Vostro 3681

Vostro 3681
Service Manual
1
Regulatory Model: D15S

Regulatory Type: D15S002
May 2020
Rev. A00
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.
© 2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its
subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contents
1 Working on your computer............................................................................................................ 5

Safety instructions................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Before working inside your computer........................................................................................................................... 5
Safety precautions...........................................................................................................................................................6
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection.................................................................................................................... 6
ESD field service kit ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Transporting sensitive components...............................................................................................................................7
After working inside your computer.............................................................................................................................. 8
2 Technology and components......................................................................................................... 9

DDR4....................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
USB features........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
HDMI 1.4b..............................................................................................................................................................................12
3 Disassembly and reassembly........................................................................................................ 13

Recommended tools............................................................................................................................................................ 13
Screw size list....................................................................................................................................................................... 13
System board layout............................................................................................................................................................ 14
Side cover..............................................................................................................................................................................14
Removing the side cover...............................................................................................................................................14
Installing the side cover................................................................................................................................................. 16
Bezel.......................................................................................................................................................................................17
Removing the front bezel.............................................................................................................................................. 17
Installing the front bezel................................................................................................................................................ 18
3.5 in. Hard disk drive.......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Removing the 3.5-inch hard drive................................................................................................................................19
Installing the 3.5-inch hard drive ................................................................................................................................. 19
HDD/ODD Bracket..............................................................................................................................................................20
Removing the HDD/ODD bracket...............................................................................................................................20
Installing the HDD/ODD bracket................................................................................................................................. 22
Optical drive......................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Removing the Optical Disk Drive................................................................................................................................. 24
Installing the Optical Disk Drive....................................................................................................................................26
Memory module................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Removing the memory modules.................................................................................................................................. 27
Installing the memory modules.....................................................................................................................................28
Graphics card....................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Removing the graphics card........................................................................................................................................ 29
Installing the graphics card...........................................................................................................................................30
Coin cell battery....................................................................................................................................................................31
Removing the coin-cell battery.....................................................................................................................................31
Installing the coin-cell battery....................................................................................................................................... 31
M.2 2230 Solid state drive................................................................................................................................................. 32
Removing the 2230 solid-state drive.......................................................................................................................... 32
Contents 3
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive............................................................................................................................ 33
M.2 2280 Solid state drive................................................................................................................................................. 34
Removing the 2280 solid-state drive.......................................................................................................................... 34
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive............................................................................................................................ 35
WLAN Card.......................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Removing the WLAN card............................................................................................................................................36
Installing the WLAN card.............................................................................................................................................. 37
SD card................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Removing the media card reader................................................................................................................................ 39
Installing the media card reader...................................................................................................................................39
Power supply unit................................................................................................................................................................ 40
Removing the power-supply unit.................................................................................................................................40
Installing the power-supply unit................................................................................................................................... 42
Heatsink assembly...............................................................................................................................................................45
Removing the heatsink assembly................................................................................................................................ 45
Installing the heatsink assembly...................................................................................................................................46
Processor..............................................................................................................................................................................47
Removing the processor............................................................................................................................................... 47
Installing the processor................................................................................................................................................. 49
System board.......................................................................................................................................................................50
Removing the system board........................................................................................................................................ 50
Installing the system board...........................................................................................................................................53
4 Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................... 57
Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)........................................................................................................................................... 57
System diagnostic lights..................................................................................................................................................... 57
Diagnostic error messages................................................................................................................................................. 58
System error messages....................................................................................................................................................... 61
Recovering the operating system...................................................................................................................................... 61
Flashing BIOS (USB key)....................................................................................................................................................62
Flashing the BIOS................................................................................................................................................................ 62
WiFi power cycle................................................................................................................................................................. 62
5 Getting help and contacting Dell..................................................................................................63
4 Contents
1
Working on your computer
Safety instructions
Prerequisites
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise
noted, each procedure included 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 performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
About this task

NOTE: 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 power source.
WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For
additional safety best practices information, see the Regulatory Compliance Homepage
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and
simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or telephone service and
support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow
the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching
an unpainted metal surface at the same time as touching a connector on the back of the computer.
CAUTION: Handle components and cards with care. Do not touch the components or 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, not on the cable itself. Some cables
have connectors with locking tabs; if you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before you
disconnect the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also,
before you connect a cable, ensure that both connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
NOTE: The color of your computer and certain components may appear differently than shown in this document.
CAUTION: System will shut down if side covers are removed while the system is running. The system will not power on
if the side cover is removed.
Before working inside your computer

About this task
To avoid damaging your computer, perform the following steps before you begin working inside the computer.
Steps
1. Ensure that you follow the Safety Instruction.
2. Ensure that your work surface is flat and clean to prevent the computer cover from being scratched.
3. Turn off your computer.
4. Disconnect all network cables from the computer.
Working on your computer 5

CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from
the network device.
5. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
6. Press and hold the power button while the computer is unplugged to ground the system board.
NOTE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching
an unpainted metal surface at the same time as touching a connector on the back of the computer.
Safety precautions
The safety precautions chapter details the primary steps to be taken before performing any disassembly instructions.
Observe the following safety precautions before you perform any installation or break/fix procedures involving disassembly or reassembly:
• Turn off the system and all attached peripherals.
• Disconnect the system and all attached peripherals from AC power.
• Disconnect all network cables, telephone, and telecommunications lines from the system.
• Use an ESD field service kit when working inside any tabletnotebookdesktop to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
• After removing any system component, carefully place the removed component on an anti-static mat.
• Wear shoes with non-conductive rubber soles to reduce the chance of getting electrocuted.
Standby power
Dell products with standby power must be unplugged before you open the case. Systems that incorporate standby power are essentially
powered while turned off. The internal power enables the system to be remotely turned on (wake on LAN) and suspended into a sleep
mode and has other advanced power management features.
Unplugging, pressing and holding the power button for 15 seconds should discharge residual power in the system board.
Bonding
Bonding is a method for connecting two or more grounding conductors to the same electrical potential. This is done through the use of a
field service electrostatic discharge (ESD) kit. When connecting a bonding wire, ensure that it is connected to bare metal and never to a
painted or non-metal surface. The wrist strap should be secure and in full contact with your skin, and ensure that you remove all jewelry
such as watches, bracelets, or rings prior to bonding yourself and the equipment.
Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection

ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards, processors,
memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such as intermittent
problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased density, ESD protection is
an increasing concern.
Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than in
previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.
Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.
• Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes an immediate
and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has received a static shock and
immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or nonfunctional memory.
• Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of intermittent failures
means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM receives a static shock, but the
tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to the damage. The weakened trace may
take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.
The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded") failure.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:
• Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not provide
adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts with increased
sensitivity to ESD damage.
• Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
6 Working on your computer

• When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static packing
material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you discharge static
electricity from your body.
• Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
ESD field service kit

The unmonitored Field Service kit is the most commonly used service kit. Each Field Service kit includes three main components: anti-
static mat, wrist strap, and bonding wire.
Components of an ESD field service kit

The components of an ESD field service kit are:
• Anti-Static Mat – The anti-static mat is dissipative and parts can be placed on it during service procedures. When using an anti-
static mat, your wrist strap should be snug and the bonding wire should be connected to the mat and to any bare metal on the system
being worked on. Once deployed properly, service parts can be removed from the ESD bag and placed directly on the mat. ESD-
sensitive items are safe in your hand, on the ESD mat, in the system, or inside a bag.
• Wrist Strap and Bonding Wire – The wrist strap and bonding wire can be either directly connected between your wrist and bare
metal on the hardware if the ESD mat is not required, or connected to the anti-static mat to protect hardware that is temporarily
placed on the mat. The physical connection of the wrist strap and bonding wire between your skin, the ESD mat, and the hardware is
known as bonding. Use only Field Service kits with a wrist strap, mat, and bonding wire. Never use wireless wrist straps. Always be
aware that the internal wires of a wrist strap are prone to damage from normal wear and tear, and must be checked regularly with a
wrist strap tester in order to avoid accidental ESD hardware damage. It is recommended to test the wrist strap and bonding wire at
least once per week.
• ESD Wrist Strap Tester – The wires inside of an ESD strap are prone to damage over time. When using an unmonitored kit, it is a
best practice to regularly test the strap prior to each service call, and at a minimum, test once per week. A wrist strap tester is the
best method for doing this test. If you do not have your own wrist strap tester, check with your regional office to find out if they have
one. To perform the test, plug the wrist-strap's bonding-wire into the tester while it is strapped to your wrist and push the button to
test. A green LED is lit if the test is successful; a red LED is lit and an alarm sounds if the test fails.
• Insulator Elements – It is critical to keep ESD sensitive devices, such as plastic heat sink casings, away from internal parts that are
insulators and often highly charged.
• Working Environment – Before deploying the ESD Field Service kit, assess the situation at the customer location. For example,
deploying the kit for a server environment is different than for a desktop or portable environment. Servers are typically installed in a
rack within a data center; desktops or portables are typically placed on office desks or cubicles. Always look for a large open flat work
area that is free of clutter and large enough to deploy the ESD kit with additional space to accommodate the type of system that is
being repaired. The workspace should also be free of insulators that can cause an ESD event. On the work area, insulators such as
Styrofoam and other plastics should always be moved at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters away from sensitive parts before physically
handling any hardware components
• ESD Packaging – All ESD-sensitive devices must be shipped and received in static-safe packaging. Metal, static-shielded bags are
preferred. However, you should always return the damaged part using the same ESD bag and packaging that the new part arrived in.
The ESD bag should be folded over and taped shut and all the same foam packing material should be used in the original box that the
new part arrived in. ESD-sensitive devices should be removed from packaging only at an ESD-protected work surface, and parts
should never be placed on top of the ESD bag because only the inside of the bag is shielded. Always place parts in your hand, on the
ESD mat, in the system, or inside an anti-static bag.
• Transporting Sensitive Components – When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be
returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in anti-static bags for safe transport.
ESD protection summary

It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static mat at all
times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while
performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.
Transporting sensitive components

When transporting ESD sensitive components such as replacement parts or parts to be returned to Dell, it is critical to place these parts in
anti-static bags for safe transport.
Lifting equipment
Adhere to the following guidelines when lifting heavy weight equipment:
Working on your computer 7

CAUTION: Do not lift greater than 50 pounds. Always obtain additional resources or use a mechanical lifting device.
1. Get a firm balanced footing. Keep your feet apart for a stable base, and point your toes out.
2. Tighten stomach muscles. Abdominal muscles support your spine when you lift, offsetting the force of the load.
3. Lift with your legs, not your back.
4. Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.
5. Keep your back upright, whether lifting or setting down the load. Do not add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid twisting your
body and back.
6. Follow the same techniques in reverse to set the load down.
After working inside your computer

About this task
After you complete any replacement procedure, ensure that you connect any external devices, cards, and cables before turning on your
computer.
Steps
1. Connect any telephone or network cables to your computer.
CAUTION: To connect a network cable, first plug the cable into the network device and then plug it into the
computer.
2. Connect your computer and all attached devices to their electrical outlets.
3. Turn on your computer.
4. If required, verify that the computer works correctly by running ePSA diagnostics.
8 Working on your computer

2
Technology and components
This chapter details the technology and components available in the system.
DDR4
DDR4 (double data rate fourth generation) memory is a higher-speed successor to the DDR2 and DDR3 technologies and allows up to 512
GB in capacity, compared to the DDR3's maximum of 128 GB per DIMM. DDR4 synchronous dynamic random-access memory is keyed
differently from both SDRAM and DDR to prevent the user from installing the wrong type of memory into the system.
DDR4 needs 20 percent less or just 1.2 volts, compared to DDR3 which requires 1.5 volts of electrical power to operate. DDR4 also
supports a new, deep power-down mode that allows the host device to go into standby without needing to refresh its memory. Deep
power-down mode is expected to reduce standby power consumption by 40 to 50 percent.
DDR4 Details
There are subtle differences between DDR3 and DDR4 memory modules, as listed below.
Key notch difference
The key notch on a DDR4 module is in a different location from the key notch on a DDR3 module. Both notches are on the insertion edge
but the notch location on the DDR4 is slightly different, to prevent the module from being installed into an incompatible board or platform.
Figure 1. Notch difference
Increased thickness
DDR4 modules are slightly thicker than DDR3, to accommodate more signal layers.
Figure 2. Thickness difference
Curved edge
DDR4 modules feature a curved edge to help with insertion and alleviate stress on the PCB during memory installation.
Technology and components 9

Figure 3. Curved edge
Memory Errors
Memory errors on the system display 2,3 failure code. If all memory fails, the LCD does not turn on. Troubleshoot for possible memory
failure by trying known good memory modules in the memory connectors on the bottom of the system or under the keyboard, as in some
portable systems.
NOTE: The DDR4 memory is imbedded in board and not a replaceable DIMM as shown and referred.
USB features
Universal Serial Bus, or USB, was introduced in 1996. It dramatically simplified the connection between host computers and peripheral
devices like mice, keyboards, external drivers, and printers.
Table 1. USB evolution

Type Data Transfer Rate Category Introduction Year
USB 2.0 480 Mbps High Speed 2000
USB 3.2 Gen 1 5 Gbps SuperSpeed 2010
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed USB)

For years, the USB 2.0 has been firmly entrenched as the de facto interface standard in the PC world with about 6 billion devices sold, and
yet the need for more speed grows by ever faster computing hardware and ever greater bandwidth demands. The USB 3.1 Gen 2 finally
has the answer to the consumers' demands with a theoretically 10 times faster than its predecessor. In a nutshell, USB 3.2 Gen 1 features
are as follows:
• Higher transfer rates (up to 5 Gbps)
• Increased maximum bus power and increased device current draw to better accommodate power-hungry devices
• New power management features
• Full-duplex data transfers and support for new transfer types
• Backward USB 2.0 compatibility
• New connectors and cable
The topics below cover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Speed
Currently, there are 3 speed modes defined by the latest USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 specification. They are
Super-Speed, Hi-Speed and Full-Speed. The new SuperSpeed mode has a transfer rate of 4.8 Gbps. While the specification retains Hi-
Speed, and Full-Speed USB mode, commonly known as USB 2.0 and 1.1 respectively, the slower modes still operate at 480 Mbps and 12
Mbps respectively and are kept to maintain backward compatibility.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 achieves the much higher performance by the technical changes below:
10 Technology and components

• An additional physical bus that is added in parallel with the existing USB 2.0 bus (refer to the picture below).
• USB 2.0 previously had four wires (power, ground, and a pair for differential data); USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 adds four more for two
pairs of differential signals (receive and transmit) for a combined total of eight connections in the connectors and cabling.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 utilizes the bidirectional data interface, rather than USB 2.0's half-duplex arrangement. This gives a 10-fold increase in
theoretical bandwidth.
With today's ever increasing demands placed on data transfers with high-definition video content, terabyte storage devices, high
megapixel count digital cameras etc., USB 2.0 may not be fast enough. Furthermore, no USB 2.0 connection could ever come close to the
480Mbps theoretical maximum throughput, making data transfer at around 320 Mbps (40 MB/s) — the actual real-world maximum.
Similarly, USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 connections will never achieve 4.8Gbps. We will likely see a real-world maximum rate of 400MB/s with
overheads. At this speed, USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen 1 is a 10x improvement over USB 2.0.
Applications
USB 3.2 Gen 1 opens up the laneways and provides more headroom for devices to deliver a better overall experience. Where USB video
was barely tolerable previously (both from a maximum resolution, latency, and video compression perspective), it's easy to imagine that
with 5-10 times the bandwidth available, USB video solutions should work that much better. Single-link DVI requires almost 2 Gbps
throughput. Where 480Mbps was limiting, 5Gbps is more than promising. With its promised 4.8Gbps speed, the standard will find its way
into some products that previously weren't USB territory, like external RAID storage systems.
Listed below are some of the available SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 products:
• External Desktop USB Hard Drives
• Portable USB Hard Drives
• USB Drive Docks & Adapters
• USB Flash Drives & Readers
• USB Solid-state Drives
• USB RAIDs
• Optical Media Drives
• Multimedia Devices
• Networking
• USB Adapter Cards & Hubs
Compatibility
The good news is that USB 3.2 Gen 1 has been carefully planned from the start to peacefully co-exist with USB 2.0. First of all, while USB
3.2 Gen 1 specifies new physical connections and thus new cables to take advantage of the higher speed capability of the new protocol,
the connector itself remains the same rectangular shape with the four USB 2.0 contacts in the exact same location as before. Five new
connections to carry receive and transmitted data independently are present on USB 3.2 Gen 1 cables and only come into contact when
connected to a proper SuperSpeed USB connection.
Technology and components 11

HDMI 1.4b
This topic explains the HDMI 1.4b and its features along with the advantages.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an
interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a DVD player, or A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or
video monitor, such as a digital TV (DTV). The intended applications for HDMI TVs, and DVD players. The primary advantage is cable
reduction and content protection provisions. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multichannel digital audio
on a single cable.
HDMI 1.4b Features

• HDMI Ethernet Channel - Adds high-speed networking to an HDMI link, allowing users to take full advantage of their IP-enabled
devices without a separate Ethernet cable
• Audio Return Channel - Allows an HDMI-connected TV with a built-in tuner to send audio data "upstream" to a surround audio
system, eliminating the need for a separate audio cable
• 3D - Defines input/output protocols for major 3D video formats, paving the way for true 3D gaming and 3D home theater applications
• Content Type - Real-time signaling of content types between display and source devices, enabling a TV to optimize picture settings
based on content type
• Additional Color Spaces - Adds support for additional color models used in digital photography and computer graphics
• 4K Support - Enables video resolutions far beyond 1080p, supporting next-generation displays that will rival the Digital Cinema
systems used in many commercial movie theaters
• HDMI Micro Connector - A new, smaller connector for phones and other portable devices, supporting video resolutions up to 1080p
• Automotive Connection System - New cables and connectors for automotive video systems, designed to meet the unique
demands of the motoring environment while delivering true HD quality
Advantages of HDMI
• Quality HDMI transfers uncompressed digital audio and video for the highest, crispest image quality.
• Low -cost HDMI provides the quality and functionality of a digital interface while also supporting uncompressed video formats in a
simple, cost-effective manner
• Audio HDMI supports multiple audio formats from standard stereo to multichannel surround sound
• HDMI combines video and multichannel audio into a single cable, eliminating the cost, complexity, and confusion of multiple cables
currently used in A/V systems
• HDMI supports communication between the video source (such as a DVD player) and the DTV, enabling new functionality
12 Technology and components

3
Disassembly and reassembly
Recommended tools
The procedures in this document require the following tools:
• Small flat blade screwdriver
• Phillips # 1 screwdriver
• Small plastic scribe
• Hex screwdriver
Screw size list

Table 2. Screw size list
M2x3 M2X4 6-32X1/4"

Component
Hard drive 1
HDD/ODD bracket 1
Optical drive 1
WLAN 1
SSD card 1
Power supply unit (PSU) 3
IO module 6
Internal antenna
Card reader 2
System board 1 8
Front IO bracket 1
Disassembly and reassembly 13

System board layout
This section illustrates the system board and calls out the ports and connectors.
1. ATX Power connector (ATX_CPU1 and ATX_CPU2)

2. CPU fan connector (Fan_CPU)
3. Memory-module slots (DIMM1, DIMM2)
4. M.2 2230/2280 connector (for SSD)
5. Power switch connector (PWR_SW)
6. SD card reader connector
7. ATX Power connector(ATX_SYS)
8. M.2 2230 connector (for WLAN card)
9. SATA 3.0 data connector (SATA0)
10. SATA 3.0 data connector (SATA3)
11. SATA 3.0 power connector (SATA_PWR)
12. PCIe expansion slots (SLOT1: PCIe x1, SLOT2: PCIe x16)
13. Coin-cell battery
14. CPU socket
Side cover
Removing the side cover
Prerequisites
1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.
14 Disassembly and reassembly

About this task
The following images indicate the location of the side cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure:
Steps
1. Loosen the two captive screws and slide the side cover to release it from the chassis.
2. Lift the side cover, off the chassis.

Installing the side cover
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure:
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the side cover and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure:

Steps
1. Align the tabs on the side cover with the slots and replace the side cover on the chassis.
2. Slide the side cover towards the front of the unit and tighten the two cap screws to secure the side cover to the chassis.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Bezel
Removing the front bezel
Prerequisites
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Place the computer in an upright position.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure:
Steps
1. Gently pry and release the front bezel tabs sequentially from the top.
2. Rotate the front cover outward from the chassis.

Installing the front bezel
Prerequisites
If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
• Place the computer in an upright position.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure:
Steps
1. Align the tabs on the bezel with the slots on the chassis.
2. Rotate the front cover towards the chassis and snap it into place.
Next steps
1. Install the side cover.

3.5 in. Hard disk drive
Removing the 3.5-inch hard drive
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure:
Steps
1. Disconnect the data and power SATA cables from the hard drive and remove the two #6-32 screws.
2. Lift and remove the 3.5 inch hard drive from the bracket.
Installing the 3.5-inch hard drive

Prerequisites

About this task
The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure:
Steps
1. Place the hard drive into the hard-drive bracket and align the tabs on the bracket with the slots on the hard drive.
2. Secure the two #6-32 screws securing the 3.5 in. hard drive to the bracket.
Next steps
HDD/ODD Bracket
Removing the HDD/ODD bracket
Prerequisites
3. Remove the 3.5 in. HDD.
About this task

The following image indicates the location of the HDD/ODD bracket and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps
1. Release the ODD power and SATA cables from tabs on the side of the ODD bracket.
2. Remove the single #6-32 screw securing the ODD bracket to the chassis.
3. Lift the ODD bracket from the chassis.
4. Push the ODD to unlock it.
5. Disconnect the SATA power and data connectors from the ODD.
6. Lift and remove the ODD bracket from the chassis.
Installing the HDD/ODD bracket

Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the HDD/ODD bracket and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure:

Steps
1. Align and place the ODD bracket on the system unit chassis and connect the ODD SATA and power connectors
2. Push the ODD bracket into the chassis.
3. Snap the ODD bracket aligning the holes on the ODD bracket with that on the chassis.
4. Replace the single #6-32 screw securing the ODD to the chassis.
5. Tuck the power SATA cables along the tabs of the ODD bracket.
Next steps
1. Install the 3.5 in. HDD.
Optical drive
Removing the Optical Disk Drive
Prerequisites

3. Remove the 3.5 in. HDD.
4. Remove the HDD/ODD bracket.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the ODD and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Remove the single M2x3 screw securing the optical drive to the bracket.
2. Remove the optical drive from the bracket.

Installing the Optical Disk Drive
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the Optical Disk Drive and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure:
Steps
1. Insert the optical drive into the ODD bracket.
2. Replace the single M2x3 screw securing the optical drive to the bracket.

Next steps
1. Install the HDD/ODD bracket.
2. Install the 3.5 in. HDD.
Memory module
Removing the memory modules
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure:
Steps
1. Lay the chassis on the right side.
2. Use your fingertips to carefully spread apart the securing-clips on each end of the memory-module slot.
3. Grasp the memory module near the securing clip, and then gently ease the memory module out of the memory-module slot.
NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 4 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer.
NOTE: Note the slot and the orientation of the memory module in order to replace it in the correct slot.
NOTE: If the memory module is difficult to remove, gently ease the memory module back and forth to remove it from
the slot.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the
components on the memory module.
Installing the memory modules

Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the memory modules and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot.
2. Insert the memory module into the memory-module connector until the memory module snaps into position and the securing clip locks
in place.
NOTE: The securing clips return to the locked position. If you do not hear the click, remove the memory module and
reinstall it.
NOTE: If the memory module is difficult to remove, gently ease the memory module back and forth to remove it from
the slot.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the
components on the memory module.
Next steps
1. Install the ODD bracket.

Graphics card
Removing the graphics card
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lift the pull tab to open the PCIe door.
2. Push and hold the securing tab on the graphics-card slot and lift the graphics card from the graphics-card slot.
3. Lift and remove the graphics card from the system board.

Installing the graphics card
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps
1. Align the graphics card with the PCI-Express card connector on the system board.
2. Using the alignment post, connect the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is firmly seated.
3. Lift the pull tab to close the PCIe door.
Next steps

Coin cell battery
Removing the coin-cell battery
Prerequisites
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.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Lay the computer on the right side.
2. Push the coin-cell battery-release lever on the coin-cell battery socket to release the coin-cell battery out of the socket.
3. Remove the coin-cell battery.
Installing the coin-cell battery

Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Insert the coin-cell battery into the socket with the positive side (+) labeled facing up and snap the battery in the socket.
Next steps
M.2 2230 Solid state drive

Removing the 2230 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2230 solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board.
Installing the 2230 solid-state drive

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

The following images indicate the location of the solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps
1. Locate the notch on the 2230 solid-state drive.
2. Align the notch on the 2230 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot.
3. Slide the 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board.
4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2230 solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
M.2 2280 Solid state drive

Removing the 2280 solid-state drive
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the 2280 solid-state drive and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Image:
Steps
1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board.
Installing the 2280 solid-state drive

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

The following images indicate the location of the 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps
1. Locate the notch on the 2280 solid-state drive.
2. Align the notch on the 2280 solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot.
3. Slide the 2230 solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board.
4. Replace the screw (M2x3) that secures the 2230 solid-state drive to the system board.
Next steps
WLAN Card
Removing the WLAN card
Prerequisites
3. Remove the ODD bracket.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps
1. Remove the single (M2x3) screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.
2. Slide and lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card.
3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card.
4. Slide and remove the wireless card at an angle from the wireless-card slot.
Installing the WLAN card

Prerequisites
NOTE: To avoid damage to the wireless card, do not place any cables under it.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the wireless card and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure:

Steps
1. Connect the antenna cables to the WLAN card.
The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer.
Table 3. Antenna-cable color scheme

Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color
Main (white triangle) White
Auxiliary (black triangle) Black
2. Slide and place the wireless card bracket on the antennae connectors on the WLAN card.
3. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot.
4. Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless-card slot of the system board.
5. Replace the single (M2x3) screw that secures the wireless card to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the ODD bracket

SD card
Removing the media card reader
Prerequisites
3. Remove the front bezel.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the front cover and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps
1. Unroute the PSU power cable from over the SD card reader.
2. Remove the two M3x5 screws securing the SD card reader to the chassis.
3. Lift and remove the SD card reader from the system board.
Installing the media card reader

Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the media card reader and provide a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps
1. Place the SD card reader on the system board ensuring the SD card reader sits flush on the connector on the system board.
2. Replace the two M3x5 screws securing the SD card reader to the system board.
3. Route the PSU power cable from over the SD card reader.
Next steps
1. Install the HDD/ODD Bracket.
2. Install the front bezel.
Power supply unit

Removing the power-supply unit
Prerequisites
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly while you are replacing
the power-supply unit.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps
2. Disconnect the power cables from the system board and remove them from the routing guides on the chassis.
3. Remove the three (#6-32) screws that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
4. Press the securing clip and slide the power-supply unit away from the back of the chassis.
5. Lift the power-supply unit off the chassis.
Installing the power-supply unit

Prerequisites
WARNING: The cables and ports on the back of the power-supply unit are color-coded to indicate the different power
wattage. Ensure that you plug in the cable to the correct port. Failure to do so may result in damaging the power-supply
unit and/or system components.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

Steps
1. Slide the power-supply unit into the chassis until the securing tab snaps into position.
2. Replace the three screws (#6-32) that secure the power-supply unit to the chassis.
3. Route the power cable through the routing guides on the chassis and connect the power cables to their respective connectors on the
system board.
Next steps
Heatsink assembly
Removing the heatsink assembly
Prerequisites
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.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the processor fan and 65 W heat-sink assembly and provide a visual representation of the
removal procedure.

Steps
1. Insert a flat head screw driver along the four marked edges of the fan shroud and gently push towards the fan to disengage the fan
shroud from the heatsink assembly.
2. Lift and remove the fan shroud from the system unit.
3. Disconnect the processor-fan cable from the system board.
4. Loosen the four captive screws in reverse sequential order (4->3->2->1) that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the
system board.
5. Lift the processor fan and heat-sink assembly off the system board.
Installing the heatsink assembly

Prerequisites
CAUTION: If either the processor or the heat sink is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to
ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the processor fan and 95 W heat-sink assembly and provide a visual representation of the
installation procedure.

Steps
1. Align the screw holes on the processor fan and heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board.
2. In the sequential order (1->2->3->4), tighten the captive screws that secure the processor fan and heat-sink assembly to the system
board.
3. Connect the processor-fan cable to the system board.
4. Replace the fan shroud on the heat-sink assembly along the marked orientation and snap it into place.
Next steps
Processor
Removing the processor
Prerequisites

3. Remove the heatsink assembly.
NOTE: The processor might still be hot after the computer is shut down. Allow the processor to cool down before
removing it.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure:
Steps
1. Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it from the securing tab.
2. Extend the release lever completely and open the processor cover.
CAUTION: When removing the processor, do not touch any of the pins inside the socket or allow any objects to fall
on the pins in the socket.
3. Gently lift the processor from the processor socket.

Installing the processor
Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure:
Steps
1. Ensure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended in the open position.
NOTE: The pin-1 corner of the processor has a triangle that aligns with the triangle on the pin-1 corner on the
processor socket. When the processor is properly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height. If one or
more corners of the processor are higher than the others, the processor is not seated properly.
2. Align the notches on the processor with the tabs on the processor socket and place the processor in the processor socket.
CAUTION: Ensure that the processor-cover notch is positioned underneath the alignment post.
3. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, pivot the release-lever down and place it under the tab on the processor cover.

Next steps
1. Install the heatsink assembly.
System board
Removing the system board
Prerequisites
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 that 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.
5. Remove the optical disk drive.
6. Remove the memory modules.
7. Remove the graphics card.
8. Remove the solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module.
9. Remove the wireless card.
10. Remove the media card reader.
11. Remove the processor fan and heat-sink assembly.
12. Remove the processor.
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

Steps
2. Remove the screw (#6-32) that secures the front I/O-bracket to the chassis and remove the front I/O-bracket.
3. Disconnect the 4-pin power supply ATEX connector from the system board.
4. Disconnect the 6-pin power supply ATEX connector from the system board.
5. Disconnect the front I/O cable connector from the system board.
6. Disconnect the SATA cables from the system board.
7. Disconnect the power switch cable from the system board.
8. Remove the eight (#6-32) screws that secure the system board to the chassis.
9. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the system board to the chassis.
10. Lift the system board at an angle and remove the system board off the chassis.
Installing the system board

Prerequisites
About this task

The following images indicate the location of the system board and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure:

Steps
1. Slide the front I/O-ports on the system board into the front I/O-slots on the chassis and align the screw holes on the system board
with the screw holes on the chassis.
2. Align the front I/O-bracket with the slots on the chassis.
3. Lay the system unit vertically and secure it using the eight #6-32 screws to the chassis.
4. Replace the screw (M2x4) that secures the system board to the chassis.
5. Connect the 4-pin power supply ATEX connector to the system board.
6. Connect the 6-pin power supply ATEX connector to the system board.
7. Connect the front I/O cable connector to the system board.
8. Connect the SATA cables to the system board.
9. Connect the power switch cable to the system board.
Next steps
1. Install the processor.
2. Install the heat sink.
3. Install the media card reader
4. Install the WLAN card
5. Install the solid-state drive/Intel Optane memory module.
6. Install the graphics card.
7. Install the memory modules.

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 that you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup
program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.

4
Troubleshooting
Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)
The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover Dell Inspiron, systems from No POST/No
Power/No Boot situations. The legacy jumper enabled RTC reset has been retired on these models.
Start the RTC reset with the system powered off and connected to AC power. Press and hold the power button for thirty (30) seconds.
The system RTC Reset occurs after you release the power button.
System diagnostic lights

Power-supply diagnostics light
Indicates the status of the power-supply in either of the two sates:
• Off: No Power
• On: Power is supplied.
Power button light
Table 4. Power button LED status

Power button LED state System state Description
Off • S4 There is in Hibernate or Off state.
• S5
Solid White S0 Working state
Solid Amber Various sleep states or No POST
Blinking Amber/White Failure to POST
This platform relies on the Power button LED light blinking in an amber/white pattern to determine a failure as listed in the following table:
NOTE:
The blinking patterns consists of two numbers (representing First Group: Amber blinks, Second Group: White blinks).
• First Group: The Power button LED light blinks Amber, 1 to 9 times followed by a short pause with LED off for a
couple of seconds.
• Second Group: The Power button LED light then blinks White, 1 to 9 times, followed by a longer pause before the
next cycle starts again after a short interval.
.
Example: No Memory detected (2,3). Power button LED blinks 2-times in Amber followed by a pause, and then blinks 3-times in White.
The Power button LED will pause for few seconds before the next cycle repeats itself again.
Table 5. Diagnostics LED codes

Diagnostic light codes Problem description
1,2 Unrecoverable SPI flash failure
2,1 CPU failure
2,2 System board failure, corrupt BIOS, ROM error
2,3 No memory/RAM detected
Troubleshooting 57
Table 5. Diagnostics LED codes(continued)
Diagnostic light codes Problem description
2,4 Memory/RAM failure
2,5 Invalid Memory installed
2,6 System board error, chipset error, clock failure, gate A20 failure, super I/O failure,
keyboard controller failure
3,1 CMOS battery failure
3,2 PCIe or video card/chip failure
3,3 Recovery Image not found
3,4 Recovery Image found but invalid
3,5 Power Rail Failure
3,6 Paid SPI volume error
3,7 Intel (ME) Management Engine error
4,2 CPU power cable connection issue
Diagnostic error messages

Table 6. Diagnostic error messages
Error messages Description
AUXILIARY DEVICE FAILURE The touchpad or external mouse may be faulty. For an external
mouse, check the cable connection. Enable the Pointing Device
option in the System Setup program.
BAD COMMAND OR FILE NAME Ensure that you have spelled the command correctly, put spaces in
the proper place, and used the correct path name.
CACHE DISABLED DUE TO FAILURE The primary cache internal to the microprocessor has failed.
Contact Dell
CD DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE The optical drive does not respond to commands from the
computer.
DATA ERROR The hard drive cannot read the data.
DECREASING AVAILABLE MEMORY One or more memory modules may be faulty or improperly seated.
Reinstall the memory modules or, if necessary, replace them.
DISK C: FAILED INITIALIZATION The hard drive failed initialization. Run the hard drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
DRIVE NOT READY The operation requires a hard drive in the bay before it can
continue. Install a hard drive in the hard drive bay.
ERROR READING PCMCIA CARD The computer cannot identify the ExpressCard. Reinsert the card
or try another card.
EXTENDED MEMORY SIZE HAS CHANGED The amount of memory recorded in non-volatile memory (NVRAM)
does not match the memory module installed in the computer.
Restart the computer. If the error appears again, Contact Dell
THE FILE BEING COPIED IS TOO LARGE FOR THE The file that you are trying to copy is too large to fit on the disk, or
DESTINATION DRIVE the disk is full. Try copying the file to a different disk or use a larger
capacity disk.
A FILENAME CANNOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING Do not use these characters in filenames.
CHARACTERS: \ / : * ? " < > | -
58 Troubleshooting
Table 6. Diagnostic error messages(continued)
GATE A20 FAILURE A memory module may be loose. Reinstall the memory module or, if
necessary, replace it.
GENERAL FAILURE The operating system is unable to carry out the command. The
message is usually followed by specific information. For example,
Printer out of paper. Take the appropriate
action.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION ERROR The computer cannot identify the drive type. Shut down the
computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from an
optical drive. Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard
drive, and restart the computer. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in
Dell Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE CONTROLLER FAILURE 0 The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the
computer from an optical drive. Then, shut down the computer,
reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem
persists, try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE FAILURE The hard drive does not respond to commands from the computer.
Shut down the computer, remove the hard drive, and boot the
computer from an optical drive. Then, shut down the computer,
reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem
persists, try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell
Diagnostics.
HARD-DISK DRIVE READ FAILURE The hard drive may be defective. Shut down the computer,
remove the hard drive, and boot the computer from an optical.
Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart
the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the
Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics.
INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot to non-bootable media,
such as an optical drive. Insert bootable media.
INVALID CONFIGURATION INFORMATION-PLEASE RUN The system configuration information does not match the
SYSTEM SETUP PROGRAM hardware configuration. The message is most likely to occur after a
memory module is installed. Correct the appropriate options in the
system setup program.
KEYBOARD CLOCK LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD CONTROLLER FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Restart the
computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or the mouse during
the boot routine. Run the Keyboard Controller test in Dell
Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD DATA LINE FAILURE For external keyboards, check the cable connection. Run the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics.
KEYBOARD STUCK KEY FAILURE For external keyboards or keypads, check the cable connection.
Restart the computer, and avoid touching the keyboard or keys
during the boot routine. Run the Stuck Key test in Dell
Diagnostics.
LICENSED CONTENT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE IN Dell MediaDirect cannot verify the Digital Rights Management
MEDIADIRECT (DRM) restrictions on the file, so the file cannot be played.
MEMORY ADDRESS LINE FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
VALUE EXPECTING VALUE memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
Troubleshooting 59
MEMORY ALLOCATION ERROR The software you are attempting to run is conflicting with the
operating system, another program, or a utility. Shut down the
computer, wait for 30 seconds, and then restart it. Run the
program again. If the error message still appears, see the software
documentation.
MEMORY DOUBLE WORD LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
READ VALUE EXPECTING VALUE memory module or, if necessary, replace it.
MEMORY ODD/EVEN LOGIC FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
MEMORY WRITE/READ FAILURE AT ADDRESS, READ A memory module may be faulty or improperly seated. Reinstall the
NO BOOT DEVICE AVAILABLE The computer cannot find the hard drive. If the hard drive is your
boot device, ensure that the drive is installed, properly seated, and
partitioned as a boot device.
NO BOOT SECTOR ON HARD DRIVE The operating system may be corrupted, Contact Dell.
NO TIMER TICK INTERRUPT A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
NOT ENOUGH MEMORY OR RESOURCES. EXIT SOME You have too many programs open. Close all windows and open
PROGRAMS AND TRY AGAIN the program that you want to use.
OPERATING SYSTEM NOT FOUND Reinstall the operating system. If the problem persists, Contact
Dell.
OPTIONAL ROM BAD CHECKSUM The optional ROM has failed. Contact Dell.
SECTOR NOT FOUND The operating system cannot locate a sector on the hard drive.
You may have a defective sector or corrupted File Allocation Table
(FAT) on the hard drive. Run the Windows error-checking utility to
check the file structure on the hard drive. See Windows Help and
Support for instructions (click Start > Help and Support). If a
large number of sectors are defective, back up the data (if
possible), and then format the hard drive.
SEEK ERROR The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard
drive.
SHUTDOWN FAILURE A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics. If the message reappears,
Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your
computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the
problem persists, try to restore the data by entering the System
Setup program, then immediately exit the program. If the message
reappears, Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK STOPPED The reserve battery that supports the system configuration
settings may require recharging. Connect your computer to an
electrical outlet to charge the battery. If the problem persists,
Contact Dell.
TIME-OF-DAY NOT SET-PLEASE RUN THE SYSTEM The time or date stored in the system setup program does not
SETUP PROGRAM match the system clock. Correct the settings for the Date and
Time options.
TIMER CHIP COUNTER 2 FAILED A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the
System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics.
60 Troubleshooting
UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory
module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the
Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics or Contact Dell.
X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT READY Insert a disk into the drive and try again.
System error messages

Table 7. System error messages
System message Description
Alert! Previous attempts at booting this The computer failed to complete the boot routine three
system have failed at checkpoint [nnnn]. For consecutive times for the same error.
help in resolving this problem, please note
this checkpoint and contact Dell Technical
Support
CMOS checksum error RTC is reset, BIOS Setup default has been loaded.
CPU fan failure CPU fan has failed.
System fan failure System fan has failed.
Hard-disk drive failure Possible hard disk drive failure during POST.
Keyboard failure Keyboard failure or loose cable. If reseating the cable does not
solve the problem, replace the keyboard.
No boot device available No bootable partition on hard disk drive, the hard disk drive cable is
loose, or no bootable device exists.
• If the hard drive is your boot device, ensure that the cables are
connected and that the drive is installed properly and
partitioned as a boot device.
• Enter system setup and ensure that the boot sequence
information is correct.
No timer tick interrupt A chip on the system board might be malfunctioning or

motherboard failure.
NOTICE - Hard Drive SELF MONITORING SYSTEM has S.M.A.R.T error, possible hard disk drive failure.
reported that a parameter has exceeded its
normal operating range. Dell recommends that
you back up your data regularly. A parameter
out of range may or may not indicate a
potential hard drive problem
Recovering the operating system

When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, it automatically starts Dell SupportAssist OS
Recovery.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery is a standalone tool that is preinstalled in all Dell computers installed with Windows 10 operating system. It
consists of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating system. It enables you
to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state.
You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary
operating system due to software or hardware failures.
For more information about the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery, see Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User's Guide at www.dell.com/
support.
Troubleshooting 61
Flashing BIOS (USB key)
Steps
1. Follow the procedure from step 1 to step 7 in "Flashing the BIOS" to download the latest BIOS setup program file.
2. Create a bootable USB drive. For more information see the knowledge base article SLN143196 at www.dell.com/support.
3. Copy the BIOS setup program file to the bootable USB drive.
4. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that needs the BIOS update.
5. Restart the computer and press F12 when the Dell logo is displayed on the screen.
6. Boot to the USB drive from the One Time Boot Menu.
7. Type the BIOS setup program filename and press Enter.
8. The BIOS Update Utility appears. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the BIOS update.
Flashing the BIOS

About this task
You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board.
Follow these steps to flash the BIOS:
Steps
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.
WiFi power cycle

About this task
If your computer is unable to access the internet due to WiFi connectivity issues a WiFi power cycle procedure may be performed. The
following procedure provides the instructions on how to conduct a WiFi power cycle:
NOTE: Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide a modem/router combo device.
Steps
1. Turn off your computer.
2. Turn off the modem.
3. Turn off the wireless router.
4. Wait for 30 seconds.
5. Turn on the wireless router.
6. Turn on the modem.
62 Troubleshooting
5
Getting help and contacting Dell
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources:
Table 8. Self-help resources

Self-help resources Resource location
Information about Dell products and services https://www.dell.com/
Dell Support
Tips
Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter.
Online help for operating system • Windows: https://www.dell.com/support/windows

• Linux: https://www.dell.com/support/linux
Troubleshooting information, user manuals, set up instructions, https://www.dell.com/support/home/

product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software
updates, and so on.
Dell knowledge base articles for various of system concerns: 1. Go to https://www.dell.com/support/home/?

app=knowledgebase.
2. Type the subject or keyword in the Search box.
3. Click Search to retrieve the related articles.
Learn and get more information about your product: Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and
• Product specifications service options. If you do not have an active Internet connection,
you can find contact information about your purchase invoice,
• Operating system
packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
• Setting up and using your product
• Data backup • Select Detect Product.
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics • Locate your product through the drop-down menu under View
• Factory and system restore Products.
• BIOS information • Enter the Service Tag number or Product ID in the search
bar.
• Once on product support page, scroll down to Manuals and
Documents section to preview all the Manuals, documents, and
other information for your product.
Getting help and contacting Dell 63

Contacting Dell
Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can
find contact information about your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Availability varies by country/region and
product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:
1. Go to https://www.dell.com/support/.
2. Select your country/region from the drop-down menu on the lower right corner of the page.
3. For customized support:
a. Enter your system Service Tag in the Enter your Service Tag field.
b. Click submit.
• The support page that lists the various support categories is displayed.
4. For general support:
a. Select your product category.
b. Select your product segment.
c. Select your product.
• The support page that lists the various support categories is displayed.
5. For contact details of Dell Global Technical Support, see https://www.dell.com/contactdell.
NOTE: The Contact Technical Support page is displayed with details to call, chat, or email the Dell Global Technical
Support team.
NOTE: Availability varies by country/region and product, and some services may not be available in your area.
64 Getting help and contacting Dell

Vostro 3681

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vostro 3681

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vostro 3681

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Vostro 3681

Regulatory Model: D15S

1 Working on your computer............................................................................................................ 5

2 Technology and components......................................................................................................... 9

3 Disassembly and reassembly........................................................................................................ 13

5 Getting help and contacting Dell..................................................................................................63

About this task

Before working inside your computer

Working on your computer 5

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection

6 Working on your computer

ESD field service kit

Components of an ESD field service kit

ESD protection summary

Transporting sensitive components

Working on your computer 7

After working inside your computer

8 Working on your computer

Figure 1. Notch difference

Figure 2. Thickness difference

Technology and components 9

Table 1. USB evolution

USB 3.2 Gen 1 5 Gbps SuperSpeed 2010

USB 3.2 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed USB)

10 Technology and components

Technology and components 11

HDMI 1.4b Features

12 Technology and components

Screw size list

M2x3 M2X4 6-32X1/4"

Power supply unit (PSU) 3

Disassembly and reassembly 13

1. ATX Power connector (ATX_CPU1 and ATX_CPU2)

14 Disassembly and reassembly

Disassembly and reassembly 15

About this task

16 Disassembly and reassembly

About this task

Disassembly and reassembly 17

About this task

18 Disassembly and reassembly

About this task

Installing the 3.5-inch hard drive

Disassembly and reassembly 19

About this task

20 Disassembly and reassembly

Installing the HDD/ODD bracket

About this task

22 Disassembly and reassembly

24 Disassembly and reassembly

About this task

Disassembly and reassembly 25

About this task

26 Disassembly and reassembly

About this task

Disassembly and reassembly 27

Installing the memory modules

About this task

28 Disassembly and reassembly