In this video, we will demonstrate how to remove and install a M.2 2280 solid-state drive. Before removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive, 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 5301 Service Manual at Dell.com/Support. Before you begin, ensure that you create a recovery drive and back up all data.
Turn off your computer and disconnect all attached peripherals. Before removing the basecover, remove any Micro-SD card installed in the Micro-SD card slot on your computer. Loosen the three captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Remove the four screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the top left, and then continue to work on the sides to open the base cover. Lift the base cover off the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Disconnect the battery cable from the connector on the system board. Turn the computer over and open the display. Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.
After draining the flea power, close the display, and turn the computer over. Now let’s remove the 2280 solid-state drive. Lift the Mylar that covers the system board. Lift the thermal tape that covers the M.2 2280 solid-state drive. Remove the screw that secures the solid-state drive to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Slide and lift the solid-state drive from the card slot on the system board.
You have successfully removed the 2280 solid-state drive. Now, let’s see how to install the 2280 solid-state drive. Align the notche on the solid state drive with the tab on the solid-state drive slot on the system board. Slide the solid-state drive into the solid-state drive slot on the system board. Replace the screw secures the 2280 solid-state drive to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Replace the thermal tape that covers the drive and mylar that covers the system board.
Now, connect the battery cable to the connector on the system board. Re-install the base cover by aligning and placing the base cover on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Press the edges and sides of the base cover until it snaps into place. Replace the four screws to secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Now, tighten the three captrive screws that secure the basecover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. The solid-state drive installation process is now complete. For more information, see the Inspiron 5301 Service Manual, at Dell.com/Support.
