1Working on Your ComputerBefore Working Inside Your ComputerUse the following safety guidelines to help protect your computer from potential damageand to help to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedureincluded in this document assumes that the following conditions exist:• You have read the safety information that shipped with your computer.• A component can be replaced or--if purchased separately--installed by performingthe removal procedure in reverse order.WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information thatshipped with your computer. For additional safety best practices information, seethe Regulatory Compliance Homepage at www.dell.com/regulatory_complianceCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. Youshould only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in yourproduct documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service andsupport team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not coveredby your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with theproduct.CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wristgrounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface, such as aconnector on the back of the computer.CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the componentsor contacts on a card. Hold a card by its edges or by its metal mounting bracket.Hold a component such as a processor by its edges, not by its pins.CAUTION: When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its pull-tab, noton the cable itself. Some cables have connectors with locking tabs; if you aredisconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you disconnectthe cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bendingany connector pins. Also, before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectorsare correctly oriented and aligned.7