How to Replace Solid-State Drive (SSD) 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.

This video shows how to replace the M.2 2280 SSD on an Alienware m16 R2 laptop. Before removing the SSD, 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.

Before removing the SSD, remove the screw that secures the SSD thermal shield to the system board. Then, remove the screw that secures the SSD thermal shield to the I/O board. Lift the thermal shield off the SSD. Now, slide and remove the SSD from its slot. You have successfully removed the SSD from the computer. Now, let’s install the SSD. Align the notch on the SSD with the tab on its slot. Then slide the SSD into its slot on the system board. Slide the tab on the thermal shield into the SSD slot. Align the screw holes on the thermal shield with the screw holes on the system board and I/O board. And replace the screw that secures the thermal shield to the I/O board. Then, replace the screw that secures the shield to the system board.

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.