How to Replace Wireless card on Alienware m16 R2

Learn how to replace the wireless card on the Alienware m16 R2. This video shows how to remove and install the wireless card on the Alienware m16 R2.   Before you begin, turn off the computer, and disconnect all the attached devices.  Ensure that you always use ESD protection when working inside the system.

In this video, we show how to replace the wireless card on an Alienware m16 R2 laptop. Before removing the wireless card, read through and follow the safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and ensure your personal safety. For more information about safety guidelines, see the Alienware m16 R2 Owner’s Manual at Dell.com/Support.

Before you begin, turn off the computer and disconnect all the attached peripherals. To begin, remove the six screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Then, loosen the two remaining captive screws. Using a plastic scribe, pry the base cover from the bottom left, and then continue to work on the sides to release it from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Slide and lift the base cover away from the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Ensure that your computer is in Service Mode. If your computer is not in Service Mode, disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Then, press and hold the power button for five seconds to ground the computer and drain the flea power.

Remove the screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to the wireless card and system board. Then lift the bracket off the wireless card. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. Slide and remove the wireless card from the system board. You have successfully removed the wireless card from the computer. Now, let’s install the wireless card. When reinstalling the wireless card, start by connecting the antenna cables. Connect the white cable to the 'Main' connector and the black cable to the 'Aux' connector on the wireless card.

Align the notch on the card with the tab on its slot. And slide it in. Place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless card. Align the screw hole on the wireless-card with the screw hole on the card and system board. Replace the screw that secures the wireless-card bracket to the wireless card and palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Since the battery is not a pre-requisite, if you have disconnected the battery cable, ensure to connect the battery cable. Slide the tabs on the base cover under the rear I/O cover. And snap the base cover into place. Tighten the two captive screws on the base cover. Then, replace the six screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. You can now connect all the peripherals and power on the computer. For more information about the Alienware m16 R2, go to Dell.com/Support.