Chapter 1: Before Working Inside Your Computer; Before You Begin; Safety Instructions - Dell Alienware Area-51 Service Manual

Before Working Inside Your 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.
NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Topics:
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Before You Begin

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Safety Instructions

• Recommended Tools
Before You Begin
1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.
2. Shut down your computer.
● Windows 8.1: On the Start screen, click or tap the power icon
● Windows 7: Click or tap Start > Shut down.
NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down
instructions.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.
4. Disconnect all cables such as telephone cables, network cables and so on, from your computer.
5. Disconnect all attached devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, and so on, from your computer.
6. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
7. After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the system board.
Safety Instructions
Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety.
NOTE: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that shipped with your computer. For more safety
best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
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 electrical outlet.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the computer, ensure that the work surface is flat and clean.
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: 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 shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.
CAUTION: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or
by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you
8 Before Working Inside Your Computer
> Shut down.
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