This guide is to give a basic overview of the process of replacing the RAM modules. I know the guide is pretty long, but I just wanted to make sure I was thorough about the process and I used simple terminology so it makes sense. English is not my native language, so feel free to correct whatever.
It is meant as a guide that you can choose to follow on your own free will. I am not liable for anything that happens to your notebook.
Preparation – I used rubber gloves, you don't have to so long as you ground yourself by touching bare unpainted metal before you start fiddling around.
Tools – Plastic scribe (I used a metal one). So long as you're careful, you shouldn't damage the maintenance lid with scratches. You can pick up the scribe (metal) and the screwdriver at any local walmart and I'm sure you canget them elsewhere as well.
The process -
1.
Shut down the unit and remove the battery. Flip unit so the bottom of the unit is facing you.
2.
Using the screwdriver, unscrew the screw that holds the maintenance lid down.
3.
remove the maintenance lid to review the module in it's housing slot.
4.
as you can see in this picture, there is a two metal pressure clips that hold the unit down. One on each side. The pressure is pushed inwards and not downwards.
5.
To relieve that pressure, you must use your fingers on the clips to pull them OUTWARDS (not down, up, or any other direction). Once you pull it outwards, the module itself should pop open. The picture shows the RAM module relieved.
6.
Pull the module towards you.
7.
you just keep pulling until the unit comes out!!
8.
Now align the NEW (this is a new module) RAM module into the slot. Notice it should be at about a 35 degree angle like so.
9.
In this picture, you can see that there is a slit inside the RAM module (Right below where it says REV A00 in the yellow sticker). You're supposed to line this with the grey line that you see in the picture. This lets you know that you've installed it the correct way up. Once you've line it up, don't be afraid to push it in so it closes the gap between the slit on the RAM module and the grey piece. They are supposed to connect.
10.
Once it's in, it will look like this.
11.
Using two fingers, apply sufficient pressure to the two corners.
12.
Once you've applied enough pressure, the two metal spring pieces will snap back in (towards each other) and hold the Module down!!! Put the maintenance lid back on and screw it tightly to hold the lid on.
13.
Flip the notebook around, so the keyboard is facing you. Extend the monitor 180 degrees like so.
14.
Using the scribe...
15.
insert it like so, into the crack of the maintenance lid. (don't worry, you're not damaging anything. That little gap is made for this specific reason).
16.
Make sure you got it deep enough in there to ensure good leverage. Once you've done so, lift up.
17.
run your fingers along and push up to pop the maintenance lid out. Don't be afraid to break it, it's a very flexible piece.
18.
keep going buddy!
19.
Once near the end, pop it out of place and remove it.
20.
Here is the resulting view. You have three screws you need to remove. One on top of the ESC button on the upper left. 2nd on the middle on top of F7 button. 3rd on top of the PAUSE button. Unscrew all of those.
21.
For visual reference, I've pointed to the screws.
22.
lift up on the keyboard like so. Don't worry, you won't break anything.
23.
the other corner as well.
24.
flip the keyboard down like this. The three consecutive pictures are to show you the motion.
25.
There will be a PIN that holds the keyboard down. But then there is also another pressure clip (in light baby blue) that holds the keyboard cable down as well.
26.
there's a black plastic piece that is holding the pressure of that baby blue clip down. Move the black plastic piece outwards and that will make the baby blue piece pop up.
27.
lift the baby blue piece up like so.
28.
grab onto the sky blue ribbon and pull the connector UP.
29.
The result. A mobile keyboard that you can remove to give you access to the 2nd module.
30.
Keyboard removed.
31.
zooming into the 2nd RAM module and slot.
32.
Same principle, pull the two metal piece away from one another to relieve pressure exerted onto the RAM to hold it down. Once you've done so, the module should pop up allowing you to remove it in the same manner as the first.
33.
Lining up the slit with the slot once again, push the unit in and make sure the slit is connecting to the black fin piece (under the keyboard, it's a black fin not grey) on the slot.
34.
Once again, using the same method, apply pressure onto the module until it snaps back into place. Don't worry about the metal side pieces, they will move on their own.
35.
put the keyboard face down like so.
36.
Lift the sky blue piece up so you can make room for the keyboard cables.
37.
line the connector up and then push down firmly to ensure proper fit.
38.
Bring the sky blue piece down.
39.
spread the black piece out so you can fit the sky blue piece inside, then release the black piece and it should clip neatly over the sky blue piece to make sure it doesn't pop out.
40.
Line the keyboard up, screw em down!
41.
Put the maintenance lid back on! Put the battery back on and turn the baby on!
42.
Once turned on, pass the security features (if you have it of course), it should say the system has detected a different amount of memory blah blah blah press something to continue.
THAT'S IT, you're done.
HOW TO: Install RAM on your DELL notebook
