Upgrading Your Notebook

    This chapter provides information about adding hardware devices to your notebook, including:

PC Cards
Bay modules
Memory
Hard drive

Adding PC Cards

    Your notebook has two PC Card slots (also known as PCMCIA card slots). These slots accept Type I, II, and III cards.

Important

The Solo 9500 also supports Zoom Video PC Cards. If you are using a Zoom Video PC Card, it must be inserted into the bottom slot.

    You do not need to restart your notebook when changing most cards because your notebook supports hot-swapping . Hot-swapping means that you can insert a PC Card while your notebook is running. If your PC Card does not work after hot-swapping, refer to the PC Card manufacturer's documentation for further information.

Help and Support

For more information on adding PC Cards, click Start, then select Help and Support.

To insert a PC Card:

Push the card firmly into the PC Card slot label-side up until the outer edge of the card is flush with the side of the notebook.

       

To remove a PC Card:

    1. Click the PC Card icon in the taskbar, then select the PC Card name and click Stop.
      -OR-
      Turn off the notebook.

    1. Release the eject button by pressing the PC Card eject button once.

    2. Eject the PC Card by pressing the eject button again.

       

Changing bay modules

    Your notebook's modular bays support different bay modules , such as a CD/DVD drive, a second hard drive, or a second battery.

Changing 5.25-inch bay modules

To change 5.25-inch bay modules:

    1. Make sure your notebook is on or off (not in Standby or Hibernate mode).

    2. If your notebook is on, left-click the BaySwap icon on the taskbar, then click Change drives in Swappable Bay. When prompted by the swapping program, close the cover and turn your notebook over.
      - OR -
      If your notebook is off, close the cover and turn your notebook over.
    1. Slide and hold the release latch, then pull the module straight out and away from your notebook.
    1. Push the new module straight into the bay until it clicks into place.

    1. Open the notebook.

    2. If your notebook is on, click the OK button in the BaySwap dialog box. If your notebook is off, turn it on.

       

Changing 3.5-inch bay modules

To change 3.5-inch bay modules:

    1. Turn off the notebook (do not go to Hibernate mode), close the cover, and turn the notebook over.

    2. Remove the security screw (Solo 9500 only).

    3. Slide and hold the release latch, then pull the module straight out and away from your notebook.

    4. Push the new module straight into the bay until it clicks into place.

    5. Replace the security screw (Solo 9500 only).

    6. Turn on your notebook and resume your work.

       

Preventing static electricity discharge

    The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Caution

ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge sensitive components in the computer. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the computer case.

Warning

To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case.

    Before installing memory or replacing the hard drive, follow these guidelines:

Turn off the computer power.
Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of the computer.

Warning

To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of the notebook.

Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the computer.
Unplug the power cord and modem cable.
Remove the main battery (and secondary battery, if installed).

    Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:

Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing foam.
Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.
Always hold expansion cards by their edges or their metal mounting brackets. Avoid touching the edge connectors and components on the cards. Never slide expansion cards or components over any surface.

Installing memory

    Your notebook uses memory modules called SO-DIMMs (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules). The modules are available in various capacities and any module can be placed in any available slot. Use only PC133 memory modules for upgrading your memory.

To add or replace memory modules:

    1. Follow the instructions under "Preventing static electricity discharge".

    2. Shut down your notebook, then disconnect the power adapter and modem cable.

    3. Turn the notebook over, then remove the main battery (and second battery, if installed). For more information, see "Changing batteries" and "Installing a second battery".

Warning

Disconnect the power adapter, remove the battery, and disconnect the modem cable before you remove the memory bay cover. Replace the cover before you restore power or reconnect the modem cable.

    1. Remove the memory bay cover screw, then remove the memory bay cover.
    1. If you are removing a module, gently press outward on both clips at either end of the memory module until the module tilts upward.

    1. Pull the memory module out of the slot.

    2. Hold the new or replacement module at a 30-degree angle and press it into the empty memory slot. This module is keyed so that it can only be inserted in one direction. If the module does not fit, make sure the slot in the module lines up with the tab in the memory bay.

Important

Use only PC133 (133 MHz) memory modules.

    1. Gently push the module down until it clicks in place.

    2. Replace the memory bay cover and cover screw, insert the battery, connect the AC adapter, and turn on your notebook.

       

Replacing the main hard drive

    If you would like more hard drive capacity, you can install a second hard drive or replace your original drive with a higher-capacity drive.

To replace the main hard drive:

    1. Follow the instructions under "Preventing static electricity discharge" for important precautions.

    2. Shut down your notebook, then disconnect the power adapter and modem cable.

    3. Turn the notebook over, then remove the main battery (and second battery, if installed). For more information, see "Changing batteries" and "Installing a second battery".

    4. Remove the security screw (Solo 9500 only).

    5. Slide and hold the release latch, then pull the 3.5-inch module straight out and away from your notebook. The main hard drive is located beneath the 3.5-inch module.
    1. Remove the two screws that secure the hard drive kit to the notebook.
    1. Slide the hard drive kit away from the connector.
    1. Lift the end of the hard drive kit furthest from the connector, then remove the kit from the bay.

    1. Place the new hard drive kit in the bay and slide it into the connector.

    2. Replace the two screws to secure the hard drive kit to the notebook.

    3. Reinstall the 3.5-inch module.

    4. Reinstall the security screw (Solo 9500 only).

    5. Reinstall the battery and connect the power.