Dell Optiplex 3280-9896 [7/96] Before you begin

Before you begin

Steps

1. Save and close all open files and exit all open applications.

2. Shut down your computer. Click Start >

Power > Shut down.

NOTE: If you are using a different operating system, see the documentation of your operating system for shut-down

instructions.

3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets.

4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer.

5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.

6. After the computer is unplugged, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to ground the system board.

CAUTION: Place the computer on a flat, soft, and clean surface to avoid scratches on the display.

7. Place the computer face down.

Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection

ESD is a major concern when you handle electronic components, especially sensitive components such as expansion cards,

processors, memory DIMMs, and system boards. Very slight charges can damage circuits in ways that may not be obvious, such

as intermittent problems or a shortened product life span. As the industry pushes for lower power requirements and increased

density, ESD protection is an increasing concern.

Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than

in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.

Two recognized types of ESD damage are catastrophic and intermittent failures.

● Catastrophic – Catastrophic failures represent approximately 20 percent of ESD-related failures. The damage causes

an immediate and complete loss of device functionality. An example of catastrophic failure is a memory DIMM that has

received a static shock and immediately generates a "No POST/No Video" symptom with a beep code emitted for missing or

nonfunctional memory.

● Intermittent – Intermittent failures represent approximately 80 percent of ESD-related failures. The high rate of

intermittent failures means that most of the time when damage occurs, it is not immediately recognizable. The DIMM

receives a static shock, but the tracing is merely weakened and does not immediately produce outward symptoms related to

the damage. The weakened trace may take weeks or months to melt, and in the meantime may cause degradation of memory

integrity, intermittent memory errors, etc.

The more difficult type of damage to recognize and troubleshoot is the intermittent (also called latent or "walking wounded")

failure.

Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage:

● Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not

provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts

with increased sensitivity to ESD damage.

● Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.

● When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component from the anti-static

packing material until you are ready to install the component. Before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, ensure that you

discharge static electricity from your body.

● Before transporting a static-sensitive component, place it in an anti-static container or packaging.

Safety instructions