How to replace the wireless card on Inspiron 5400-Inspiron 5401-Inspiron 7700

This video will demonstrate the replacement procedure of a wireless card for the Inspiron 5400/Inspiron 5401/Inspiron 7700.

In this video, we will demonstrate how to replace the wireless card. Before removing the wireless card, read through the safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety. For more information about safety guidelines see the Inspiron 5400, 5401 or 7700 service manual at dell.com/support Before you begin, ensure that you turn off your computer and disconnect all attached peripherals.

Caution: when servicing the computer, place it on an elevated, clean and flat surface. Place the display flat on the surface, with the stand hanging over the edge. To remove the back cover, place your palm in the middle of the back cover then pry the back cover from the display assembly base, starting from the top corners. Remove the back cover from the display assembly base. To remove the bottom cover remove the five screws that secure the bottom cover to the display assembly base.

Lift the bottom cover off the display assembly base. To remove the stand, in the reverse sequential order indicated on the stand remove the eight screws that secure the stand to the display assembly base. Remove the stand from the slots on the display assembly base and lift the stand off the display assembly base. To remove the system board shield remove the four screws that secure the system board shield to the base.

Lift the system board shield off the display assembly base. Now, let’s remove the wireless card. Remove the two screws that secure the wireless card shield to the system board. Lift the wireless card shield off of the system board and wireless card. Remove the screw that secures the wireless card bracket to the wireless card.

Slide the wireless card bracket off the wireless card. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. Slide and remove the wireless card from the wireless card slot. You have successfully removed the wireless card. Now let’s see how to install the wireless card.

Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. Connect the black antenna cable to the wireless card main connector. The black antenna cable must be connected to the connector that is marked with a black triangle. Connect the white antenna cable to the wireless card main connector.

The white antenna cable must be connected to the connector that is marked with a white triangle. Place the wireless card bracket on the wireless card. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless card slot. Slide the wireless card at an angle into the wireless card slot. Replace the screw that secures the wireless card bracket to the wireless card. Align and place the wireless card shield on the system board and wireless card. Replace the two screws that secure the wireless card shield to the system board.

Once the wireless card is installed install the system board shield, stand, bottom cover and back cover, back to the computer. To install the system board shield, align the slots on the system board shield with the ports on the computer. Replace the four screws that secure the system board shield to the display assembly base. To install the stand align the screw holes on the stand with the screw holes on the display assembly base and slide the stand onto the base.

In the sequential order indicated on the stand replace the eight screws that secure the stand to the display assembly base. To install the bottom cover align the screw holes on the bottom cover with the screw holes on the display assembly base and snap the bottom cover back into place. Replace the five screws that secure the bottom cover to the display assembly base.

To install the back cover, align the slots on the back cover with the slots on the computer and press along the sides to snap the back cover into place. The wireless card installation process is now complete. For more information, see the service manual document at dell.com/support