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Removing and Replacing Parts

Dell™ Latitude™ C810 Service Manual

System Components

Exploded View

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

NOTICE: Unless otherwise noted, each procedure in this manual assumes that a part can be replaced by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.

Hard Drive

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

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

NOTICE: The hard drive is very sensitive to shock. Handle it by its edges (do not squeeze the top of the case), and avoid dropping it.

Hard Drive

Removing the Hard Drive

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the drive door screw.
   
   
3. Pull the hard drive out.
   
   

Replacing the Hard Drive

1. Gently push the hard drive into the drive bay until the drive door is flush with the computer case.
   
   
2. Push down on the drive until it snaps into place.
   
   
3. Replace the screw in the hard drive door.
   
   

Fixed Optical Drive

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

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

Fixed Optical Drive

Removing the Fixed Optical Drive

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Loosen the captive screw on the bottom of the computer.
   
   

NOTICE: To keep the pull tab from catching on the captive screw, turn the computer over before removing the fixed optical drive.

3. Turn the computer over, pull out the pull tab, and use the pull tab to remove the fixed optical drive.
   
   

Memory Module

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 periodically touching unpainted metal on the computer.

Removing the Memory Module Cover

Memory Module Cover

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the screw.
   
   
3. Disengage the metal tabs at the opposite end of the cover.
   
   

Memory Modules

Removing the Memory Modules

1. Remove the memory module cover.
   
   
2. To release a memory module from its socket, spread apart the tabs at each side of the module until the module pops up slightly.
   
   
3. Lift the memory module out of its socket.
   
   

Replacing the Memory Modules

1. If you only have one memory module, install it in the socket labeled "DIMM A." Install a second memory module in the socket labeled "DIMM B."
   
   

NOTE: Memory modules are keyed to fit into their sockets in only one direction.

2. Insert the memory module's edge connector into the socket slot at a 45-degree angle and press the module firmly into the slot.
   
   
3. Pivot the module down until it clicks into place. If you do not hear a click, remove the module and reinstall it.
   
   
4. Insert the metal tabs on the memory module cover into the bottom case assembly, rotate the cover down, and replace the screw.
   
   

Mini PCI Card Assembly

You must remove the optional Mini PCI Card assembly before the system board assembly can be removed. A Mini PCI Card assembly may consist of a modem, a NIC, a modem and NIC combination, or a wireless NIC. A modem, NIC, or modem and NIC combination must be connected to the wiring harness as appropriate; a wireless NIC must be connected to the system's internal antenna.

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

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

Mini PCI Card Cover

Removing the Mini PCI Card Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the Mini PCI Card cover.
   
   
3. To release the Mini PCI Card assembly, spread the metal securing tabs until the assembly pops up slightly.
   
   
4. Disconnect the assembly from the wiring harness or internal antenna.
   
   
5. Lift out the assembly and disconnect any attached cables.
   
   

Replacing the Mini PCI Card Assembly

1. Align the Mini PCI Card assembly with the socket at a 45-degree angle, and press the Mini PCI Card into the socket.
   
   
2. Depending on what type of Mini PCI Card you are installing, either connect the wiring harness to the Mini PCI Card assembly, or connect the mini-coax antenna cable from the Mini PCI Card assembly to the internal antenna.
   
   

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

Mini PCI Card Assembly Using Wiring Harness

Mini-PCI Wireless NIC Assembly Using Antenna Cable

NOTICE: If a wireless NIC card contains two mini-coax antenna connectors, connect the mini-coax antenna cable to the outermost antenna connector on the card as shown.

NOTICE: If you are installing a wireless NIC, fold and tuck the unused wiring harness into the slot so it does not interfere with the cover.

3. Pivot the Mini PCI Card assembly down until it clicks into place.
   
   
4. Replace the Mini PCI Card assembly cover.
   
   

Keyboard Assembly

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

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

Keyboard Screws

Removing the Keyboard Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Turn the computer over and remove the four screws labeled with a "circle K."
   
   
3. Turn the computer over and open the display.
   
   

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

4. Use a nonmarring tool under the blank key to pry up the keyboard.
   
   

Keyboard Removal

5. Lift the right end of the keyboard and slide it slightly toward the right side of the computer to disengage the tabs at the left end.
   
   
6. Pivot the keyboard and balance it upright on the left side of the computer.
   
   

Keyboard Cable

7. Disconnect the keyboard cable and lay the keyboard assembly aside.
   
   

Replacing the Keyboard Assembly

1. While bracing the keyboard assembly upright on its left end, connect the keyboard cable to the interface connector on the system board.
   
   

NOTICE: Position the keyboard/track stick flex cable so it is not pinched when you replace the keyboard in the bottom case assembly.

2. Insert the metal tabs at the left end of the keyboard under the edge of the bottom case assembly, and fit the keyboard into place.
   
   
3. Check that the keyboard is correctly installed. The keys should be flush with the left and right surfaces of the palmrest.
   
   
4. Reinstall the four screws in the holes labeled "circle K."
   
   

Display and Bezel Assemblies

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

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

Display Assembly

Removing the Hinge Cover

Hinge Cover

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Use a nonmarring tool to loosen the hinge cover at the back and at each side of the computer.
   
   
3. Open the display and lift off the hinge cover.
   
   

Removing the Display Assembly

Display Assembly

1. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   

NOTICE: Make sure you remove the flex cable before you remove the display assembly.

Flex Cable

2. Remove the 6-mm screw that secures the display flex cable to the strain relief, and then use the pull loop to remove the display flex cable from the graphics card.
   
   

NOTICE: When reconnecting the flex cable, press down on both ends of the connector, not in the middle. Pressing the middle of the connector can damage fragile components.

3. Open the display and, from the back of the computer, remove the two screws labeled with a "circle D" that secure the display assembly to the bottom case assembly.
   
   
4. With the display in an upright position, lift the display assembly from the bottom case assembly.
   
   

Display Assembly Bezel and Panel

Removing the Display Assembly Bezel

1. Use a scribe to pry out the four rubber screw covers located across the top of the bezel.
   
   
2. Remove the four 4-mm screws located across the top of the bezel.
   
   
3. Use a scribe at the indentations to pry out the two plastic screw covers located at the bottom of the bezel.
   
   
4. Remove the two 4-mm screws located at the bottom of the bezel.
   
   
5. Separate the bezel from the display-assembly top cover.
   
   

The bezel is secured to the display assembly top cover with plastic tabs around the sides. Use a plastic scribe to help separate the bezel from the top cover.

Removing the Display Panel

1. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
2. Detach the display flex cable from the strain relief and the graphics card.
   
   
3. Remove the display assembly bezel.
   
   
4. Remove the 4-mm screw securing the plastic flex cable mounting bracket to the top cover assembly.
   
   
5. Remove the six 3-mm screws (three on each side) from the right and left sides of the panel.
   
   
6. Lift the display panel and flex cable out of the top cover assembly.
   
   
7. Disconnect the flex cable from the two connectors (a ZIF and a standard connector) on the display panel assembly.
   
   

Flex Cable Connectors on Display Panel

Replacing the Display Panel

NOTE: Use a magnetic screwdriver to reassemble the display panel in the display.

1. Connect the flex cable to the two connectors on the back of the display panel.
   
   
2. Place the display panel assembly in the top cover, taking care that the flex cable is in place and is not crushed or crimped.
   
   
3. Reinstall the 4-mm screw that secures the flex cable mounting bracket to the top cover.
   
   
4. Starting on the left side, use a magnetic screwdriver to reinstall the six 3-mm screws that secure the display panel in the top cover.
   
   
5. Reinstall the display flex cable strain-relief screw and reconnect the flex cable to the graphics card.
   
   
6. Reinstall the display assembly bezel.
   
   

Removing the Display Latch

Removing the Display Latch

1. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
2. Detach the display flex cable from the strain relief and the graphics card.
   
   
3. Remove the display assembly bezel.
   
   
4. Remove the display panel from the top cover.
   
   
5. Remove the display latch by unsnapping the latch and captive spring.
   
   

Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

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

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

Retaining Clip

Removing the Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
3. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
4. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the latch mechanism at the left side of the microprocessor retaining clip. Pry open the clip by pivoting the top of the screwdriver toward the right side of the computer.
   
   

Microprocessor Thermal Cooling Assembly

NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly. The oils in your skin reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.

5. Lift out the thermal cooling assembly.
   
   

Microprocessor Module

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

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

Microprocessor Module

Removing the Microprocessor Module

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
3. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   

NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the thermal cooling assembly. The oils in your skin reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal pads.

4. Remove the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly.
   
   

NOTICE: When removing the microprocessor module, pull the module straight up. Do not bend the pins.

5. Remove the microprocessor module.
   
   

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the microprocessor, hold the screwdriver so that it is perpendicular to the microprocessor when removing the cam lock screw (see "Microprocessor Cam Lock Screw").

1. Loosen the microprocessor socket cam lock screw. The location of the screw and the rotation direction may vary with the socket manufacturer; look for small icons indicating open and locked positions.
   
   

Microprocessor Cam Lock Screw (Example)

NOTICE: Hold the microprocessor down while turning the cam lock screw to prevent intermittent contact between the cam lock screw and microprocessor.

2. Use the microprocessor extraction tool to remove the microprocessor module.
   
   

Replacing the Microprocessor Module

NOTICE: If you received a flash BIOS update program diskette or CD with the replacement microprocessor, you must update the BIOS after replacing the microprocessor module. For instructions on updating or reflashing the BIOS, see the Dell Portable Computer BIOS Update Guide.

NOTICE: Proper seating of the microprocessor module does not require force.

NOTICE: A microprocessor module that is not properly seated can result in an intermittent connection and subsequent failures.

1. Align the pin-1 triangle on the microprocessor toward the pin-1 triangle in the socket, insert the microprocessor into the socket, and move it around slightly until you feel it settle into the socket.
   
   

When the microprocessor module is correctly seated, all four corners are aligned to the same height. If one or more corners of the module are higher than the others, the module is not seated correctly.

NOTICE: Hold the microprocessor down while turning the cam lock screw to prevent intermittent contact between the cam lock screw and microprocessor (see "Microprocessor Cam Lock Screw").

2. Tighten the cam lock screw.
   
   

NOTICE: Do not over- or undertighten the screw. Tighten it until the screw indicator points to the "closed" or "locked" indicator on the socket.

3. Replace the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly.
   
   

Closing the Microprocessor Retaining Clip

4. While pressing lightly down on the center of the retaining clip, insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the latch mechanism and pivot the top of the screwdriver away from the clip to close the latch.
   
   

Video Graphics Board

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

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

Video Graphics Board

Removing the Video Graphics Board

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
3. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
4. Detach the display flex cable from the strain relief and the graphics card.
   
   
5. Remove the three 8-mm screws that secure the video graphics board.
   
   
6. Separate the video graphics board from the system board connector.
   
   

Replacing the Video Graphics Board

1. Align the three screw holes and press down firmly on the word "Dell" to seat the board in its connector.
   
   

NOTICE: Make sure the board is correctly and firmly seated before continuing. Failure to do so will cause intermittent video failures.

2. Replace the three screws.
   
   

Palmrest Assembly

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

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

Palmrest Assembly

NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's time RTC and NVRAM when the computer is turned off. Removing the palmrest disconnects the reserve battery and causes the computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified parameters in NVRAM. If possible, make a copy of this information before you disconnect the reserve battery.

Removing the Palmrest Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the hard drive and the fixed optical drive.
   
   
3. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
4. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
5. Remove the display assembly.
   
   

NOTICE: To avoid damaging the palmrest assembly, you must first remove the display assembly.

6. Turn the computer over.
   
   
7. Remove the nine 20-mm screws (labeled with a "circle P") that secure the palmrest to the computer.
   
   

Palmrest Screws

8. Turn the computer over.
   
   
9. Use the pull loop to disconnect the palmrest flex cable from the touch- pad connector on the system board.
   
   
10. Carefully lift out the palmrest assembly.
    
    

Reserve Battery

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

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

Reserve Battery

NOTICE: The reserve battery provides power to the computer's RTC and NVRAM when the computer is turned off. Removing the battery causes the computer to lose the date and time information as well as all user-specified parameters in NVRAM. If possible, make a copy of this information before you remove the reserve battery.

Removing the Reserve Battery

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
3. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
4. Remove the display assembly.
   
   
5. Remove the palmrest assembly.
   
   
6. On the underside of the palmrest, disconnect the flex cable from the ZIF connector.
   
   

Palmrest Flex Cable and Bracket

7. Remove the two 4-mm screws securing the palmrest bracket.
   
   
8. While supporting the palmrest flex cable, lift out the palmrest bracket and turn it over.
   
   
9. Disconnect the reserve battery cable.
   
   
10. Remove the reserve battery:
    
    
    1. Pry the reserve battery free from the metal palmrest bracket.
       
       
    2. Remove the foam-pad remnants from the palmrest bracket.
       
       

Replacing the Reserve Battery

1. Seat the reserve battery and press it into place.
   
   
2. Connect the reserve battery cable.
   
   
3. Place the palmrest bracket loosely in the palmrest, and connect the palmrest flex cable to the ZIF connector.
   
   
4. Replace the two 4-mm screws that secure the palmrest bracket to the palmrest.
   
   

System Board Assembly

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

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

System Board Screws

The system board's BIOS chip contains the system service tag number, which is also visible on a bar-code label on the bottom of the computer.

The replacement kit for the system board assembly includes a diskette or CD that provides a utility for transferring the service tag number to the replacement system board assembly.

NOTICE: If you received a flash BIOS update program diskette or CD with the replacement microprocessor, you must update the BIOS after replacing the microprocessor module. For instructions on updating or reflashing the BIOS, see the Dell Portable Computer BIOS Update Guide.

Removing the System Board

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the hard drive and the fixed optical drive.
   
   
3. Remove any installed Mini PCI Cards.
   
   
4. If migrating the memory, remove all installed memory modules.
   
   
5. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
6. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
7. Remove the display assembly.
   
   
8. Remove the palmrest assembly.
   
   
9. Remove the video graphics board.
   
   
10. Remove the microprocessor thermal cooling assembly.
    
    
11. If migrating the microprocessor, remove the microprocessor module.
    
    
12. Remove the three 4-mm captive-washer screws from the system board.
    
    
13. Remove the 20-mm screw from the center of the LED board.
    
    
14. Lift the front of the system board and work it out of the back panel.
    
    

System Board

Battery and Modular Bay Latch Assemblies

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

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

Battery and Modular Bay Latch Assemblies

Removing and Replacing the Battery and Modular Bay Latch Assemblies

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
3. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
4. Remove the display assembly.
   
   
5. Remove the palmrest assembly.
   
   
6. Remove a latch button from the bottom case assembly by squeezing the snap tabs in the center of the latch.
   
   

Apply downward pressure to the tabs while squeezing them together (tweezers work well) to eject the latch button from the bottom of the case without loosening the upper latch assembly (spring and slider). If the upper latch assembly does come loose:

1. Reinsert the spring onto the slider, and reinstall both pieces in the latch housing on the inside of the case.
   
   
2. Ensure that the slider is inserted so that the side with the two bumps is facing the back of the case, and the surface with the wear ribs is facing the bottom of the case.
   
   

7. Hold the upper latch assembly in place while you snap the new latch button in from underneath the base, making certain the snap tabs are fully engaged in the slider.
   
   
8. Ensure that the newly installed latch assembly moves smoothly and freely when pushed and released.
   
   

Battery Charger Board

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

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

Battery Charger Board

Removing the Battery Charger Board

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the keyboard.
   
   
3. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
4. Remove the display assembly.
   
   
5. Remove the palmrest assembly.
   
   
6. Remove the video graphics board.
   
   
7. Lift the battery charger board out of the system board connector.
   
   

Replacing the Battery Charger Board

Align the screw holes on the battery charger board with the screw holes on the bottom case assembly (see Battery Charger Board), and then press the battery charger board down into its connector.

LED Board

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

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

LED Board

Removing the LED Board

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the hinge cover.
   
   
3. Remove the two 4-mm screws.
   
   
4. Lift the LED board away from its connector.
   
   

Replacing the LED Board

1. Align the two screw holes with the two mounting holes on the bottom case assembly, and press the board into its connector.
   
   
2. Replace the two 4-mm screws.
   
   

Fan Assembly

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

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

Fan Assembly

Removing the Fan Assembly

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the system board.
   
   
3. Remove the three 4-mm screws from the fan assembly.
   
   
4. Disconnect the two fan cables from the system board.
   
   
5. Pull the fan assembly away from the back-panel bracket.
   
   

NOTICE: When reconnecting the fan cables, connect the shorter cable to the connector closest to the fan assembly. Route both cables so that they will not be pinched by the thermal cooling assembly.

RJ-11/RJ-45 Board

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

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

RJ-11 and RJ-45 Connector Covers

Removing the Protective Covers From the RJ-11 and RJ-45 Connectors

Remove a plastic connector cover (if necessary) by slipping a nonmarring tool into the cutout at the top and pivoting the tool up to disengage the inner securing tab.

To replace a connector cover, orient the cover notch-side-up and snap it into the connector cutout.

RJ-11/RJ-45 Board

Removing the RJ-11/RJ-45 Board

1. Follow the instructions in "Preparing to Work Inside the Computer."
   
   
2. Remove the system board.
   
   
3. Remove the 4-mm screw from the RJ-11/RJ-45 board.
   
   

NOTICE: The plastic tab is fragile; pull it back only far enough to remove the board assembly.

4. Reach into the enclosure and, while pulling the tall plastic tab away from the board assembly to release it, lift out the assembly.
   
   

When replacing the RJ-11/RJ-45 board assembly, protect the wiring harness by routing it between the plastic posts.

RJ-11/RJ-45 Board Harness Routing

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