In this video, we’ll demonstrate how to replace the M.2 2230 solid-state drive, or SSD with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive. Before removing the SSD 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 7706 2-in-1 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.
To remove the base cover, remove the eight screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Loosen the three captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Do not pull or pry on the base cover at the side where the hinges are located.
Doing so may damage the base cover. Upon loosening the three captive screws, the base cover will pop up creating a gap between the base cover and the palm-rest assembly. If the cover is still attached, use a plastic scribe to gently pry it off.
Lift the base cover off of the palm-rest assembly. Disconnect the battery cable from the system board. Turn the computer over and open the display. Press the power button for 15 seconds to drain the flea power.
Now, let’s remove the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. Remove the screw that secures the SSD thermal bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Lift the SSD thermal bracket off of the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Remove the screw that secures the SSD to the SSD bracket.
Slide and remove the SSD from the SSD slot. You have now successfully removed the M.2 2230 solid-state drive. If you’re replacing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive with an M.2 2280 solid-state drive the solid-state drive bracket must be shifted to fit the M.2 2280 solid-state drive.
Unscrew the solid-state drive bracket from its current M.2 2230 position. Place the solid-state drive bracket at the new M.2 2280 position and replace the screw that secures the solid-state drive bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Now, let’s see how to install the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Align the notch on the SSD with the tab on the SSD slot. Slide the SSD firmly into its slot at an angle. Replace the screw that secures the SSD to the SSD bracket.
Then align the screw hole and the SSD thermal bracket with the screw hole and the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Replace the screw that secures the SSD thermal bracket to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
Once the SSD is installed, we have to reconnect the battery cable. To reinstall the base cover, align the screw holes on the base cover with the screw holes on the palm-rest and keyboard assembly then snap the base cover into place.
Replace the eight screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly. Tighten the three captive screws that secure the base cover to the palm-rest and keyboard assembly.
The M.2 2280 solid-state drive installation process is now complete. For additional information about this procedure and more see the Service Manual document at Dell.com/support.
