Are You sure abot that? In this forum http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/67404-20-changing-hard-drive-dell-vostro-3450 they suggest that the replacement is extremely cumbersome on the 3450. And the manuals and specifications could be somewhat similar on the complete serie 3450/3550/3750 as they share the same manual homepage on dell support.

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos3550/

The one for the 3500 should work fine - there is very little physical difference between the two chassis.

Apparently this manual doesn't exists. So Dell has started selling PC's without the existence of proper end user documentation. Now that will probably create some happy customers.

It just means Dell has followed Sony, Toshiba, Acer/Gateway/eMachines, Apple and a host of others.  None of them publish their service manuals either.

Not necessarily. Dell has published service manuals for just about every system it has produced, the Vostro 3750 is a rather new system, and they seem to be lagging a tad behind on that.

Here is the service manual for the 3500 model. It should work.

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Dell posted a service manual for the Vostro 3550 on its website on June 24, 2011.  Based on the instructions and illustrations in the manual, the removal of the hard drive seems to be fairly simple, unlike the Vostro 3450.  RAM replacement also seems simple.

I've got the 3550 and harddrive replacement is a 1 minute task (maybe less for a skilled replacement artist). Remove buttom lid (3 screws) and the harddrive is immediately available for removal (2 screws)

NilsB -- That's good to know.  Thanks for the info.

I just purchased a Vostro 3550 and the only manual I could find on Dell contained little more than how to install or uninstall components. I'm not a total computer newbie, but I had a 7.5 year old Inspiron 8600 prior to this new model and am totally unfamiliar with things like fingerprint readers, ExpressCard readers, or the difference between a USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0. And Google searches have been useless for things like explaining how I get my built-in web cam to work. I can certainly figure out my new operating system, load all my own required software and get done what needs to get done on a daily basis. But it's VERY frustrating to have this fabulous new tool and not understand how to fully utilize it. Not a happy camper ... at all.

One of the service techs at dell told me the service manual for the 3500 works, and it did for me.

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I was directed by one of the Dell techs to use the service manual for the Vostro 3500. It should work for you for basic service such as memory, hard drive, lcd, dvd replacement, etc... you can find that manual here:

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Fingerprint readers are usually attached to the palmrest like most touchpads and attach to the motherboard via a small strip ribbon, in the same way touchpads and keyboards do, and most of them now have mini zif sockets that you can flip open with a plastic spud. Express card readers usually come attached to the mb, unless they are part of a daughtercard, which i have yet to see on a dell. The basic differences between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 are

There should be a program called Dell webcam manager, if it is not installed, do a search on the dell website using the laptop model rather than the service tag (if it does not have one). You can always look in the BIOS for the service tag of the system if it the sticker is missing from the bottom.

any of the video chat clients (yahoo, skype, google talk) should be able to find it automatically unless the driver for the webcam is not installed yet.

I hope this helps.

Excellent service guide for 3750 is shown in the Dell owners manual download.

Perhaps some service procedures are applicable to 3550.

I had the same doubts about my Vostro 3550, and found 2 very good videos on Youtube, they do not bring tech specs, however you can see how it is done.

When dealing with hardware make sure to use a wrist strap or at least touch the chassis for 3 to 5 seconds BEFORE touching mem modules to avoid electrical discharges and try not to touch eletrical contacts.

Memory replacement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78eMtaNTadE  

HardDrive Replacement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGbThLw4PSw&feature=related

Yes, found it. Strictly a SERVICE manual .. of little use to those of us who aren't quite as technically inclined and might be looking for more of a USER Manual.