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Memory Module, Mini PCI Card, Modem, and Modules

Dell™ Inspiron™ 8500 Service Manual

  Memory Module

  Mini PCI Card

  Modem

  Modules

Memory Module

CAUTION: Before working inside your Dell™ computer, read the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface.

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

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Turn the computer over, loosen the captive screw from the memory module cover, and lift the cover.
   
   

1	captive screw
2	memory module cover

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the memory module connector, do not use tools to spread the inner metal tabs that secure the memory module.

3. If you are replacing a memory module, remove the existing module.
   
   

NOTICE: Handle memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the components on a module.

1. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module connector until the module pops up.
   
   
2. Remove the module from the connector.
   
   

1	securing clips (2 per connector)
2	memory module

NOTICE: If you need to install memory modules in two connectors, install a memory module in the connector labeled "DIMMA (Slot 1)" before you install a module in the connector labeled "DIMMB."

4. Ground yourself and install the new memory module:
   
   
   1. Align the notch in the module with the slot in the center of the connector.
      
      
   2. Slide the edge of the module firmly into the connector, and rotate the module down until you feel a click. If you do not feel the click, remove the module and reinstall it.
      
      

NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer does not boot. The Num Lock and Scroll Lock lights blink about ten times.

5. Replace the cover and screw.
   
   

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

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

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

Mini PCI Card

If you ordered a Mini PCI card at the same time that you ordered your computer, Dell has already installed the card for you.

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface.

NOTICE: Handle components and cards by their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Turn the computer over, and loosen the captive screw on the Mini PCI card/modem cover.
   
   

1	captive screw
2	Mini PCI card/modem cover

3. If a Mini PCI card is not already installed, go to step 4. If you are replacing a Mini PCI card, remove the existing card:
   
   
   1. Disconnect the Mini PCI card from any attached cables.
      
      
   2. Release the Mini PCI card by spreading the metal securing tabs until the card pops up slightly.
      
      
   3. Lift the Mini PCI card out of its connector.
      
      

1	Mini PCI card connector
2	Mini PCI card
3	antenna cables (2)

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

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

4. Align the Mini PCI card with the connector at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI card firmly into the connector, and press down until you feel a click.
   
   
5. Connect the antenna cables to the Mini PCI.
   
   

1	Mini PCI card
2	antenna cables (2)

6. Replace the cover and tighten the screw.
   
   

Modem

CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.

CAUTION: To prevent static damage to components inside your computer, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of your computer's electronic components. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface.

NOTICE: Handle components and cards by their edges, and avoid touching pins and contacts.

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Turn the computer over, and loosen the captive screw from the Mini PCI card/modem cover.
   
   

1	captive screw
2	Mini PCI card/modem cover

3. If a modem is not already installed, go to step 4. If you are replacing a modem, remove the existing modem:
   
   
   1. Remove the screws securing the modem to the system board, and set it aside.
      
      
   2. Pull straight up on the attached pull-tab to lift the modem out of its connector on the system board, and disconnect the modem cable.
      
      

1	modem cable
2	modem
3	pull-tab
4	screw
5	system board connector

NOTICE: The cable connectors are keyed for correct insertion; do not force the connections.

4. Connect the modem cable to the modem.
   
   

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the modem, press the modem into the connector directly over the connector.

5. Align the modem with the screw hole, and press the modem into the connector directly over the connector on the system board.
   
   

Modules

Your computer ships with an optical drive installed in the module bay. However, the device screw is not installed in the optical drive but packaged separately. When you install your device in the module bay, you can install the device screw.

NOTE: You do not need to install the device screw unless you want to secure the module inside the computer for security purposes.

If the Device Screw Is Not Installed

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

1. Press the device latch release so that the latch release pops out.
   
   

1	device latch release

2. Pull the device by the latch release to remove the device from the module bay.
   
   

If the Device Screw Is Installed

1. If the computer is connected to a docking device (docked), undock it. See the documentation that came with your docking device for instructions.
   
   

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

2. Close the display and turn the computer over.
   
   
3. Use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the M2 x 3-mm screw from the bottom of the computer.
   
   

1	device latch release

4. Press the device latch release so that the latch release pops out.
   
   
5. Pull the device by the latch release to remove the device from the module bay.
   
   

NOTICE: Insert devices into the module bay before you dock and turn on the computer.

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