Dell XPS 17 9710 SSD Replacement

Written By: Connor Bassolino
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Dell XPS 17 9710 SSD Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

10

Time Required

20 - 40 minutes

Introduction

The Dell XPS 17 9710 is equipped with two M.2 SSD slots, so you can use this guide to either add a second SSD or upgrade/replace the existing SSD.

Before you perform this procedure, if possible, backing up your SSD is recommended. If you are replacing the SSD where your operating system is installed, be sure to clone and properly migrate your OS, or you'll have to install a fresh version.

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    • For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your device. This reduces the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged during the replacement. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

    • Power off and unplug your laptop.

    • Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down, with the hinge facing away from you.

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    • Use a Torx T5 screwdriver to remove the eight 4.4 mm-long screws that secure the lower case.

    • The lower case is further secured by various clips that must be released before removal.

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    • Insert an opening pick at the bottom left corner, between the lower case and the chassis.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger into the gap created by the opening pick.

    • Pivot the spudger up to release the first set of retaining clips.

    • Repeat this process for the bottom right corner.

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    • Insert an opening pick into the gap created on the front edge of the laptop.

    • Slide the opening pick around the entire perimeter of the laptop, prying up intermittently, until the lower case fully releases from the clips on the chassis.

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    • The lip of the lower case is very sharp. Handle it with care, and try not to slide your fingers along any of the edges.

    • Lift the lower case up and off of the chassis to remove it.

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    • Remove the seven 4.1 mm-long Phillips screws that secure the battery.

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    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the front edge of the battery until you can easily grip it with your fingers.

    • Whenever you use a spudger or other sharp tools near the battery, be very careful not to accidentally poke or puncture it.

    • Lift the battery up and out of its recess to remove it.

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    • Remove the single 4.1 mm Phillips screw that secures the left side of the left SSD cover.

    • The screw securing the right side of the SSD cover was removed during the battery removal procedure.

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    • Remove the SSD cover.

    • With the SSD cover removed, the SSD will pop up at a shallow angle.

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    • Grip the free end of the SSD and pull it away from the socket to remove it.

    • During reassembly, insert the SSD at a shallow angle into its board connector, and secure it back into its horizontal position with the SSD cover and screw.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Connor Bassolino

Member since: 29/03/22

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