13 R3 - Laptop ALIENWARE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Gaming Laptop
Brand	Alienware
Model	13 R3
Display	13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS Anti-Glare
Processor	7th Gen Intel Core i7-7700HQ (up to 3.8 GHz)
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 6GB GDDR5
Memory	Up to 32GB DDR4 at 2400MHz (2 slots)
Storage	Up to 1TB PCIe SSD + 2TB HDD (optional)
Operating System	Windows 10 Home/Pro (64-bit)
Dimensions	330 x 269 x 24.4 mm (13.0 x 10.6 x 0.96 in)
Weight	2.6 kg (5.8 lbs)
Power Supply	130W AC Adapter (19.5V 6.67A)
Battery	60 Wh Lithium-Ion (built-in)
Ports	3x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x Mini DisplayPort, 1x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), Headphone/Mic, SD Card Reader
Connectivity	Killer 1535 802.11ac (2x2), Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet
Keyboard	Alienware TactX RGB Keyboard with N-key rollover
Camera	HD Webcam (1280x720) with dual-array microphones
Audio	2.1 Speakers with subwoofer, Realtek ALC3260
Cooling	Alienware Cryo-Tech v2.0 with dual fans and vapor chamber
Warranty	1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty
Spare Parts	Replaceable: RAM, SSD, HDD, Battery, Keyboard, Touchpad, Fans
Repairability	Moderate: Bottom panel removal required for most upgrades
Cleaning	Use compressed air for vents; soft cloth with mild cleaner for surfaces

Frequently Asked Questions - 13 R3 ALIENWARE

How do I clean my Alienware 13 R3 laptop?

To clean the exterior, use a soft microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild screen cleaner. Do not spray liquid directly on the laptop. For the keyboard and vents, use compressed air to remove dust. Avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Can I upgrade the RAM in the Alienware 13 R3?

Yes, the Alienware 13 R3 has two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB (2x16GB) at 2400MHz. Access is via the bottom panel; remove the screws and lift the cover to expose the memory slots.

How do I replace the battery?

The battery is internal and requires disassembly. First, power off and unplug the laptop. Remove the bottom panel screws, disconnect the battery cable, and remove the screws securing the battery. Replace with a compatible 60Wh battery.

What is the battery life of the Alienware 13 R3?

Battery life varies by usage. Under typical light use (web browsing, document editing), you can expect around 4-5 hours. Gaming reduces battery life to approximately 1-2 hours.

Does the Alienware 13 R3 support external monitors?

Yes, it has an HDMI 2.0 port (up to 4K@60Hz), a Mini DisplayPort, and a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port that can drive additional displays. You can connect up to three external monitors.

How do I perform a factory reset on the Alienware 13 R3?

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose 'Remove everything' for a full reset. Alternatively, use the Alienware Recovery media if you created one.

What should I do if the laptop overheats?

Ensure vents are not blocked and fans are operating. Clean dust from vents with compressed air. Use a cooling pad. Update BIOS and drivers. If issues persist, consider repasting the CPU/GPU or contact support.

Can I replace the keyboard on the Alienware 13 R3?

Yes, the keyboard is replaceable. It is attached to the palmrest assembly. Removal involves taking off the bottom panel, disconnecting the keyboard cable, and removing screws. The keyboard is part of the upper chassis.

Is the Alienware 13 R3 compatible with VR headsets?

Yes, the NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB GPU is VR-ready. The laptop has HDMI and Mini DisplayPort outputs for connecting headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive.

How do I enable the backlight on the keyboard?

Press the Fn + F2 key to cycle through backlight brightness levels. Use the Alienware Command Center software to customize per-key RGB lighting and effects.

USER MANUAL 13 R3 ALIENWARE

Alienware 13 R3 Service Manual

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.

© 2016 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property laws. Dell and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

2016 - 10

Rev. A00

Contents

Before working inside your computer.... 10

Before you begin 10

Safety instructions....10

Recommended tools.... 11

Screw list....12

After working inside your computer.... 14

Removing the base cover....15

Procedure....15

Replacing the base cover....17

Procedure....17

Removing the wireless card....18

Prerequisites....18

Procedure....18

Replacing the wireless card.... 20

Procedure....20

Post-requisites....21

Removing the solid-state drive.... 22

Prerequisites.... 22

Procedure....22

Replacing the solid-state drive.... 24

Procedure....24

Post-requisites.... 25

Removing the memory modules....26

Prerequisites....26

Procedure....26

Replacing the memory modules....28

Procedure....28

Post-requisites.... 29

Removing the rear-I/O cover....30

Prerequisites.... 30

Procedure....30

Replacing the rear-I/O cover.... 32

Procedure....32

Post-requisites....32

Removing the computer base....33

Prerequisites....33

Procedure.... 33

Replacing the computer base....36

Procedure....36

Post-requisites....36

Removing the coin-cell battery....37

Prerequisites....37

Procedure.... 37

Replacing the coin-cell battery....39

Procedure....39

Post-requisites....39

Removing the heat-sink assembly....40

Prerequisites....40

Procedure....40

Replacing the heat-sink assembly.... 42

Procedure....42

Post-requisites....42

Removing the battery....43

Prerequisites.... 43

Procedure....43

Replacing the battery....45

Procedure....45

Post-requisites.... 45

Removing the touch pad.... 46

Prerequisites....46

Procedure....46

Replacing the touch pad....50

Procedure....50

Post-requisites....50

Removing the system board....51

Prerequisites....51

Procedure....52

Replacing the system board....55

Procedure....55

Post-requisites.... 56

Removing the speakers.... 57

Prerequisites....57

Procedure....57

Replacing the speakers.... 59

Procedure....59

Post-requisites....59

Removing the power-adapter port....60

Prerequisites....60

Procedure....60

Replacing the power-adapter port....62

Procedure....62

Post-requisites....62

Removing the power-button board....63

Prerequisites....63

Procedure....63

Replacing the power-button board....65

Procedure....65

Post-requisites....65

Removing the keyboard....66

Prerequisites....66

Procedure....66

Replacing the keyboard....69

Procedure....69

Post-requisites....69

Removing the display assembly....71

Prerequisites....71

Procedure....71

Replacing the display assembly....74

Procedure....74

Post-requisites....74

Removing the palm rest....76

Prerequisites....76

Procedure....76

Replacing the palm rest....78

Procedure....78

Post-requisites....78

Removing the display bezel....79

Prerequisites....79

Procedure....79

Replacing the display bezel.... 82

Procedure....82

Post-requisites....82

Removing the camera cable.... 83

Prerequisites....83

Procedure....83

Replacing the camera cable.... 85

Procedure....85

Post-requisites....85

Removing the camera....86

Prerequisites....86

Procedure....86

Replacing the camera....88

Procedure....88

Post-requisites....88

Removing the display panel....89

Prerequisites....89

Procedure....89

Replacing the display panel.... 92

Procedure....92

Post-requisites....92

Removing the display hinges.... 94

Prerequisites....94

Procedure....94

Replacing the display hinges.... 98

Procedure....98

Post-requisites....98

Removing the display back-cover and antenna assembly.... 100

Prerequisites....100

Procedure....101

Replacing the display back-cover and antenna assembly....102

Procedure....102

Post-requisites....102

BIOS setup program....103

BIOS Overview....103

Entering BIOS setup program.... 103

System setup options....103

Boot sequence.... 108

Boot options....109

Changing boot sequence for the current boot....109

Changing boot sequence for future boots.... 110

Flashing the BIOS.... 111

Getting help and contacting Alienware....112

Self-help resources....112

Contacting Alienware....113

Before working inside your computer

NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.

Before you begin

1 Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2 Shut down your computer.

The shut-down instruction varies depending on the operating system installed on your computer.

• Windows 10: Click Start → ⏻ Power → Shut down.
• Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, Click the power icon ⏻ → Shut down.
• Windows 7: Click Start → Shut down.

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 Close the display and turn the computer over.

Safety instructions

Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety.

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

WARNING: Disconnect 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 to the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat and clean.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the components and cards, handle them by their edges, and avoid touching pins and 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 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 on its connector or on its pull tab, not on the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs or thumb-screws that you must disengage before disconnecting the cable. When disconnecting cables, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. When connecting cables, ensure that the ports and connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION: Press and eject any installed card from the media-card reader.

Recommended tools

The procedures in this document may require the following tools:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Plastic scribe

Screw list

Table 1. Screw list

Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw			image
Wireless card Computer base M2x3 1
Solid-state drive	Computer base M2x3 1
Rear-I/O cover Palm-rest assembly		M2.5x7 2
Computer base Palm-rest assembly		M2x3 1
Computer base Palm-rest assembly		M2.5x6 11
Computer base Palm-rest assembly		M2.5x6 2
Heat-sink assembly	System board M2x3 7
Touch-pad bracket	Palm-rest assembly	M2x3 5
System board Palm-rest assembly		M2.5x5 2
Speaker Palm-rest assembly		M2X3 1
Power-button board	Palm-rest assembly	M2x3 2	[YSCD]
Keyboardbracket	Palm-restassembly	M2x3 8
Displayassembly	Palm-restassembly	M2.5x6 4
Display panel Palm-restassembly		M2x3 4
Display hinges Display back-cover andantennaassembly		M2.5x3 8
USB Type-Cport bracket	System board M2.5x5 2

After working inside your computer

CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer.

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.

Removing the base cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Loosen the five captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.
2 Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the base cover to release the tabs on the base cover from the slots on the computer base.
3 Lift the base cover off the computer base.

4 Using a plastic scribe, disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

Close-up of a computer motherboard with an inset showing a close-up of a cable connector (no text or symbols visible)

5 Press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the system board.

Replacing the base cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Connect the battery cable to the system board.
2 Slide the tabs on the base cover into the slots on the computer base and snap the base cover into place.
3 Tighten the five captive screws that secure the base cover to the computer base.

Removing the wireless card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card and bracket to the computer base.
2 Lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card.
3 Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.

4 Lift and slide the wireless card out of the wireless-card slot.

Replacing the wireless card

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the wireless card, do not place any cables under it.

1 Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot.
2 Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot.
3 Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card.

The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer.

Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme
Connectors on the wireless card Antenna cable color

Auxiliary (black triangle) Black

Main (white triangle) White

4 Align the screw hole on the wireless-card bracket with the screw hole on the wireless card and the computer base.

5 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless-card bracket to the wireless card and the computer base.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the solid-state drive

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

CAUTION: To avoid data loss, do not remove the solid-state drive while the computer is in sleep or on state.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the computer base.

2 Lift and slide the solid-state drive from the solid-state drive slot.

Replacing the solid-state drive

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Solid-state drives are fragile. Exercise care when handling the solid-state drive.

Procedure

NOTE: Adhere the thermal pad on the copper foil area, if the thermal pads are shipped with the solid-state drive.

1 Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot and slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot.
2 Press the other end of the solid-state drive to align the screw hole on the solid-state drive with the screw hole on the computer base.

3 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the computer base.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the memory modules

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Using your fingertips, carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory-module slot until the memory module pops up.

2 Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot.

Close-up of a computer RAM module being inserted into a case, showing two views (1 and 2) with arrows indicating process flow (no text or symbols on the main image area)

Replacing the memory modules

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

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 it clicks into place.

NOTE: If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and reinstall it.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the rear-I/O cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

Remove the base cover.

Procedure

1 Remove the two screws (M2.5x7) that secure the rear-I/O cover to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Using a plastic scribe, gently release the tabs that secure rear-I/O cover to the computer base.

3 Slide and remove the rear-I/O cover from the computer base.

Replacing the rear-I/O cover

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Slide the rear-I/O cover into the slots on the computer base and snap the rear-I/O cover into place.
2 Replace the two screws (M2.5x7) that secure the rear-I/O cover to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

Replace the base cover.

Removing the computer base

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the solid-state drive.
3 Remove the wireless card.
4 Remove the rear-I/O cover.

Procedure

1 Remove the eleven (M2.5x6) screws that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Remove the (M2x3) screw that secures the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.

3 Remove the two (M2.5x6) screws that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.

4 Lift the computer base from the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the computer base

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Align the screw holes on the computer base with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the two (M2.5x6) screws that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the (M2x3) screw that secures the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Replace the eleven (M2.5x6) screws that secure the computer base to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
2 Replace the wireless card.
3 Replace the solid-state drive.
4 Replace the base cover.

Removing the coin-cell battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program's settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup program's settings before removing the coin-cell battery.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
5 Remove the computer base.

Procedure

1 Disconnect the coin-cell battery cable from the system board.

2 Gently peel off the coin-cell battery along with its cable off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the coin-cell battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Adhere the coin-cell battery to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Connect the coin-cell battery cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the computer base.
2 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
3 Replace the solid-state drive.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base cover.

Removing the heat-sink assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it.

CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
5 Remove the computer base.

Procedure

1 Disconnect the left-fan cable from the system board.
2 Disconnect the right-fan cable from the system board.
3 In sequential order (as indicated on the heat-sink assembly), remove the seven screws (M2x3) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the system board.

4 Lift the heat-sink assembly off the system board.

Replacing the heat-sink assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

CAUTION: Incorrect alignment of the heat sink can damage the system board and processor.

NOTE: The original thermal grease can be reused if the original system board and fan are reinstalled together. If either the system board or the fan is replaced, use the thermal pad provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

Procedure

1 Align the screw holes on the heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board.
2 In sequential order (indicated on the heat-sink assembly), replace the seven screws (M2x3) that secure the heat-sink assembly to the system board.
3 Connect the right-fan cable to the respective connector on the system board.
4 Connect the left-fan cable to the respective connector on the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the computer base.
2 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
3 Replace the solid-state drive.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base cover.

Removing the battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
5 Remove the computer base.

Procedure

1 Peel off the keyboard connector from the battery.

2 Lift the battery off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the battery

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

CAUTION: Ensure the keyboard and keyboard-backlit cables are not under the battery.

1 Using the alignment post, place the battery on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Adhere the keyboard connector that secures the battery to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the computer base.
2 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
3 Replace the solid-state drive.
4 Replace the wireless card.
5 Replace the base cover.

Removing the touch pad

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
5 Remove the computer base.
6 Remove the battery.

Procedure

1 Open the latches and disconnect the touch-pad cable from the system board and touch pad.

2 Peel off the touch-pad cable from the touch-pad bracket.

3 Open the latch and disconnect the touch-pad buttons cable from the touch pad.

4 Remove the five screws (M2x3) that secure the touch-pad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.

5 Using a plastic scribe, lift the touch-pad bracket off the palm-rest assembly.

6 Lift the touch pad off the palm-rest assembly.

Interior view of a computer case with visible circuit boards and a highlighted card slot (no text or symbols)

Replacing the touch pad

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

CAUTION: Ensure the keyboard and keyboard-backlit cables are not under the touch pad.

1 Using the alignment posts on the palm-rest assembly, place the touch pad on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Align the screw holes on the touch-pad bracket with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the five screws (M2x3) that secure the touch-pad bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Slide the touch-pad buttons cable into the respective connector on the touch pad and close the latch to secure the cable.
5 Slide the touch-pad cables into their respective connectors on the system board and touch pad, and close the latches to secure the cable.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the battery.
2 Replace the computer base.
3 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
4 Replace the solid-state drive.
5 Replace the wireless card.
6 Replace the base cover.

Removing the system board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: Your computer's Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Before disconnecting the cables from the system board, note the location of the connectors so that you can reconnect the cables correctly after you replace the system board.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the battery.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.

Procedure

CAUTION: Place the computer on a clean, flat surface.

1 Turn the computer over.
2 Disconnect the logo-board cable from the system board.
3 Using the pull-tab, disconnect the power-button board cable from the system board.
4 Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the system board.

5 Turn the computer over.
6 Remove the screw (M2.5x5) that secures the USB Type-C port bracket to the system board and lift the USB Type-C port bracket off the system board.
7 Disconnect the power-adapter port cable from the system board.
8 Disconnect the speaker cable from the system board.
9 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard cable from the system board.
10 Open the latch and disconnect the keyboard-backlight cable from the system board.

11 Open the latch and disconnect the touch-pad cable from the system board.
12 Remove the screw (M2.5x5) that secures the USB Type-C port bracket to the system board and lift the USB Type-C port bracket off the system board.

13 Remove the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the system board to the palm-rest assembly.

14 Lift the system board off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the system board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

NOTE: Your computer's Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system board.

NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.

Procedure

CAUTION: Ensure that no cables are under the system board.

1 Align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Replace the two screws (M2.5x5) that secure the system-board to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Align the screw hole on the USB Type-C port bracket with the screw hole on the system board on the back and right side of your computer.
4 Replace the screw (M2.5x5) that secures the USB Type-C port bracket to the system board on the back and right side of your computer.
5 Slide the touch-pad cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
6 Slide the keyboard-backlight cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
7 Slide the keyboard cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
8 Connect the speaker cable to the system board.
9 Connect the power-adapter port cable to the system board.

10 Turn the computer over.
11 Slide the display cable into the connector on the system board and close the latch to secure the cable.
12 Connect the power-button board cable to the system board.
13 Connect the logo-board cable to the system board.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
2 Replace the battery.
3 Replace the coin-cell battery.
4 Replace the computer base.
5 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
6 Replace the memory modules.
7 Replace the solid-state drive.
8 Replace the wireless card.
9 Replace the base cover.

Removing the speakers

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the battery.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the system board.

Procedure

1 Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the speaker to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Lift the left speaker off the palm-rest assembly.
3 Peel off the tape that secures the speaker cable to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Remove the speaker cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

5 Lift the right speaker off the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the speakers

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Using the alignment posts, place the right speaker on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Route the speaker cable through the routing guides on palm-rest assembly.

NOTE: Move the keyboard and keyboard-backlit cables out of the way.

3 Using the alignment posts, place the left speaker on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Adhere the tape that secures the speaker cable to the palm-rest assembly.
5 Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the speaker to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
3 Replace the battery.
4 Replace the coin-cell battery.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
7 Replace the memory modules.
8 Replace the solid-state drive.
9 Replace the wireless card.
10 Replace the base cover.

Removing the power-adapter port

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the solid-state drive.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.

Procedure

1 Lift the power-adapter port bracket off the power-adapter port.
2 Lift the power-adapter port off the palm-rest assembly.

3 Remove the cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the power-adapter port

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Slide the power-adapter port into the slot on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Place the power-adapter port bracket on the power-adapter port.
3 Route the power-adapter port cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the battery.
3 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
4 Replace the coin-cell battery.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
7 Replace the solid-state drive.
8 Replace the memory modules.
9 Replace the wireless card.
10 Replace the base cover.

Removing the power-button board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the solid-state drive.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.

Procedure

1 Remove the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Lift the power-button board, along with its cable, off the palm-rest assembly.

3 Peel the power-button board cable from the palm-rest assembly.

Replacing the power-button board

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Using the alignment posts, place the power-button board on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Adhere the power-button board cable to the palm-rest assembly.
3 Align the screw holes on the power-button board with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Replace the two screws (M2x3) that secure the power-button board to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the battery.
3 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
4 Replace the coin-cell battery.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
7 Replace the solid-state drive.
8 Replace the memory modules.
9 Replace the wireless card.
10 Replace the base cover.

Removing the keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.
11 Remove the speakers.
12 Remove the power-button board.

Procedure

1 Remove the eight screws (M2x3) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.
2 Using a plastic scribe, pry the keyboard bracket off the palm-rest assembly.

3 Lift the keyboard bracket off the palm-rest assembly.

4 Lift the keyboard at an angle and remove it from the tabs on the palm-rest assembly.

Laptop chassis with visible battery cover and cable assembly, no text or symbols present

Replacing the keyboard

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the keyboard, do not place any cables under it.

1 Insert the tabs on the keyboard into the slots on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Align the tabs on the palm-rest assembly to the slots on the keyboard bracket and snap into place.
3 Align the screw holes on the keyboard bracket with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
4 Replace the eight screws (M2x3) that secure the keyboard bracket to the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the power-button board.
2 Replace the speakers.
3 Replace the system board.
4 Replace the battery.
5 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
6 Replace the coin-cell battery.
7 Replace the computer base.
8 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
9 Replace the memory modules.
10 Replace the solid-state drive.

11 Replace the wireless card.
12 Replace the base cover.

Removing the display assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.

Procedure

1 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Remove the logo-board cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

3 Remove the display cable from the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

CAUTION: Place the computer on a clean, flat surface.

4 Turn the computer over.
5 Remove the four screws (M2.5x6) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
6 Lift the display assembly off the palm-rest assembly.

7 Remove the cables from the routing holes on the palm-rest assembly.

8 Place the display assembly on a clean, flat surface.

Black rectangular electronic device with attached cables and connectors (no visible text or symbols)

Replacing the display assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Route the cables through the routing holes on the palm-rest assembly.
2 Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the palm-rest assembly.
3 Replace the four screws (M2.5x6) that secure the display assembly to the palm-rest assembly.
4 Turn the computer over.
5 Route the display cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
6 Route the logo-board cable through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.
7 Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the palm-rest assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the system board.
2 Replace the battery.
3 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
4 Replace the coin-cell battery.
5 Replace the computer base.
6 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
7 Replace the memory modules.
8 Replace the solid-state drive.

9 Replace the wireless card.

10 Replace the base cover.

Removing the palm rest

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.
11 Remove the speakers.
12 Remove the touch pad.
13 Remove the display assembly.
14 Remove the keyboard.
15 Remove the power-adapter port.
16 Remove the power-button board.

Procedure

After performing all the prerequisites, we are left with the palm rest.

Exterior view of a laptop chassis frame with visible internal components and mounting holes (no text or symbols)

Replacing the palm rest

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

Place the palm rest on a flat surface.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the power-button board.
2 Replace the power-adapter port.
3 Replace the keyboard.
4 Replace the display assembly.
5 Replace the touch pad.
6 Replace the speakers.
7 Replace the system board.
8 Replace the battery.
9 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
10 Replace the coin-cell battery.
11 Replace the computer base.
12 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
13 Replace the memory modules.
14 Replace the solid-state drive.
15 Replace the wireless card.
16 Replace the base cover.

Removing the display bezel

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the battery.
9 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
10 Remove the system board.
11 Remove the display assembly.

Procedure

1 Using your fingertips, carefully pry up the inside edges of the display bezel.

2 Carefully lift the display bezel and turn it over.

3 Open the latch and disconnect the alien head logo-board cable from the logo board.
4 Peel off the tape that secures the logo-board cable to the logo board and disconnect the logo-board cable from the logo board.

5 Lift the display bezel off the display assembly.

Replacing the display bezel

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Place the display assembly on a clean and flat surface.
2 Connect the logo-board cable to the logo board.
3 Adhere the tape that secures the logo-board cable to the logo board.
4 Slide the alien head logo-board cable into the logo board and close the latch to secure the cable.
5 Carefully turn the display bezel over.
6 Align the display bezel with the display back-cover and antenna assembly and gently snap the display bezel into place.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the display assembly.
2 Replace the system board.
3 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
4 Replace the battery.
5 Replace the coin-cell battery.
6 Replace the computer base.
7 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
8 Replace the memory modules.
9 Replace the solid-state drive.
10 Replace the wireless card.
11 Replace the base cover.

Removing the camera cable

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.
11 Remove the display assembly.
12 Remove the display bezel.
13 Remove the display panel.
14 Remove the display hinges.

Procedure

1 Peel the tape that secures the camera cable to the camera module and disconnect the camera cable from the camera module.

2 Note the camera cable routing and remove the cable from the routing guides on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

Replacing the camera cable

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Route the camera cable through the routing guides on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
2 Connect the camera cable to the camera module.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the display hinges.
2 Replace the display panel.
3 Replace the display bezel.
4 Replace the display assembly.
5 Replace the system board.
6 Replace the battery.
7 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
8 Replace the coin-cell battery.
9 Replace the computer base.
10 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
11 Replace the memory modules.
12 Replace the solid-state drive.
13 Replace the wireless card.
14 Replace the base cover.

Removing the camera

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the memory modules.
4 Remove the solid-state drive.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the battery.
9 Remove the system board.
10 Remove the display assembly.
11 Remove the display bezel.

Procedure

1 Using a plastic scribe, pry the camera module from the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
2 Peel the tape that secures the camera cable to the camera module and disconnect the camera cable from the camera module.

3 Lift the camera module from the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

4 Follow the procedure in step 2 in Removing the display back-cover and antenna assembly to remove the camera cable.

Replacing the camera

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Using the alignment posts, adhere the camera module to the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
2 Connect the camera cable to the camera module.
3 Adhere the tape that secures the camera cable to the camera module.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the display bezel.
2 Replace the display assembly.
3 Replace the system board.
4 Replace the battery.
5 Replace the coin-cell battery.
6 Replace the computer base.
7 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
8 Replace the solid-state drive.
9 Replace the memory modules.
10 Replace the wireless card.
11 Replace the base cover.

Removing the display panel

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.
11 Remove the display assembly.
12 Remove the display bezel.
13 Remove the camera.

Procedure

1 Remove the four screws (M2x3) that secure the display panel to the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

2 Gently lift the display panel and turn it over.

3 Peel the tape that secures the display cable to the display panel.
4 Open the latch and disconnect the display cable from the display panel.

5 Lift the display panel off the display back-cover.

Replacing the display panel

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Slide the display cable into the connector on the display panel and close the latch to secure the cable.
2 Adhere the tape that secures the display cable to the display panel.
3 Turn the display panel over and gently place it on the display back-cover.

CAUTION: Ensure that no cables are under the display panel.

4 Align the screw holes on the display panel with the screw holes on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
5 Replace the four screws (M2x3) that secure the display panel to the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the camera.
2 Replace the display bezel.
3 Replace the display assembly.
4 Replace the system board.
5 Replace the battery.
6 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
7 Replace the coin-cell battery.
8 Replace the computer base.
9 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
10 Replace the memory modules.

11 Replace the solid-state drive.
12 Replace the wireless card.
13 Replace the base cover.

Removing the display hinges

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.
11 Remove the display assembly.
12 Remove the display bezel.
13 Remove the display panel.

Procedure

1 Press the hinge caps on both the edges to release the hinge caps from the hinge.

2 Remove the hinge caps off the hinges.

3 Remove the display cable from the routing guide on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

4 Remove the logo-board cable from the routing guide on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

5 Remove the antenna cables from the routing guide on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

6 Remove the eight screws (M2.5x3) that secure the hinges to the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

7 Lift the hinges from the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

Replacing the display hinges

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

1 Align the screw holes on the display hinges with the screw holes on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
2 Replace the eight screws (M2.5x3) that secure the display hinges to the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
3 Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
4 Route the logo-board cable through the routing guides on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
5 Route the display cable through the routing guides on the display back-cover and antenna assembly.
6 Place the hinge caps on the display hinges and press down to snap them into place.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the display panel.
2 Replace the display bezel.
3 Replace the display assembly.
4 Replace the system board.
5 Replace the battery.
6 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
7 Replace the coin-cell battery.
8 Replace the computer base.

9 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
10 Replace the memory modules.
11 Replace the solid-state drive.
12 Replace the wireless card.
13 Replace the base cover.

Removing the display back-cover and antenna assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Prerequisites

NOTE: These instructions are applicable only for laptops with a non-touch screen display.

1 Remove the base cover.
2 Remove the wireless card.
3 Remove the solid-state drive.
4 Remove the memory modules.
5 Remove the rear-I/O cover.
6 Remove the computer base.
7 Remove the coin-cell battery.
8 Remove the heat-sink assembly.
9 Remove the battery.
10 Remove the system board.
11 Remove the display assembly.
12 Remove the display bezel.
13 Remove the display panel.
14 Remove the display hinges.
15 Remove the camera cable.
16 Remove the camera.

Procedure

After performing the steps in prerequisites we are left with the display back-cover and antenna assembly.

Top-down view of a computer monitor chassis showing internal components and a cable (no text or symbols visible)

Replacing the display back-cover and antenna assembly

WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer and follow the steps in Before working inside your computer. After working inside your computer, follow the instructions in After working inside your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Procedure

Place the display back-cover and antenna assembly on a clean and flat surface.

Post-requisites

1 Replace the camera.
2 Replace the camera cable.
3 Replace the display hinges.
4 Replace the display panel.
5 Replace the display bezel.
6 Replace the display assembly.
7 Replace the system board.
8 Replace the battery.
9 Replace the heat-sink assembly.
10 Replace the coin-cell battery.
11 Replace the computer base.
12 Replace the rear-I/O cover.
13 Replace the memory modules.
14 Replace the solid-state drive.
15 Replace the wireless card.
16 Replace the base cover.

BIOS Overview

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 BIOS setup program to:

• Get information about the hardware installed in your computer, such as the amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and so on.
• Change the system configuration information.
• Set or change a user-selectable option, such as the user password, type of hard drive installed, enabling or disabling base devices, and so on.

Entering BIOS setup program

1 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
2 During POST, when the Alienware logo is displayed, watch for the F2 prompt to appear and then press F2 immediately.

NOTE: The F2 prompt indicates that the keyboard has initialized. This prompt can appear very quickly, so you must watch for it, and then press F2. If you press F2 before the F2 prompt, this keystroke is lost. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the operating system's desktop. Then, turn off your computer and try again.

System setup options

NOTE: Depending on this computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.

Table 3. Main tab

Main

System Time Enter the System Time of the computer.

System Date Enter the System Date of the computer.

BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number.

Product Name Displays the Product Name of the computer.

Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.

Asset Tag Displays the Asset Tag of the computer.

CPU Type Displays the CPU type.

CPU Speed Displays the CPU speed.

CPU ID Displays the CPU identification code.

CPU Cache

L1 Cache Displays the CPU L1 Cache size.

L2 Cache Displays the CPU L2 Cache size.

L3 Cache Displays the CPU L3 Cache size.

First HDD Displays the hard drive type and capacity.

SATA ODD Displays the optical drive type.

AC Adapter Type Displays the power adapter type.

System Memory Displays the system memory.

Memory Speed Displays the memory speed.

Table 4. Advanced tab

Advanced
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM)	Enable or disable Intel Speedstep Technology. Default: Enabled.

NOTE: If enabled, the processor clock speed and core voltage are adjusted dynamically based on the processor load.

Virtualization Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor

(VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology.

Default: Enabled.

VT for Direct I/O Specify whether a Virtual Machine Monitor

(VMM) can utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Intel Virtualization Technology for Direct I/O.

Default: Enabled.

Integrated NIC Controls the on-board LAN controller.

USB Wake Support Enable the USB devices to wake the computer from Standby.

Default: Disabled.

SATA Operation Configures operating mode of the integrated

SATA hard drive controller.

Default: AHCI.

Adapter Warnings Enable adapter warnings.

Default: Enabled.

Intel(R) Software Guard

Enable or disable Intel Software Guard

Extensions

Extensions.

Default: Disabled.

BIOS Recovery from Hard

Enable the user to recover from certain corrupted

Drive

BIOS conditions from a recovery file on the user primary hard drive.

Default: Enabled.

USB Configuration

Rear USB Ports Enable or disable the USB ports at the back of

your computer.

Default: Enabled.

Advanced

Sides USB Ports Enable or disable the USB ports at the side of your computer.

Default: Enabled.

USB debug Enable or disable the USB debug feature.

Default: Disabled.

Power Options

Wake Up by Integrated LAN/WLAN If enabled, will wake the system using a network message.

Default: Disabled.

AC Recovery Select the action the computer takes when power is restored.

Default: Power off.

Deep Sleep Control Configure the Deep Sleep support mode.

Default: Enable in S4 and S5.

Auto Power ON Enables the system to power-on automatically, when AC is inserted.

Default: Disabled.

Auto Power ON Mode Set the auto power-on mode day.

Auto Power ON Date Set the auto power-on date.

Auto Power ON Time Set the auto power-on time.

SupportAssist System Resolution

Auto OS Recovery Threshold Control the automatic boot flow for SupportAssist System Resolution Console and for Dell OS Recovery tool.

Default: 2.

SupportAssist OS Recovery Enable or disable the boot flow for SupportAssist OS recovery tool.

Default: Disabled.

SMART Settings

SMART Self Test Enable or disable SMART Self Test during system startup.

Advanced

Default: Disabled.

Table 5. Security tab

Security
Unlock Setup Status Displays the Unlock Setup Status.
Admin Password Status Displays the Admin Password Status.
System Password Status Displays the System Password Status.
HDD Password Status Displays the HDD Password Status.
Asset Tag Set, change, or delete the Asset Tag.
Admin Password Set, change, or delete the administrator password.
System Password Set, change, or delete the system password.
HDD Password Set, change, or delete the system HDD password.
Password Change Enable or disable changes to the System and Hard Disk passwords when an administrator password is set.
Computrace Enable or disable the BIOS module interface of the optional Computrace Service from Absolute Software.
Firmware TPM Enable or disable Firmware TPM function.
UEFI Firmware Capsule Updates	Enable or disable BIOS updates through UEFI capsule update packages.
	Default: Enabled.

Table 6. Boot tab

Boot
Boot List Option Displays the available boot options.
File Browser Add Boot Option	Allow the user to add additional boot device.

Boot

File Browser Del Boot Option Allow the user to remove an existing boot device from the boot order.

Secure Boot Enable or disable the secure boot feature. Default: Disabled.

Secure Boot Mode Secure Boot mode policy selector. Default: Standard.

Legacy Option ROMs Enable or disable the Legacy Option ROMs. Default: Disabled.

Boot Option Priorities

Boot Option #1 First priority boot device from the boot order. Default: Windows Boot Manager.

Table 7. Exit tab

Exit

Save Changes and Reset Save the changes and exit.

Discard Changes and Reset Discard the changes and exit.

Restore Defaults Restore the default BIOS settings and exit.

Discard Changes Discard the changes.

Save Changes Save the changes.

Boot sequence

This feature allows you to change the sequence of devices that your computer attempts to boot from. If the computer cannot boot from the device you select, it attempts to boot from the next bootable device. You can use this feature to change the:

- Current Boot Sequence — change the boot sequence for the current boot, for example, to boot from the optical drive to run Alienware Diagnostics from the Drivers and Utilities disc or to reinstall your operating system using an external media. The previous boot sequence is restored at the next boot.

- Future Boot Sequence — change the boot sequence for all future boots, for example, to boot from the primary hard drive.

Boot options

NOTE: The following boot options are available only when the Boot List Option is set to Legacy.

Floppy (Diskette Drive) — The computer attempts to boot from the floppy disk drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.

Hard Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the primary hard drive. If no operating system is on the drive, the computer generates an error message.

CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive — The computer attempts to boot from the optical drive. If no disc is in the drive, or if the disc is not bootable, the computer generates an error message.

USB Storage Device — Insert the memory device into a USB connector and restart the computer. When F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the screen, press F12. The BIOS detects the device and adds the USB flash option to the boot menu.

NOTE: To boot to a USB device, the device must be bootable. To ensure that your device is bootable, check the device documentation.

Network — The computer attempts to boot from the network. If no operating system is found on the network, the computer generates an error message.

Changing boot sequence for the current boot

1 If you are booting from a USB device, connect the USB device to a USB port.
2 Turn on (or restart) your computer.
3 When F2 Setup, F12 Boot Options appear in the lower-right corner of the screen, press F12.

NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop. Then, shut down your computer and try again.

The Boot Options appears, listing all available boot devices.

4 On the Boot Options, select the device you want to boot from and press Enter.

For example, if you are booting to a USB hard drive, highlight USB Hard Disk and press Enter.

Changing boot sequence for future boots

1 Enter BIOS setup program.

See "Entering BIOS setup program".

2 Use the arrow keys to highlight the Boot menu option and press Enter to access the menu.

NOTE: Note your current boot sequence in case you want to restore it.

3 Navigate to Set Boot Priority to configure the boot priority.
4 Use the arrow keys to highlight the boot priority and press Enter to display the different devices.
5 Select the device and press Enter to set the boot priority.

You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. To flash the BIOS:

1 Turn on your computer.
2 Go to www.dell.com/support.
3 Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

4 Click Drivers & downloads → Find it myself.
5 Select the operating system installed on your computer.
6 Scroll down the page and expand BIOS.
7 Click Download to download the latest version of the BIOS for your computer.
8 After the download is complete, navigate to the folder where you saved the BIOS update file.
9 Double-click the BIOS update file icon and follow the instructions on the screen.

Getting help and contacting Alienware

Self-help resources

You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources:

Table 8. Getting self help resources

Information about Alienware products and services	www.alienware.com
Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 Dell Help & Support app
Windows 10 Get started app
Windows 8.1 Help + Tips app
Accessing help in Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10	In Windows search, type Help and Support, and press Enter.
Accessing help in Windows 7	Click Start → Help and Support.
Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windowswww.dell.com/support/linux
Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions, product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software updates, and so on Videos providing step-by-step instructions to service your computer	www.alienware.com/gamingserviceswww.youtube.com/alienwareservices

Contacting Alienware

To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.alienware.com.

NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your country.

NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.