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Intel Corporation; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Computer Corporation disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
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A prerequisite for using this manual to service Dell computer systems is a basic ® knowledge of IBM -compatible PCs and prior training in IBM-compatible PC troubleshooting techniques. In addition to information provided in this manual and the User’s Guide that came with the system, Dell provides the Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Guide for troubleshooting procedures and instructions on using the Dell diagnostics to test the computer system.
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The Inspiron 3500 D300GT contains a 300-MHz Pentium II Mobile micro- processor with MMX technology and a 14.1-inch XGA active-matrix TFT LCD. The following features of the Inspiron 3500 computer contribute to its high performance: Intel Pentium II Mobile Module microprocessor running at 233, 266, or 300 MHz with MMX technology with 32 KB of internal cache.
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PC Card slots with connectors for two 3.3- or 5-V cards. Both PC Card slots support CardBus technology. In addition, a ZV Port is available from the lower slot (slot 0). Figures 1-1 and 1-2 illustrate front and back views of the Inspiron 3500 computer. Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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LCD latch status lights (3) (on keyboard) status lights (next display close/ to LCD latch) suspend button display microphone connector cover power button keyboard touch pad touch pad buttons (2) options bay PC Card connectors (2) audio jacks (3) AC adapter connector battery bay speaker battery release latch...
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The light is also green when the AC adapter is attached and there is a battery problem (such as a bad cell, overheating, or over- charging). Use the battery charge gauge to further determine the battery status. Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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system power status light hard-disk drive activity status light battery status light )LJXUH 6WDWXV /LJKWV RQ )URQW RI &RPSXWHU Some devices located in the options bay (diskette drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, or Zip drive) also have an activity light indicating when the device is being accessed.
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On — Allows the computer to slow down the microprocessor when it is inactive Off (the default) — Keeps the microprocessor running at its normal operat- ing speed regardless of microprocessor inactivity To increase battery operating time, set the CPU Throttling Mode option to Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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Standby Time-Out conserves battery power by turning off various devices in the system, including the display, but leaves the computer ready to resume operations immediately. Use Standby Time-Out when you leave the com- puter unattended for less than a few minutes. Standby Time-Out lets you determine how long the computer remains idle (no I/O activity) before activating standby mode to conserve battery power.
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Generated by the hard-disk drive to indicate that the drive requires the attention of the microprocessor IRQ15 Generated by the secondary IDE controller (CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive) to indicate that the drive requires attention of the microprocessor Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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Table 1-2 lists the technical specifications for the Inspiron 3500 computer. 7DEOH 7HFKQLFDO 6SHFLILFDWLRQV Microprocessor type ..Intel Pentium II Mobile microprocessor with MMX technology Microprocessor speed ..233, 266, or 300 MHz Internal cache .
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Video controller ... NeoMagic MagicMedia 256AV (NM2200B) Video memory ... . 2.5 MB integrated VRAM 1-10 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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7DEOH 7HFKQLFDO 6SHFLILFDWLRQV FRQWLQXHG ,QFK 'LVSOD\ Type ....active-matrix color (TFT) Dimensions (viewable area): Height ....194 mm (7 .64 inches) Width .
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Battery performance features such as charge time, operating time, and life span can vary according to the conditions under which the computer and battery are used and according to the configuration of the computer system. 1-12 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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7DEOH 7HFKQLFDO 6SHFLILFDWLRQV FRQWLQXHG $& $GDSWHU Input voltage ... . 90 to 264 VAC Input current (maximum) . . . 1.5 A at 90 VAC, full load Input frequency ..47 to 63 Hz Output current .
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0 to 3048 m (0 to 10,000 ft) Storage ....0 to 12,192 m (0 to 40,000 ft) Measured with the hard-disk drive in head-parked position. 1-14 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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This chapter describes initial procedures that can help you diagnose a com- puter problem. These procedures can often reveal the source of a problem or indicate the correct starting point for troubleshooting the computer. Dell rec- ommends that you perform these initial procedures in the order they are presented.
PC Cards and inside the PC Card cage are not damaged, and then reinsert the card(s) into the PC Card slot. Dell Inspiron Portable Computer 3500 Service Manual...
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8. If there is a memory area problem and the computer has memory mod- ules, remove the memory modules from the bottom of the main board, verify that they are free of any obvious physical damage, verify that the connectors on the modules and in the memory module sockets are not damaged, and then reinstall the modules.
Dell recommends that users make copies of the Dell Diagnostics Diskette. For instructions, see “Before You Start Testing” in Chapter 4, “Run- ning the Dell Diagnostics,” of the Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Reference and Troubleshooting Guide. To observe the boot routine, follow these steps: 1.
Table 3-2. Any unusual sounds 5. Observe the display for the Diagnostics Menu of the Dell Diagnostics. Does the Diagnostics Menu appear on the display? Yes. See “Running the Dell Diagnostics” in Chapter 3.
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Dell Inspiron Portable Computer 3500 Service Manual...
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See “Running the Dell Diagnostics” found later in this chapter. If the display cannot display error messages during POST, the computer may emit a series of beeps that identifies the problem or that can help you identify a faulty component or assembly.
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Faulty system set: nnnn address nnnn . board. Memory failed at RAM Faulty or improperly Failing bits: address nnnn . seated memory mod- nnnn ule. Faulty system board. Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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FRQWLQXHG The hard-disk drive Corrupted hard-disk Fixed disk 0 failed to initialize. drive boot sector or failure configuration file. Faulty hard-disk drive. Faulty system board. The hard-disk drive con- Faulty hard-disk drive. Fixed disk con- troller may be faulty. Faulty system board. troller failure The diskette drive is not Incorrect drive...
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The Dell Diagnostics contains tests that aid in troubleshooting the computer. The diagnostics diskette contains the following test groups: RAM — Tests the main memory System Set — Tests the primary functions of the system board Video —...
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1. Install a CD-ROM drive in the options bay. 2. Turn off the computer. 3. Insert a copy of the Dell Diagnostics Diskette into the diskette drive, and boot the computer. Starting the diagnostics causes the Dell logo screen to appear, followed by a message indicating that the diagnostics is loading.
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Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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This chapter provides procedures for removing and replacing parts and assem- blies. Unless otherwise noted, each of the procedures in this chapter makes the following assumptions: The computer and any attached peripherals are turned off and the peripher- als are disconnected from the computer’s I/O panel. A part can be replaced or installed by performing the removal procedure in reverse order.
The above steps are described in detail in “Removing Customer-Replaceable Parts,” found later in this chapter. Before installing a screw, match the screw to the screw length graphics in Figure 4-2 to check for correct length. Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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2.5 x 5 (1) 2.5 x 14 (1) Be careful not to scratch the computer case by allowing the screws to get between the work surface and the case. Dell suggests a soft, padded work surface. Removing and Replacing Parts...
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AC power cable )LJXUH $& $GDSWHU 5HPRYDO 4. If the computer is connected to a port replicator, pull both release handles on the sides of the replicator to undock the computer (see Figure 4-4). Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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release handles (2) 5. Remove the main battery from the battery bay (see Figure 4-5). Pull the battery-bay release latch (located on the side of the computer next to the battery bay) toward you. With your thumb, gently rotate the latch out until the battery pops out of the bay.
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(see Figure 4-7). The screw has an “H” tooled into the plastic beside it. Grasp the plastic tab and pull the hard-disk drive forward and out. Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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4-mm screw bottom of computer hard-disk drive 8. Remove the memory door. FPH 3 x 4 (2) 2.0–2.5 kgf-cm Remove the two 4-mm screws from the memory door (also known as the memory module cover). Using your finger, lift the door off (see Figure 4-8). memory door 4-mm screws (2) bottom of computer...
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(see Figure 4-10). With your thumb, gently rotate the latch out until the device pops out of the bay. Grasp the device firmly and remove. options-bay release latch (unlocked position) optional device Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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NOTE: If the computer is booted with a diskette drive or second battery in the options bay, you must reboot after installing another device in the options bay. NOTE: To remove the media from the CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, or Zip drive once the power to the drive is off, insert a small, thin object (such as one end of a paper clip) into the pinhole near or in the device’s LED.
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NOTE: The ZIF connector cap for the keyboard is stocked as a separate part. If the plastic connector cap is broken, a new one can be snapped in place with- out having to replace the entire system board. 4-10 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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Exploded views of the computer, the 13.3-inch and 14.1-inch display assem- blies, the palmrest assembly, and the base assembly are shown in Figures 4-12, 4-13, 4-14, 4-15, and 4-16, respectively. display assembly keyboard palmrest assembly base assembly Removing and Replacing Parts 4-11...
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LED card LED cable panel rails (2) LCD cable hinges (2) LCD latch top FPC bobbin inverter 5-mm hinge screws (2) bottom FPC bobbin 5-mm panel back cover rail screws (4) 4-12 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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hinge covers (2) rubber bumpers (2) screw covers bezel 5-mm bezel screws (6) 5-mm hinge LCD panel screws (2) EMI pan LCD FPC LED card cable LED cable left panel rail inverter signal cable LCD cable hinges (2) LCD latch top FPC right panel bobbin...
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FPC cable 5-mm screws (3) system-board retaining clip with 14-mm optional screw internal modem with 14-mm screw (1) bottom plastic 4-14 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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ground system board rails (2) with springs (2) 5-mm screws (2) and 16-mm screw infrared board with 5-mm screw system-board retaining clip with 14-mm screw heat-sink fin cover with 3.5-mm optional screw internal modem with 14-mm processor screw (1) module assembly with 14-mm LVDS board...
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6. Unlatch the LCD latch. 7 . Slowly open the display assembly so it is at a 90-degree angle to the base. This action repositions the hinges so you can remove the bezel later. 4-16 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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8. Gently lift the display assembly so the hinges are free of the base. Do not lift the assembly too far up because the LCD FPC cable is still con- nected to the LVDS board. The FPC bobbin and hinge covers will lift with the assembly;...
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6. Insert a small flat blade at the top of the latch and pry the latch up from the retainer in the back cover. You may be able to rotate the LCD latch inward to release it from the retainer in the back cover. 4-18 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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RQO\ To remove the inverter, see Figure 4-13 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the bezel. 3. Disconnect the inverter signal cable from the side-lift ZIF connector CN1 on the left side of the inverter by gently pulling each side of the ZIF connector, and then pulling out the cable.
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7 . Disconnect the LED cable from connector CN3 on the right side of the inverter. 8. Disconnect the LCD cable from connector CN2 on the right side of the inverter. 9. Remove the inverter. 4-20 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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RQO\ FPH 2.5 x 5 (2) 3.5–4.0 kgf-cm To remove the LCD interior assembly from the back cover, see Figure 4-13 or 4-14 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the bezel. 3. Remove the left and right hinge covers. NOTE: For installation, remember that the foot of the left hinge cover faces the keyboard and that the infrared lens in the right hinge cover faces out- ward to receive infrared transmissions.
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9. Remove the right panel rail. It is stamped with an R (right) for easy identification. During installation, the rails must fit snugly against the LCD panel so the inte- rior assembly will fit inside the back cover. 4-22 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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RQO\ FLH 2 x 4 (4) 1.5–1.8 kgf-cm To remove the panel rails, see Figure 4-14 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the bezel. 3. Remove the LCD interior assembly. 4. Remove the LED cable from the right panel rail (optional). NOTE: Note the routing of the LED cable through the right panel rail for installation.
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12. Gently pull the LCD FPC cable out of the connector on the LCD panel. 13. Lift the LCD panel out of the EMI pan. The LCD FPC cable remains taped to the EMI pan. 4-24 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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RQO\ To remove the LCD panel from the EMI pan, see Figure 4-14 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the bezel. 3. Remove the LCD interior assembly. 4. Remove the panel rails. 5. Remove (and save for installation) the Kapton tape from the lower right cor- ner of the LCD interior assembly.
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7 . Use the plastic pull to remove the flex cable from the hard-disk drive. NOTE: Although the connector may not be as wide as the set of pins, it is keyed so it can only fit one way on the pins. 4-26 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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RQO\ FPH 2.5 x 4 (2) 2.5–3.0 kgf-cm 4-mm upper plastic screws (2) metal bracket diskette drive lower plastic )LJXUH 'LVNHWWH 'ULYH 'LVDVVHPEO\ To disassemble the diskette drive, see Figure 4-19 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the diskette drive from the options bay. 2.
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4. Remove two 5-mm screws securing the drive into the lower plastic. 5. Turn the drive assembly over so that the drive falls out of the lower plastic into your hand. 6. Slide the metal plate off of the end of the drive. 4-28 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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7 . Remove the 3-mm screw holding the mounting bracket to the drive, and then remove the bracket. 8. Remove (and save for installation) any Kapton tape securing the drive cable. 9. Disconnect the cable. NOTE: To remove the media from the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive once the power to the drive is off, insert a small, thin object (such as one end of a paper clip) into the pinhole near the drive’s LED.
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NOTE: To remove the media from the Zip drive once the power to the drive is off, insert a small, thin object (such as one end of a paper clip) into the pinhole in the drive’s LED. This will eject the Zip disk. 4-30 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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FPH 2.5 x 16 (3) 3.5–4.0 kgf-cm NOTE: You can remove the keyboard while the display assembly is still attached. However, Dell strongly recommends removing the display assembly before removing the keyboard to prevent cosmetic damage. 16-mm screws (3) The keyboard can be removed without removing the palmrest. To remove the keyboard, see Figures 4-15 and 4-22 and follow these steps: 1.
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NOTE: Reconnect the IR board to the system board by carefully threading the wires and connector by the I/O bracket and using a screwdriver to press on the connector to reseat it. 4-32 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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The LVDS board can be removed without removing the palmrest. To remove the LVDS board, see Figure 4-16 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the keyboard. 3. Carefully lift the LVDS board off of connectors J2 and J3 on the video board.
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Figure 4-16 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the keyboard. 2. Remove the 3.5-mm screw securing the cover to the heat-sink fin. 3. Remove the heat-sink fin cover. 4-34 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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PNH 2 x 14 (2) 1.5–1.8 kgf-cm The processor module assembly can be removed without removing the palm- rest. To remove the processor module assembly, see Figure 4-16 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the keyboard. 2. Remove the heat-sink fin cover. 3.
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An arrow on the top of the fan indi- cates that the flow of air is from the outside of the computer in to the board. 4-36 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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FPH 2.5 x 14 (1) 3.0–3.5 kgf-cm The modem card is an option available only to customers in the U.S. and Canada. The modem card can be removed without removing the palmrest. To remove the modem card, see Figure 4-16 and follow these steps: 1.
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When installing the board, put pressure only on the areas where the connec- tors on the video board and on the system board fit together. Pressing on other areas may flex the board and break connections. 4-38 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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FPH 2.5 x 19 (7) 3.5–4.0 kgf-cm 16-mm screws (7) To remove the palmrest assembly, see Figures 4-15 and 4-23 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the keyboard. 3. Turn the computer face down. 4. Remove the seven 19-mm palmrest screws from the bottom of the com- puter (see Figure 4-23).
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5. Lift the touch pad assembly out of the palmrest assembly. 6. Disconnect the touch-pad FPC cable from the center-lift ZIF connector J1 on the touch pad. The touch pad buttons are heat-staked into the touch pad assembly and cannot be removed. 4-40 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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FPH 2.5 x 5 (2) 3.0–3.5 kgf-cm FPH 2.5 x 16 (1) 3.0–3.5 kgf-cm To remove the system board rails, see Figure 4-16 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the keyboard. 3. Remove the palmrest assembly. 4.
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When installing the board, put pressure only on the areas where the connec- tors on the DC/DC board and on the system board fit together. Pressing on other areas may flex the board and break connections. 4-42 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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To remove the speakers, see Figure 4-16 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the keyboard. 3. Remove the palmrest assembly. 4. Remove the system board rails. 5. Remove the DC/DC board. 6. Disconnect the left speaker cable from connector J13 on the system board.
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6. Remove the four 14-mm screws securing the PC Card cage to the system board. 7 . Remove the PC Card cage. When installing the PC Card cage, ensure that the modem cable is routed cor- rectly and is not pinched by the cage. 4-44 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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FPH 2.5 x 5 (1) 3.0–3.5 kgf-cm FPH 2.5 x 14 (1) 3.0–3.5 kgf-cm To remove the system board, see Figure 4-16 and follow these steps: 1. Remove the display assembly. 2. Remove the keyboard. 3. Remove the infrared board, LVDS board, heat-sink fin cover, processor module assembly, fan cover and fan, modem card (if present), and video board.
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Put pressure only on the areas where the connectors on the audio jack board and on the system board fit together. Pressing on other areas may bend the board and break connections. 4-46 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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Table 4-2 lists the parts and assemblies available for the Inspiron 3500 com- puter. This information is provided for reference only. Some parts may only be available as part of a kit or assembly. Customer kits are those parts or assemblies that are replaceable by a customer.
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Bottom Plastic Assembly with Label ASSY,CVR,BTM,PLSTC,NBK,93500 Base Plastic CVR,BTM,PLSTC,NBK,I3500 Regulatory Label LBL,REG,GNRC,NBK,I3500 FAN,25X25X6.5MM,5V,NBK,I3500 Fan Cover CVR,PLSTC,FAN,NBK,I3500 Speakers (right and left are the SPKR,0.6W,23M,NBK,I3500 same) Bottom Feet - Small FOOT,RBR,BTM,SMALL,NBK,I3500 Bottom Feet - Large FT,RBR,BTM,LARGE,NBK,I3500 4-48 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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7DEOH 3DUWV DQG $VVHPEOLHV FRQWLQXHG Miscellaneous Lower Logic Parts Ground Springs SPR,MET,LCD,I3500 Modem Plug CVR,SIDE,PLSTC,MDM,I7000 I/O Door DOOR,PLSTC,I/O,I3500 Memory Door DOOR,PLSTC,BTM,RAM,NBK,I3500 Battery Bay Release Latch LTCH,REL,PLSTC,RT,NBK,I3500 Options Bay Release Latch LTCH,REL,PLSTC,LF ,NBK,I3500 Keyboards Keyboard US KYBD,87 ,US,NBK,I3500 Keyboard UK KYBD,88,UK,NBK,I3500 Keyboard France KYBD,87 ,FR,NBK,I3500...
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13.3 LG LCD Display Assembly with ASSY,LCD,TFT,XGA,13.3,I3500,LG LVDS 13.3 Samsung LCD Display Assem- ASSY,LCD,TFT,13.3,I3500,SMSNG bly with LVDS 14.1 LG LCD Display Assembly with ASSY,LCD,TFT,XGA,14.1,I3500,LG LVDS Zip Drive Assembly ASSY,RMS,100M,ZIP ,12.7 ,I,I3500 DVD Assembly ASSY,DVD,2X,INT,MPEGII,I3500 4-60 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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All parts are common to all configurations of the Inspiron 3500 computer except for those defined in this appendix as unique. 7DEOH $ 'LVSOD\ $VVHPEO\ 8QLTXH 3DUWV 3DUW ,QFK ,QFK ,QFK /XFN\ 6DPVXQJ /XFN\ *ROGVWDU *ROGVWDU LCD "Hinge-Up" Display Assembly...
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Internal Screws (2) Lower Plastic CD-ROM Drive Upper Plate FPC Cable CD-ROM Drive FPC Cable Sponge Bracket Screw (1) CD-ROM Drive Bracket CD-ROM Drive Bezel Bezel Screws, Large Head Bezel Screws, Small Head CD-ROM/DVD-ROM Drive Dell Inspiron 3500 Service Manual...
4-38 suspend mode, specifications, 1-11 save to disk, view save to ram, back, Suspend Time-Out option, front, system visual inspection, features, overview, power, system board removal, 4-45 Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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Zip drive location (options bay), zero insertion force. See ZIF removal, ZIF connectors disconnection, 4-10 reconnection, 4-10...
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Dell Inspiron 3500 Portable Computer Service Manual...
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