Laptops are not as easy to upgrade as desktop computers. The parts are smaller and are packed into a small space, making them more difficult to manipulate. That said, laptops like the Dell Inspiron 1150 are designed so that the most common upgrades--adding memory and installing a new hard drive--are not difficult to perform.
Instructions
Shut Down the Computer
1. Shut down the operating system. Always shut down the computer before doing any hardware upgrades.
When shutting down, do not just push the power button to turn the computer off, instead go to the Start menu and do a full shutdown. This will ensure that your hard drive is properly shut down and your files are safely stored. If your hard drive has crashed and Windows won't start you can (obviously) skip this step.
2. Unplug the power cord from the computer.
3. Remove the battery. If you have a second battery installed, remove that one as well.
Upgrading Memory (RAM)
4. Purchase your memory module. The standard Inspiron 1150 comes with one 256 MB memory module, but has slots for two modules. You can upgrade your memory to 512 MB by adding a second 256 MB module, to 768 MB by adding a 512 MB module, or 1024 MB (1 GB), by using two 512 MB modules or one 1 GB module. Even though you can put two 1 GB modules in the computer, only one will be recognized. Check with the memory module manufacturer to be sure you get the right type of memory for the Inspiron 1150.
5. Shut down the computer.
6. Remove the memory module cover. Turn the laptop over so you can see the bottom. The memory module cover is near the middle and has two slots for ventilation. Loosen the screw and remove the cover. Note that the screw does not come out of the cover.
7. Remove the existing memory module. This step is optional--if you are simply adding a 256 MB or 512 MB module, you can skip to the next step. The module is held in place by two small plastic tabs, one on either side. Being careful not to break them, gently pull each of the tabs away from the module. Now pull the memory module out of its slot. You may have to wiggle it a little bit from side to side to loosen it, but do not bend the memory module or you may damage the slot in the computer.
8. Install the new memory module. Slide the module into the slot at a 45-degree angle. Push it in gently so the metal connections are not damaged. When you have pushed the module in far enough, you will hear a click and the small plastic tabs will be snug against the side of the module. Repeat this step with the other slot if you are installing two memory modules.
9. Replace the cover. Slide the cover back on and tighten the screw.
10. Restart the computer. Replace the battery and power cord and turn the computer on. To verify that the module is properly installed, open the System Control panel and check the amount of memory. If the computer does not start or the amount of installed memory has not changed, remove the newly added memory module and reinstall it.
Upgrading the Hard Drive
11. Shut down the computer.
12. Remove the hard drive bay, which is next to the headphone jack. Remove the two screws holding the drive in place and slide it out.
13. Remove the old hard drive from the hard drive bay. The hard drive is held in place by four screws, two on either side.
14. Insert the new hard drive into the hard drive bay. Replace the four screws. When the hard drive is in the correct position, the screw holes in the drive bay will line up with the screw holes in the hard drive.
15. Replace the hard drive bay in the computer. The pins on the end of the hard drive are very delicate and can be easily bent, so push the drive bay gently back into place. Replace the two screws holding the hard drive bay in place.
16. Replace the battery and reattach the power cord.
17.Install the operating system. You can do this either by booting from the installation CD that came with your system, or copying the contents of your old hard drive onto your new one (a USB drive adapter and drive copying software are required).
Tags: hard drive, memory module, Inspiron 1150, computer Remove, hard drive, power cord