How to Install an Internal Media Card Reader for a Dell Dimension E521
- 1). Shut down the computer and unplug it from the outlet or surge protector. Remove the power cable from the rear of the computer along with anything else attached to it. This includes the monitor cable, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet cable and other peripheral devices.
- 2). Lay the computer on its side on a flat surface. As you face the front of the computer it should be on its left side so you can remove the right side cover.
- 3). Connect an anti-static wrist strap to your arm and the computer. This is necessary to ground you to the computer since you will be working with the motherboard, which is easily damaged by static electricity.
- 4). Lift-up the release latch on the top of the side panel near the rear of the computer. Pull the top edge of the panel away from the computer and then slide it toward the top of the computer to remove the three hinges on the bottom of the panel from their slots. Set the cover aside.
- 5). Remove the front drive panel by pressing down the slide plate lever located on the side of the computer near the top. Rotate the panel slightly forward and down and lift its hinges out of their slots.
- 6). Press and hold the drive latch release as you slide the memory card reader into an empty 3.5 in. bay on the computer. There should be one available since an internal memory card reader was an option on the e521 computer.
- 7). Attach the USB cable to the connector on the rear of the memory card reader and plug the other end of the cable into the available USB connector on the motherboard, near the rear of the computer.
- 8). Remove the drive bay cover from the front drive panel by pressing the tab on the side of the cover toward the outer edge of the panel and pulling the cover out.
- 9). Insert the drive panel hinges into their slots and rotate it up so it snaps into place.
- 10
Slide the side cover hinges into their slots rotate the panel down into place. Press down the cover latch to lock it into place. Reconnect the power cable and the peripheral devices.
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