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Resolved Question

Dell X1 board replacement

Sep 12, 2012 6:28AM PDT

Already have the board and recently downloaded what is supposed to be the Dell repair manual. I see a series of images but still cannot tell whether the proceedure begins from the keyboard side or the bottom. I have significant experience with desktop boards and some with notebooks. Hoping I can connect with one who has changed this particular board. I have uploaded the service manual images I have and can share it if needed. Much thanks in advance for an informed response.

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mnewsome has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Dell X1 board replacement
Sep 12, 2012 10:00PM PDT

Hi mnewsome,

You can refer to this Service Manual for Latitude X1 which will show all the components of this computer.
Observe the following safety precautions before performing any steps:
1. Turn off the system and disconnect any attached peripherals including the battery and the AC adapter (printer, USB flash drives, SD card, ethernet cable).
2. Once done, press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.

Start with disconnecting the keyboard. Remove the seven screws labeled "K" from the bottom of the computer. Hereafter, follow the sequence as shown in the link for disassembling system board.

Hope this helps.
Please reply if you have any further questions.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C

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Your efforts are noted
Sep 17, 2012 6:09AM PDT

Manpreet:

Truly appreciative of your efforts. I doubted that I would ever see this service manual.

Cordially,

Maurice Newsome

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Glad to be of help
Sep 17, 2012 8:40AM PDT

Maurice,

Thank you for the response.
Glad to be of help.

Please reply if you have any further questions.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C

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Answer
Have the service manual but...
Oct 9, 2012 6:00AM PDT

I have the keyboard removed and the manual requires that the "display ground screw" be removed. There are two in the area that corresponds to the manual. Not sure I can link you to the camera shot of my machine but the memory housing is the best landmark. Just to the right are the two screws... The letter "M" imprinted on the memory housing is closest to one of the screws.

Do not know which of the two to remove. The link to my microsoft live folder is
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=4AD6AABD72471DBB!6720

Much thanks for your continued support

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Display ground screw
Oct 10, 2012 5:28AM PDT

Thank you for the response.
Please remove the screw that you have marked as blue. The other screw marked in red is for the memory module.
You will remove this screw and another screw as shown in the image (no.2 screw): <span
Here is another image for a better view: <span

Hope this helps.
Please reply if you have any further questions.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C

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System board Project [continued]
Jan 17, 2013 12:16AM PST

Greetings Manpreet:

I write to report that the system board is replaced but the reassembly of the machine is not complete. I know it should be a simple matter of reversing the steps but I find myself at a standstill.

There is a series of images uploaded to a Microsoft online folder demonstrating where I am with the reassembly. The link to the images are below this text. The display is next to but not connected to the main element and so I am seeking specific guidance on what to connect and in what order. You have been more than helpful with this project and it is my hope that I might see this machine working once again. Much thanks for your attention as I await your reply.

Cordially,
Maurice

https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=52B21D2F3F75A51A!2781&authkey=!ADmqTD_PIjq6_BA

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System board replacement
Jan 17, 2013 10:47PM PST

Greetings Maurice,

I am glad that you have successfully replaced the motherboard.
The pictures are uploaded in the skydrive folder: http://sdrv.ms/UAl8tN
Now the components need to be connected in the following sequence:

1. Memory Shield: Put the memory shield in place, insert and tighten the captive screw labeled 'M' as shown in the image (Memory Shield)
2. Palmrest: Connect the touch pad cable from ZIF connector on the system board as shown in the image (Palmrest connection). Place the palmrest on the base and ensure that the snaps attach to the base. Insert and tighten the screw labeled 'P'. Turn the computer upside down on a flat work surface. Connect the six M2.5 x 5-mm screws to the bottom of the computer as shown in the image (Palmrest screws).
3. Display assembly: Once the palmrest is connected, connect the display with two screws marked in red to the hinges metal strips marked in yellow and to the palmrest screw holes marked in red as shown in the image (Display hinges and metal strips connect to the palm rest). Connect the captive display-cable ground screw. Connect the display cable using the pull-tab and connect the two antenna-cable connectors.
4. Hinge covers: Connect the hinge covers as shown in the image (Hinge cover). Open the display all the way (180 degrees) so that it lies flat against your work surface.
5. Keyboard: Place the keyboard on the palmrest at a 45 degrees angle. Connect the keyboard cable to the system board and engage the two system-board connector tabs as shown in the image (Keyboard connection). Turn the computer upside down. Connect the seven M2.5 x 5-mm screws labeled 'K' to the bottom of the computer.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C

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Replace motherboard
Oct 11, 2012 6:11AM PDT

Hi Maurice,

Did it work? Were you able to replace the motherboard?

Please reply if you have any further questions.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C

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Power on System Check
Jan 22, 2013 12:54AM PST

Greetings Manpreet:

I write to report that the board now powers on but other issues are noted. New images will show that the power button light is on but so too is the ethernet port. Additionally, the display does not light


The board was replaced because of the broken power connector and should not have an effect on the link light or the display. I believe that the display connection is proper but would ask for troubleshooting guidance.
The hyperlink is: <span id="INSERTION_MARKER">https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=52B21D2F3F75A51A!2865&authkey=!ACRzRCjzowtls20

Cordially,

Maurice

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Check if the laptop finishes Power on Self test
Jan 22, 2013 7:22PM PST

Greetings Maurice,

Restart the laptop and check if the keyboard status lights flash or show any specific pattern.
Also, press the Caps lock key while the laptop is powered on and check if the light is illuminated

You can try to perform the Dell Diagnostics to determine if it is a display issue:
1. Turn off the computer; press and hold the <Fn> key, push the power button and release the keys simultaneously.
2. A blue screen will appear stating Pre-boot System Assessment.
3. If there is no display, you will hear a beep corresponding to this message, 'Were color bars displayed?(y/n)'.
4. Press 'N' key if the color bars are not displayed. During the LCD BIST, a solid color screen is shown and five different colors are displayed. While the colors are displayed, the system beeps every 2 seconds and the lock lights (Num Lock, Caps Lock, and Scroll Lock) illuminate to indicate the test is running.
5. If there is no display during the LCD BIST, you may have to reseat the display cable.
6. Please connect the laptop to an external monitor (if available) and toggle the display using <Fn> and <F8> key.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and Regards,
Manpreet C