Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement

Introduction

In order to access any other laptop parts for replacements, the fan shroud will need to be removed before the plastic cover shielding the interior. This guide will show you how to remove the fan shroud.

What you need

Step 1 Base Cover

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Base Cover: step 1, image 1 of 1

Use a PH1 screwdriver bit to remove the six M2.5x13 screws (2.4 mm) on the back of the laptop.
Use a PH1 screwdriver bit to loosen the one M2x3 screw (1.9 mm).
The M2x3 screw (1.9 mm) does not come out completely.

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Step 2

Pull the base cover up to remove it.
If you are having trouble, insert a plastic opening tool into the divots along the laptop's edges to loosen.
Removing the cover may require some force.

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Step 3 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Hard Disk Drive (HDD): step 3, image 1 of 3

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Hard Disk Drive (HDD): step 3, image 2 of 3

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Hard Disk Drive (HDD): step 3, image 3 of 3

Disconnect the battery connector cable, located on the right side of the laptop, above the hard disk drive.
Once you have removed the cable, wait 5-10 minutes to allow the laptop to power down.
Failure to remove the battery connector cable properly may damage other parts of the laptop.

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Step 4

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

Use a PH1 screwdriver bit to remove the four M2.5x5 screws (2.4 mm) on the hard disk drive.

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Step 5

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Gently lift the HDD cable to disconnect it from the laptop.

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Step 6

Pull the hard drive up to remove.

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Step 7 RAM

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Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, RAM: step 7, image 3 of 3

Move the metal sidings outward to release the RAM card.

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Step 8

Slide the RAM card out towards yourself to remove it.
Repeat the same step for the RAM card above.
Slide the RAM card out carefully to avoid damaging it.

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Step 9 Wi-Fi card

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Wi-Fi card: step 9, image 1 of 1

Locate the WI-FI card.

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Step 10

Peel back plastic cover of wi-fi card.
Use a PH1 screwdriver bit and remove the one M2x3 screw (1.9 mm)

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Step 11

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

Gently undo the clips attached to the wi-fi card.
If the clip is not gently removed it is possible that the entire base will be torn off the wi-fi card. You will need to purchase a new wi-fi card if this occurs.

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Step 12

Locate the cables that connect the wi-fi card.
Gently pull upwards to remove cables and slide the wi-fi card out from its slot.

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Step 13 Solid State Drive

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Solid State Drive: step 13, image 1 of 2

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Solid State Drive: step 13, image 2 of 2

Remove the one M2x3 screw (1.9 mm) using a PH1 screwdriver bit

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Step 14

Slide the solid state drive towards yourself to prevent damage to the card.

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Step 15 Fan Shroud

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Fan Shroud: step 15, image 1 of 3

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Fan Shroud: step 15, image 2 of 3

Alienware 17 R4 Fan Shroud Replacement, Fan Shroud: step 15, image 3 of 3

Remove the two M2.5x7 screws (2.44 mm) located on the rear panel using a PH1 screwdriver bit.

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Step 16

Insert the plastic opening tool under the fan shroud to slowly lift it up.
Repeat process on the middle and opposite side.

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Step 17

Firmly lift the plastic opening tool and pull the fan shroud towards you.
This will take a large amount of force and will not come out easily the first time.
Careful not to tear out the piece causing damage to the fan shroud