Upgrading Your Notebook

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

PC Cards
Memory
Hard drive

Adding PC Cards

    Your notebook has one PC Card slot (also known as a PCMCIA card slot). This slot accepts a single Type II or Type III PC Card.

    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 bottom of 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 on 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.

         

    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, remove the battery, 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 battery.

            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 PC100 or 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 battery. For more information, see "Changing batteries".

            Warning

            To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your computer, remove the battery, and unplug the power cord and modem cable before opening the case. Replace the cover before you restore power or reconnect the modem cable.

              1. Remove the memory bay cover screw, and 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. Pull the memory module out of the slot.
              1. 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 notch in the module lines up with the tab in the memory bay.

              Important

              Use only PC100 (100 MHz) or 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 hard drive

              To replace the 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 battery. For more information, see "Changing batteries".

                4. Remove the hard drive screws, then pull the drive kit straight out from the notebook.
                1. Place the new hard drive kit in the bay, slide it into the connector, then replace the screws to secure the hard drive to the notebook.