menu.
About this task
BIOS Update
You can run the BIOS update file from Windows using a bootable USB drive or you can also update the BIOS from the F12
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.
NOTE: Only computers with BIOS Flash Update option in the F12 One-Time boot menu can use this function.
System setup 93
Updating from the One-Time boot menu
To update your BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu, you need the following:
●USB drive formatted to the FAT32 file system (key does not have to be bootable)
●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. The computer may not boot if you turn
off your computer.
Steps
1. From a turn off state, insert the USB drive where you copied the flash into a USB port of the computer.
2. Turn on the computer and press F12 to access the One-Time Boot Menu, select BIOS Update using the mouse or arrow keys
then press Enter.
The flash BIOS menu is displayed.
3. Click Flash from file.
4. Select external USB device.
5. Select the file and double-click the flash target file, and then click Submit.
6. Click Update BIOS. The computer restarts to flash the BIOS.
7. The computer will restart after the BIOS update is completed.
System and setup password
Table 20. System and setup password
Password type Description
System password Password that you must enter to log in to your system.
Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to
the BIOS settings of your computer.
You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer.
CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data that is stored on your computer if it is not locked and left unattended.
NOTE: System and setup password feature is disabled.
Assigning a system setup password
Prerequisites
You can assign a new System or Admin Password only when the status is in Not Set.
About this task
To enter the system setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select Security and press Enter.
The Security screen is displayed.
2. Select System/Admin Password and create a password in the Enter the new password field.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:
94 System setup
●A password can have up to 32 characters.
●At least one special character: ! " # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . / : ; < = > ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` { | }
●Numbers 0 through 9.
●Upper case letters from A to Z.
●Lower case letters from a to z.
3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK.
4. Press Esc and save the changes as prompted by the pop-up message.
5. Press Y to save the changes.
The computer restarts.
Deleting or changing an existing system setup password
Prerequisites
Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing
System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password, if the Password Status is
Locked.
About this task
To enter the System Setup, press F12 immediately after a power-on or reboot.
Steps
1. In the System BIOS or System Setup screen, select System Security and press Enter.
The System Security screen is displayed.
2. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.
3. Select System Password, update, or delete the existing system password, and press Enter or Tab.
4. Select Setup Password, update, or delete the existing setup password, and press Enter or Tab.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password, reenter the new password when prompted. If you delete the
System and/or Setup password, confirm the deletion when prompted.
5. Press Esc and a message prompts you to save the changes.
6. Press Y to save the changes and exit from System Setup.
The computer restarts.
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.
System setup 95
Troubleshooting
Topics:
•Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries
•Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics
•System diagnostic lights
•Recovering the operating system
•Backup media and recovery options
•WiFi power cycle
•Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)
Handling swollen Lithium-ion batteries
Like most laptops, Dell laptops use lithium-ion batteries. One type of lithium-ion battery is the lithium-ion polymer battery.
Lithium-ion polymer batteries have increased in popularity in recent years and have become standard in the electronics industry
due to customer preferences for a slim form factor (especially with newer ultra-thin laptops) and long battery life. Inherent to
lithium-ion polymer battery technology is the potential for swelling of the battery cells.
Swollen battery may impact the performance of the laptop. To prevent possible further damage to the device enclosure or
internal components leading to malfunction, discontinue the use of the laptop and discharge it by disconnecting the AC adapter
and letting the battery drain.
Swollen batteries should not be used and should be replaced and disposed of properly. We recommend contacting Dell product
support for options to replace a swollen battery under the terms of the applicable warranty or service contract, including options
for replacement by a Dell authorized service technician.
The guidelines for handling and replacing Lithium-ion batteries are as follows:
●Exercise caution when handling Lithium-ion batteries.
●Discharge the battery before removing it from the system. To discharge the battery, unplug the AC adapter from the system
and operate the system only on battery power. When the system will no longer power on when the power button is pressed,
the battery is fully discharged.
●Do not crush, drop, mutilate, or penetrate the battery with foreign objects.
●Do not expose the battery to high temperatures, or disassemble battery packs and cells.
●Do not apply pressure to the surface of the battery.
●Do not bend the battery.
●Do not use tools of any type to pry on or against the battery.
●If a battery gets stuck in a device as a result of swelling, do not try to free it as puncturing, bending, or crushing a battery
can be dangerous.
●Do not attempt to reassemble a damaged or swollen battery into a laptop.
●Swollen batteries that are covered under warranty should be returned to Dell in an approved shipping container (provided
by Dell)—this is to comply with transportation regulations. Swollen batteries that are not covered under warranty should be
disposed of at an approved recycling center. Contact Dell product support at https://www.dell.com/support for assistance
and further instructions.
●Using a non-Dell or incompatible battery may increase the risk of fire or explosion. Replace the battery only with a
compatible battery purchased from Dell that is designed to work with your Dell computer. Do not use a battery from other
computers with your computer. Always purchase genuine batteries from https://www.dell.com or otherwise directly from
Dell.
Lithium-ion batteries can swell for various reasons such as age, number of charge cycles, or exposure to high heat. For more
information on how to improve the performance and lifespan of the laptop battery and to minimize the possibility of occurrence
of the issue, see Dell Laptop Battery - Frequently Asked Questions.
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96 Troubleshooting
Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance
Check diagnostics
About this task
SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell
SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS
internally. The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular devices or device groups allowing you to:
●Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode
●Repeat tests
●Display or save test results
●Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)
●View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully
●View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing
NOTE: Some tests for specific devices require user interaction. Always ensure that you are present at the computer
terminal when the diagnostic tests are performed.
For more information, see https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/000180971.
Running the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check
Steps
1. Turn on your computer.
2. As the computer boots, press the F12 key as the Dell logo appears.
3. On the boot menu screen, select the Diagnostics option.
4. Click the arrow at the bottom left corner.
Diagnostics front page is displayed.
5. Click the arrow in the lower-right corner to go to the page listing.
The items detected are listed.
6. To run a diagnostic test on a specific device, press Esc and click Yes to stop the diagnostic test.
7. Select the device from the left pane and click Run Tests.
8. If there are any issues, error codes are displayed.
Note the error code and validation number and contact Dell.
System diagnostic lights
Power and battery-status light
Indicates the power and battery-charge status.
Solid white—Power adapter is connected and the battery has more than 5% charge.
Amber—Computer is running on battery and the battery has less than 5% charge.
Off
●Power adapter is connected, and the battery is fully charged.
●Computer is running on battery, and the battery has more than 5% charge.
●Computer is in sleep state, hibernation, or turned off.
The power and battery-status light blinks amber along with beep codes indicating failures.
For example, the power and battery-status light blinks amber two times followed by a pause, and then blinks white three times
followed by a pause. This 2,3 pattern continues until the computer is turned off indicating no memory or RAM is detected.
The following table shows different power and battery-status light patterns and associated problems.
Troubleshooting 97
Table 21. LED codes
Diagnostic light codes Problem description Recommended solutions
1,1 TPM detection failure Replace the system board.
1,2 Unrecoverable SPI Flash failure Replace the system board.
1,3 Short in hinge cable tripped OCP1 Check if the display cable (EDP) is seated
properly or pinched at the hinges. If problem
persists, replace either display cable (EDP) or
display assembly (LCD).
1,4 Short in hinge cable tripped OCP2 Check if the display cable (EDP) is seated
properly or pinched at the hinges. If problem
persists, replace either display cable (EDP) or
display assembly (LCD).
1,5 EC unable to program i-Fuse Replace the system board.
1,6 Generic catch-all for ungraceful EC code flow
errors
Disconnect all power source (AC, battery,
coin cell) and drain flea power by pressing &
holding down power button.
2,1 Processor failure Run the Intel CPU diagnostics tools. If
problem persists, replace the system board.
2,2 System board: BIOS or ROM (Read-Only
Memory) failure
Flash latest BIOS version. If problem persists,
replace the system board.
2,3 No memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory)
detected
Confirm that the memory module is installed
properly. If problem persists, replace the
memory module.
2,4 Memory or RAM (Random-Access Memory)
failure
Reset and swap memory modules amongst
the slots. If problem persists, replace the
memory module.
2,5 Invalid memory installed Reset and swap memory modules among the
slots. If problem persists, replace the memory
module.
2,6 System-board or chipset error Flash latest BIOS version. If problem persists,
replace the system board.
2,7 LCD failure - SBIOS message Replace display vable (EDP) if possible,
otherwise replace the display assembly
(LCD).
2,8 LCD failure - EC detection of power rail failure Replace the system board.
3,1 Coin-cell battery failure Reset the CMOS battery connection. If
problem persists, replace the RTC battery.
3,2 PCI, video card/chip failure Replace the system board.
3,3 Recovery image not found Flash latest BIOS version. If problem persists,
replace the system board.
3,4 Recovery image found but invalid Flash latest BIOS version. If problem persists,
replace the system board.
3,5 Power-rail failure EC ran into power sequencing failure. If
problem persists, replace the system board.
3,6 System BIOS Flash incomplete Flash corruption detected by SBIOS. If
problem persists, replace the system board.
3,7 Management Engine (ME) error Timeout waiting on ME to reply to HECI
message. If problem persists, replace the
system board.
Camera status light: Indicates whether the camera is in use.
●Solid white—Camera is in use.
98 Troubleshooting
●Off—Camera is not in use.
Caps Lock status light: Indicates whether Caps Lock is enabled or disabled.
●Solid white—Caps Lock enabled.
●Off—Caps Lock disabled.
Recovering the operating system
When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell
SupportAssist OS Recovery.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a standalone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers installed with Windows operating
system. It consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating
system. 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.
For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at
www.dell.com/serviceabilitytools. Click SupportAssist and then, click SupportAssist OS Recovery.
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 Dell Windows Backup
Media and Recovery Options.
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.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
7. Turn on your computer.
Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset)
About this task
Flea power is the residual static electricity that remains in the computer even after it has been powered off and the battery is
removed.
For your safety, and to protect the sensitive electronic components in your computer, you are requested to drain residual flea
power before removing or replacing any components in your computer.
Draining residual flea power, also known as a performing a "hard reset", is also a common troubleshooting step if your computer
does not power on or boot into the operating system.
Troubleshooting 99
To drain residual flea power (perform a hard reset)
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Disconnect the power adapter from your computer.
3. Remove the base cover.
4. Remove the battery.
5. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain the flea power.
6. Install the battery.
7. Install the base cover.
8. Connect the power adapter to your computer.
9. Turn on your computer.
NOTE: For more information about performing a hard reset, see the knowledge base article 000130881 at
www.dell.com/support.
100 Troubleshooting
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 22. Self-help resources
Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com
My Dell app
Tips
Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press
Enter.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows
Access top solutions, diagnostics, drivers and downloads, and
learn more about your computer through videos, manuals and
documents.
Your Dell computer is uniquely identified by a Service Tag or
Express Service Code. To view relevant support resources for
your Dell computer, enter the Service Tag or Express Service
Code at www.dell.com/support.
For more information on how to find the Service Tag for your
computer, see Locate the Service Tag on your computer.
Dell knowledge base articles for a variety of computer
concerns 1. Go to www.dell.com/support.
2. On the menu bar at the top of the Support page, select
Support > Knowledge Base.
3. In the Search field on the Knowledge Base page, type the
keyword, topic, or model number, and then click or tap the
search icon to view the related articles.
Contacting Dell
To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your country/region.
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice,
packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
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Getting help and contacting Dell 101