System Board

Dell™ Latitude™ C400 Service Manual

Removing the System Board

The system board's BIOS chip contains the service tag sequence, which is also visible on a barcode label on the bottom of the computer. The replacement kit for the system board may include a CD that provides a utility for transferring the service tag sequence to the replacement system board.

NOTICE: Disconnect the computer and any attached devices from electrical outlets, and remove any installed batteries.

NOTICE: To avoid ESD, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer.

NOTICE: Read "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer" before performing the following procedure.

Remove the PC Card or plastic blank, if present, from the PC Card slot.
Remove the hard drive.
Remove the keyboard.
Remove the display assembly.
Remove the palm rest.
Remove the wireless network adapter, if present.
Remove the modem daughter card, if present.
Remove all installed memory modules.
Remove the audio board.

System Board Removal

1
fan

2
reserve battery cable

3
connector for fan extender cable

4
hard-drive connector

5
M2 x 4-mm screw (1)

6
memory module socket

7
guide pins (2)

8
5-mm hex nuts (4)

9
7-mm hex nuts (2)

Remove the four 5-mm hex nuts near each end of the serial and video connectors.
Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the two 7-mm hex nuts near each end of the docking connector.
Remove the two guide pins from the IDE connector.
Disconnect the cooling fan from the fan extender cable.
Disconnect the fan extender cable from the connector beside the internal memory socket.
Disconnect the reserve battery cable from the system board.
Remove the M2 x 4-mm screw that secures the right front corner of the system board.
Disengage the system board from the back panel.

Replacing the System Board

While replacing the system board, pull the fan extender cable aside to avoid trapping it beneath the system board. After replacing the system board, route the cable between the hard-drive connector and the internal memory socket.

After you have replaced the system board, insert the floppy disk or CD that accompanied the replacement system board into the appropriate drive, and turn on the computer. Follow the instructions on the screen.

NOTE: After replacing the system board, be sure to enter the computer's service tag sequence into the BIOS of the replacement system board.

Back to Contents Page

1	fan
2	reserve battery cable
3	connector for fan extender cable
4	hard-drive connector
5	M2 x 4-mm screw (1)
6	memory module socket
7	guide pins (2)
8	5-mm hex nuts (4)
9	7-mm hex nuts (2)