Dell Vostro A840 Service Manual
Summary
Service manual for Dell Vostro A840 and A860 laptop computers (Models PP38L and PP37L). Provides detailed removal and replacement procedures for all major components including module cover, memory modules, mini-cards, center control cover, keyboard, display assembly, palm rest, system fan, processor heat sink, processor, hard drive, coin-cell battery, optical drive, speakers, system board, and battery latch assembly. Includes BIOS flashing instructions and ESD safety precautions. Targets authorized service technicians performing hardware repairs.
Page 1 Text Content
Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Before You Begin Module Cover Memory Module Mini-Cards Center Control Cover Keyboard Display Palm Rest System Fan Processor Heat Sink Processor Hard Drive Coin-Cell Battery Optical Drive Speaker System Board Battery Latch Assembly Flashing the BIOS Model PP38L, PP37L
Notes, Notices, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. © 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and Vostro are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and is used by Dell under license. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, and Windows Vista start button are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. 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 Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. September 2009 Rev. A01
Page Summary Contents For Dell Vostro A840 Service Manual
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Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Before You Begin Module Cover Memory Module Mini-Cards Center Control Cover Keyboard Display Palm Rest System Fan Processor Heat Sink Processor Hard Drive Coin-...
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Back to Contents Page Module Cover Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Module Cover Replacing the Module Cover CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety info...
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Back to Contents Page Battery Latch Assembly Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Battery Latch Assembly Replacing the Battery Latch Assembly CAUTION: Before working inside your ...
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Back to Contents Page
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Back to Contents Page Before You Begin Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Recommended Tools Turning Off Your Computer Before Working Inside Your Computer This section provides procedures ...
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NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device. 3. Disconnect all telephone or network cables from the computer. 4. ...
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Back to Contents Page Flashing the BIOS Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Flashing the BIOS From a CD Flashing the BIOS From the Hard Drive If a BIOS-update program CD is provided with the...
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Back to Contents Page Internal Card With Bluetooth®Wireless Technology Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Bluetooth® Card Replacing the Bluetooth® Card CAUTION: Before working ...
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Back to Contents Page Coin-Cell Battery Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Coin-Cell Battery Replacing the Coin-Cell Battery CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read ...
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Back to Contents Page Processor Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Processor Replacing the Processor CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information t...
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NOTICE: Ensure that the cam lock is in the fully open position before seating the processor. Seating the processor properly in the ZIF socket does not require force. NOTICE: A processor that is not pr...
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Back to Contents Page Processor Heat Sink Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Processor Heat Sink Replacing the Processor Heat Sink CAUTION: Before working inside your computer,...
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Back to Contents Page Display Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Display Assembly Display Bezel Display Panel Display Panel Cable Display Inverter CAUTION: Before working inside your ...
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1 display cable 2 antenna cables 9. Remove the two screws from either side of the display hinges. 10. Lift and remove the display assembly. 1 display hinge screw (4) 2 antenna cables 3 display cable ...
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Display Bezel Removing the Display Bezel NOTICE: The display bezel is extremely fragile. Be careful when removing it to prevent damaging the bezel. 1. Remove the display assembly (see Display). 2. Re...
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Removing the Display Panel 1. Remove the display assembly (see Display). 2. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel). 3. Remove the six screws securing the display panel assembly to t...
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2. Replace the eight screws that secure the display panel brackets to each side of the display panel. 3. Align the display panel with the display cover and replace the six screws. 4. Connect the displ...
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Removing the Display Inverter 1. Remove the display assembly (see Display). 2. Remove the display bezel (see Removing the Display Bezel). 3. Disconnect the cables from the connectors on either side of...
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Back to Contents Page System Fan Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the System Fan Replacing the System Fan CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety informatio...
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Back to Contents Page Hard Drive Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Hard Drive Replacing the Hard Drive CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety informatio...
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1 hard drive cage 2 hard drive NOTICE: When the hard drive is not in the computer, store it in a protective antistatic package (see "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety...
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Back to Contents Page Center Control Cover Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Center Control Cover Replacing the Center Control Cover CAUTION: Before working inside your comput...
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Replacing the Center Control Cover 1. Snap the center control cover in place. 2. Turn the computer over and replace the screws that secure the hinge cover to the battery bay. For the Vostro™ A840, th...
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Back to Contents Page Keyboard Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Keyboard Replacing the Keyboard CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that...
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2. Align the five tabs along the bottom of the keyboard and slide them under the palm rest. 3. Replace the two screws at the top of the keyboard. 4. Replace the center control cover (see Center Contro...
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Back to Contents Page Memory Module Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Memory Module(s) Replacing the Memory Module(s) CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the sa...
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NOTE: If the memory module is not installed properly, the computer may not boot. 1 tab 2 notch 3. Replace the module cover (see Replacing the Module Cover). 4. Insert the battery into the battery bay,...
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Back to Contents Page Mini-Cards Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the WLAN Card Replacing the WLAN Card CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information ...
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Replacing the WLAN Card NOTICE: The connectors are keyed to ensure correct insertion. If you feel resistance, check the connectors on the card and on the system board, and realign the card. NOTICE: T...
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Back to Contents Page Optical Drive Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Optical Drive Replacing the Optical Drive CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety i...
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Back to Contents Page Palm Rest Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Palm Rest Replacing the Palm Rest Removing the Palm Rest CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read ...
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1 palmrest screw (2) 2 power/keyboard status light cable 3 touch pad cable 4 display hinge cable Replacing the Palm Rest 1. Align the palm rest with the computer base and gently snap it into place. 2...
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Back to Contents Page Speaker Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the Speaker Replacing the Speaker CAUTION: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that sh...
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Back to Contents Page System Board Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual Removing the System Board Replacing the System Board Removing the System Board CAUTION: Before working inside your com...
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1 system board screw (2) 2 DC-In connector 3 speaker connector 4 RJ-11 connector 14. Lift the system board at an angle towards the side of the computer and out of the computer base. Replacing the Sys...
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Back to Contents Page Dell™ Vostro™ A840/A860 Service Manual NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer. NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential ...
Manual Details
| Brand | Dell |
|---|---|
| Pages | 36 |
| File Size | 1.11 MB |
| Published | June 24, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove the module cover?
Turn the computer over, remove the two screws, and lift the cover away.
How should I ground myself before opening the computer?
Use a wrist grounding strap or periodically touch an unpainted metal surface.
What is required before replacing the system board?
Replace all screws, ensure no loose parts remain inside, and turn on the computer.
How do I reinstall the battery latch assembly?
Slide the assembly in until it clicks, ensure the indent faces up, and tighten screws.