Control Panel

Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX270 Service Manual

CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the steps in "Safety Instructions."

NOTICE: Before you disconnect a device from the computer or remove a component from the system board, verify that the standby power light on the system board has turned off. To locate the light, see "System Board."

Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
Ensure that your computer and attached devices are turned off. If your computer and attached devices did not automatically turn off when you shut down your computer, turn them off now.

NOTICE: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug it from the network wall jack.

Disconnect any telephone or telecommunication lines from the computer.
Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets, and press the power button to ground the system board.
Remove the computer stand, if it is attached.

CAUTION: To guard against electrical shock, always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet before opening the cover.

Open the computer cover.

NOTICE: Before touching anything inside your computer, ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface, such as the metal at the back of the computer. While you work, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to dissipate any static electricity that could harm internal components.

Removing the Control Panel

Small Form-Factor Computer

Using a flat-blade screwdriver, release the four tabs from the inside of the computer, and remove the computer cover from the computer.

1
tabs (2 on each side)

2
computer

3
computer cover

1
metal control-panel shield

2
screw

Remove the metal control-panel shield.
Remove the screw that holds the control panel to the computer, and remove the control panel.

Small Desktop Computer

Remove the front I/O panel (see I/O Panel).

Using an 8-inch #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw that secures the control panel to the computer, and lift the panel away from the computer.

Small Mini-Tower Computer

To remove the top and bottom panels of the computer, remove any installed CD drives and release all the tabs on each panel.

1
computer cover tab (remove the CD drive to access this tab)
4
bottom panel

2
top-panel tabs
5
computer cover screw

3
top panel
6
computer cover tabs (2)

To prepare the computer cover for removal, release the three computer cover tabs (one tab is located by the CD drive and two tabs are located by the I/O panel).

NOTE: To release the tab located by the CD drive, you can pry the computer cover away from the computer and pull out the tab.

If necessary, remove the computer cover screw.
Close the computer and remove the computer cover.
Remove the screw that secures the control panel to the computer, and pull the control panel away from the computer.

Replacing the Control Panel

Small Form-Factor Computer

Replace the control panel and the control-panel shield.
Replace the computer cover. Ensure that the two metal hooks and tabs are securely in position.

To help replace the computer cover, remove the accent door and front mask from the computer cover:

Remove the front mask by releasing the tabs on the inside of the computer cover.

Remove the accent door by pressing the middle of the door while you lift away the sides of the door.

1
accent door

2
front mask

Replace the computer cover and ensure that the two metal hooks and tabs are securely in position.

1
metal hooks (2)

To replace the front mask and accent door, press them into position.

Small Desktop Computer

Follow the steps in the "Removing the Control Panel" procedure in the reverse order, ensuring that all tabs are secure.

Small Mini-Tower Computer

Follow the steps in the "Removing the Control Panel" procedure in the reverse order, ensuring that all tabs are secure.

Back to Contents Page

1	computer cover tab (remove the CD drive to access this tab)	4	bottom panel
2	top-panel tabs	5	computer cover screw
3	top panel	6	computer cover tabs (2)