Dell Inspiron 3881 Service Manual
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Dell Inspiron 3881 Service Manual

Dell Inspiron 3881 Service Manual

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Inspiron 3881
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D29M
Regulatory Type: D29M001
April 2020
Rev. A00

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Summary of Contents for Dell Inspiron 3881

  • Page 1 Inspiron 3881 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D29M Regulatory Type: D29M001 April 2020 Rev. A00...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents 1 Working inside your computer....................... 5 Before working inside your computer..........................5 Safety instructions................................5 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection.......................... 6 ESD field service kit ................................6 Transporting sensitive components............................ 7 After working inside your computer............................ 7 2 Removing and installing components..................... 8 Recommended tools................................8 Screw list....................................
  • Page 4 Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)............................59 System diagnostic lights..............................59 Diagnostic error messages..............................60 System error messages..............................62 Recovering the operating system............................. 63 Flashing BIOS (USB key)..............................63 Flashing the BIOS................................63 WiFi power cycle................................. 64 6 Getting help..........................65 Contacting Dell..................................65 Contents...

  • Page 5: Working Inside Your Computer

    You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

  • Page 6: Electrostatic Discharge-Esd Protection

    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.

  • Page 7: 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.

  • Page 8: Removing And Installing Components

    Removing and installing components Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: • Philips screwdriver #1 • Flat-head screwdriver • Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box.

  • Page 9: System-Board Components

    Table 1. Screw list(continued) Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image System board Chassis 6-32 System board Chassis 6-32, M.2 card mounting screw System-board components Figure 1. System-board components Removing and installing components...

  • Page 10: Left-Side Cover

    1. power-button cable connector (PWR SW) 2. media-card reader board cable connector (SD CARD) 3. system-board power cable (ATX SYS) 4. hard-drive data cable connector (SATA1) 5. hard-drive data cable connector (SATA0) 6. M.2 2230 card slot for wireless card (M.2 WLAN) 7.

  • Page 11: Installing The Left-Side Cover

    Steps 1. Remove the two thumb screws (6-22) that secure the left-side cover to the chassis. 2. Using the tab on the left-side cover, slide the cover towards the back of the computer and remove the left-side cover off the chassis. Installing the left-side cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 12: Front Cover

    Steps 1. Align the tabs on the left-side cover with the slots on the chassis, and slide it towards the front of the computer. 2. Replace the two thumb screws (6-32) that secure the left-side cover to the chassis. Next steps 1.

  • Page 13: Installing The Front Cover

    Steps 1. Place the computer in an upright position. 2. Gently pry and release the front-cover tabs sequentially from the top. 3. Rotate the front cover outward from the chassis. 4. Remove the front cover from the chassis. Installing the front cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 14: Memory Modules

    Steps 1. Place the computer in an upright position. 2. Align and insert the front-cover tabs with the slots on the chassis. 3. Rotate the front cover towards the chassis and snap it into place. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover.

  • Page 15: Installing The Memory Modules

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. 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 3 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer.

  • Page 16: Solid-State Drive/Intel Optane

    Steps 1. Ensure that the securing clips are in an open position. 2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 3. Insert the memory module into the memory-module connector until the memory module snaps into position and the securing clip locks in place.

  • Page 17: Installing The Ssdinteloptane

    • M.2 2280 Intel Optane The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive/Intel Optane and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive/Intel Optane to the system board. 3.
  • Page 18 • M.2 2230 solid-state drive • M.2 2280 solid-state drive • M.2 2280 Intel Optane The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive/Intel Optane and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Locate the notch on the solid-state drive/Intel Optane. 2.

  • Page 19: Coin-Cell Battery

    Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task NOTE: 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 battery.

  • Page 20: Wireless Card

    About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Insert the coin-cell battery into its slot on the system board with the positive side (+) label facing up. 2.

  • Page 21: Installing The Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card to the system board. 3. Slide and lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 5.
  • Page 22 Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black...

  • Page 23: Graphics Card

    Graphics card Removing the graphics card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 24: Installing The Graphics Card

    Installing the graphics card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 25: Vga-Connector Board

    VGA-connector board Removing the VGA-connector board Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task NOTE: For computers shipped with 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10400F and 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10700F processors a VGA-connector cover is installed over the VGA connector and needs to be removed when the VGA- connector board is removed.

  • Page 26: Installing The Vga-Connector Board

    3. Remove the VGA-connector cover from the VGA connector. (if applicable) 4. Using the pull tab, disconnect the VGA-connector board cable from the system board. 5. Using the pull tab, disconnect the VGA-connector board cable from the system board. 6. Remove the two screws (6-32) that secure the VGA-connector board to the chassis. 7.

  • Page 27: Power-Supply Unit

    Steps 1. Slide in place the VGA-connector board into its slot on the chassis. 2. Replace the two screws (6-32) that secure the VGA-connector board to the chassis. 3. Connect the VGA-connector board cable to the system board. 4. Place the VGA-connector cover over the VGA connector. (if applicable) 5.

  • Page 28: Installing The Power Supply

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. 2. Remove the three screws (6-32) that secure the power supply to the chassis. 3. Disconnect the power-supply cables from the system board. NOTE: The power-supply cable is connected to the system board at two locations and supply power to the following components at the two location: •...
  • Page 29 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power supply and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Removing and installing components...

  • Page 30: Hard Drive

    Steps 1. Place and slide the power supply into its slot on the chassis. 2. Route the power-supply cables into the routing guides on the chassis. 3. Connect the power-supply cables to the two connectors on the system board. NOTE: The power-supply cable is connected to the system board at two locations and supply power to the following components at the two location: •...

  • Page 31: Installing The Hard Drive

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. CAUTION: Hold the hard drive In place when removing the screws that secure the hard drive to the chassis to prevent the hard drive from falling from place and damaging your computer. 2.

  • Page 32: Optical Drive

    Steps 1. Hold the hard drive into place on the chassis and align the screw holes on the hard drive with the screw holes on the chassis. 2. Connect the hard-drive power cable and hard-drive data cable to the hard drive. 3.

  • Page 33: Installing The Optical Drive

    3. Remove the left-side cover. About this task NOTE: These steps are only applicable for computers shipped with the optional optical drive. The following image(s) indicate the location of the optical drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.
  • Page 34 About this task NOTE: When installing the optional optical drive, ensure that the front cover of your computer has the slot for it. The following image(s) indicate the location of the optical drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 35: Media-Card Reader

    Media-card reader Removing the media-card reader Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the front cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the media-card reader and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 36: Installing The Media-Card Reader

    Installing the media-card reader Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the media-card reader and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 37: Fan Shroud

    Fan shroud Removing the fan shroud Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the fan shroud and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1.

  • Page 38: Installing The Fan Shroud

    Installing the fan shroud Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the fan shroud and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps Place the fan shroud into place on the fan and heat-sink assembly and snap it into place.

  • Page 39: Removing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Removing the fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the shroud. About this task CAUTION: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it.

  • Page 40: Installing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Installing the fan and heat-sink assembly Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: If either the processor or the fan and heat-sink assembly is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

  • Page 41: Processor

    Processor Removing the processor Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the shroud. 4. Remove the fan and heat-sink assembly. About this task CAUTION: The processor may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it.

  • Page 42: Installing The Processor

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. 2. Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it from the securing tab. 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.

  • Page 43: System Board

    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.
  • Page 44 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 45 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 46 Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. 2. Remove the screw (6-32) that secures the I/O-cover door to the chassis. 3. Lift the pull tab and open the I/O-cover door. 4. Disconnect the following cables from the system board. •...

  • Page 47: Installing The System Board

    Installing the system board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: If either the processor or the fan and heat-sink assembly is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.
  • Page 48 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 49 Steps 1. Slide the back 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. Replace the M.2 card-mounting screw (6-32) that secures the system board to the chassis. NOTE: Depending on the M.2 card you install in your computer, the location where you replace the M.2 card- mounting screw will differ.

  • Page 50: Drivers And Downloads

    Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938. Drivers and downloads...

  • Page 51: System Setup

    Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can: •...

  • Page 52: System Setup Options

    • Removable Drive (if available) • STXXXX Drive (if available) NOTE: XXX denotes the SATA drive number. • Optical Drive (if available) • SATA Hard Drive (if available) • Diagnostics NOTE: Choosing Diagnostics, will display the diagnostics screen. The boot sequence screen also displays the option to access the System Setup screen. System setup options NOTE: Depending on this computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear.
  • Page 53 Table 3. System setup options—System information menu(continued) General-System Information HT Capable Displays whether the processor is HyperThreading (HT) capable. 64-Bit Technology Displays whether 64-bit technology is used. Device Information SATA-0 Displays the SATA device information of the computer. SATA-1 Displays the SATA device information of the computer. M.2 PCIe SSD-2 Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD information of the computer.
  • Page 54 Table 4. System setup options—System Configuration menu(continued) System Configuration Miscellaneous Devices Enable or disable various onboard devices. Table 5. System setup options—Video menu Video Multi-Display Enable or disable multiple displays. Primary Display Set or change the primary display. Table 6. System setup options—Security menu Security Admin Password Set, change, or delete the administrator password.
  • Page 55 Table 8. System setup options—Intel Software Guard Extensions menu Intel Software Guard Extensions Intel SGX Enable Enable or disable Intel Software Guard Extensions. Enclave Memory Size Set the Intel Software Guard Extensions Enclave Reserve Memory Size. Performance Multi Core Support Enable multiple cores.

  • Page 56: Flashing The Bios

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

  • Page 57: Assigning A System Setup Password

    Table 14. System and setup password(continued) Password type Description Setup password Password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS settings of your computer. You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your computer. CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your computer.

  • Page 58: Clearing Cmos Settings/Rtc Reset

    1. Key in your computer's service tag number into the locked BIOS/system setup screen. 2. Convey the code generated to the Dell Tech Support agent. 3. The Dell Tech Support agent will provide a 32 character Master System Password that can be used to access the locked BIO/system setup.

  • Page 59: 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.

  • Page 60: Diagnostic Error Messages

    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.
  • Page 61 Table 16. Diagnostic error messages(continued) Error messages Description 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.

  • Page 62: System Error Messages

    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.

  • Page 63: Recovering The Operating System

    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.

  • Page 64: Wifi Power Cycle

    Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Submit. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the auto-detect feature or manually browse for your computer model.

  • Page 65: Getting Help

    About this task Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: Steps 1.

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