Vostro 3890 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D29M Regulatory Type: D29M004 April 2021 Rev.
Notes, cautions, and warnings NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product. CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem. WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries.
1 Working inside your computer Safety instructions Use the following safety guidelines to protect your computer from potential damage and to ensure your personal safety. Unless otherwise noted, each procedure included in this document assumes that you have read the safety information that shipped with your computer. WARNING: Before working inside your computer, read the safety information that is shipped with your computer. For more safety best practices, see the Regulatory Compliance home page at www.dell.
3. Disconnect your computer and all attached devices from their electrical outlets. 4. Disconnect all attached network devices and peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor from your computer. CAUTION: To disconnect a network cable, first unplug the cable from your computer and then unplug the cable from the network device. 5. Remove any media card and optical disc from your computer, if applicable.
Perform the following steps to prevent ESD damage: ● Use a wired ESD wrist strap that is properly grounded. The use of wireless anti-static straps is no longer allowed; they do not provide adequate protection. Touching the chassis before handling parts does not ensure adequate ESD protection on parts with increased sensitivity to ESD damage. ● Handle all static-sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
After working inside your computer About this task CAUTION: Leaving stray or loose screws inside your computer may severely damage your computer. Steps 1. Replace all screws and ensure that no stray screws remain inside your computer. 2. Connect any external devices, peripherals, or cables you removed before working on your computer. 3. Replace any media cards, discs, or any other parts that you removed before working on your computer. 4.
2 Disassembly and reassembly Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: ● Phillips screwdriver #1 and #2 ● Plastic scribe Screw List The following table shows the screw list and the images for different components. NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and then place them in a screw storage box.
Major components of your system 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Optical drive (Optional) 2.5-inch Hard-drive (Optional) Fan shroud Fan and Heat-sink assembly 3.5-inch Hard-drive Memory module Power button Front bezel Chassis System board Graphics card Processor Power-supply unit Side cover Removing the side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. NOTE: Ensure that the security cable is removed from the security-cable slot (if applicable).
Steps 1. Loosen the two thumb screws (#6-32) that secures the side cover to the computer chassis. 2. Using the tab on the side cover, slide the cover towards the back and remove the side cover off the chassis. Installing the side cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the side cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the tabs on the side cover with the slots on the chassis, and slide it towards the front of the computer. 2. Tighten the two thumb screws (#6-32) to secure the side cover to the chassis. Next steps 1. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
Front bezel Removing the front bezel Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. About this task The following images indicate the location of the front bezel and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Gently pry and release the front-bezel tabs sequentially from the top. 2. Rotate the front bezel outward from the chassis. 3. Remove the front bezel from the computer.
About this task The following image indicates the location of the front bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Position the front bezel to align the tab holders on the bezel with the slots on the chassis. 2. Press the bezel until the tabs clicks into place. Next steps 1. Install the side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Fan shroud Removing the fan shroud Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Lay the computer with its right side facing down. Press the retention tabs on both sides to release the fan shroud from the fan and heat-sink assembly. 2. Lift and remove the fan shroud from the computer. Installing the fan shroud Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the fan shroud and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Position the fan shroud to align it with the retention slots on the system board. 2. Press the fan shroud and ensure the retention tabs snap into place. Next steps 1. Install the side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Memory modules Removing the memory modules Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover.
Steps 1. Push the securing-clips from both sides away from the memory module until the memory module pops up. 2. Slide and remove the memory module from the memory-module slot. NOTE: Repeat step 2 to step 3 to remove any other memory modules installed in your computer. NOTE: Make a note of the slot and the orientation of the memory module in order to install the replacement in the correct slot.
Steps 1. Ensure that the securing-clips are in the open position. 2. Align the notch on the memory module with the tab on the memory-module slot. 3. Insert the memory module into the memory-module connector until the memory module snaps into position and the securing clip locks in place. Slide the memory module firmly into the slot at an angle and press the memory module down until it clicks into place. NOTE: The securing-clips must return to the locked position when the memory modeule is installed.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the 3.5-inch hard-drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the data and power cables from the 3.5-inch hard-drive. 2. Remove the four (#6-32) screws that secure the 3.5-inch hard-drive. 3. Lift the 3.5-inch hard-drive away from the system. Installing the 3.5-inch hard-drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the 3.5-inch hard-drive with the mounting holes on the front side of the chassis. 2. Install the four (#6-32) screws to secure the 3.5-inch hard-drive to the chassis. 3. Reconnect the power cable and data cables to the 3.5-inch hard-drive. Next steps 1. Install the front bezel. 2. Install the side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Solid-state drive Removing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive Prerequisites 1.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2230 solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2230 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot. 2. Slide the solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Install the screw (M2x3) to secure the solid-state drive to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Removing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the solid-state drive from the M.2 card slot on the system board. Installing the M.2 2280 solid-state drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image indicates the location of the M.2 2280 solid-state drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot. 2. Slide the solid-state drive into the M.2 card slot on the system board. 3. Install the screw (M2x3) to secure the solid-state drive to the system board. Next steps 1. Install the side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover.
Steps 1. Using a plastic scribe, gently pry the securing-clip on the battery socket to release the coin-cell battery out of the slot on the system board. 2. Lift the coin-cell battery off its slot on the system board. Installing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Insert the coin-cell battery into its slot on the system board with the positive side (+) label facing up. 2. Press the coin-cell battery into the slot on the system board. Next steps 1. Install the side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Wireless card Removing the wireless card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover.
Steps 1. Remove the screw (M2x3) that secures the wireless card to the system board. 2. Slide and lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 3. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 4. Slide and remove the wireless card at an angle from the wireless-card slot. Installing the wireless card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card of your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle) Black 2. Slide and place the wireless-card bracket on the wireless card. 3. Align the notch on the wireless card with the tab on the wireless-card slot. 4.
Optical drive Removing the optical drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. 3. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the optical drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the power and data cable from the optical drive. 2. Pull down on the retention tab to release the optical drive. 3.
Steps 1. Slide and replace the optical drive into its slot on the chassis. 2. Push the optical drive until the retention tab snaps and locks it on place. 3. Reconnect the data and power cables to the optical drive. Next steps 1. Install the front bezel. 2. Install the side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Graphics card Removing the graphics card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover.
Steps 1. Lift the pull tab and open the expansion-card door. 2. Push and hold the securing tab on the graphics-card slot to release the graphics card. 3. Lift the graphics card out from the PCIe x16 card slot. Installing the graphics card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure. About this task The following images indicate the location of the graphics card and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.
Steps 1. Align the graphics card with the PCIe x16 card slot on the system board. 2. Place the graphics-card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is firmly seated. 3. Close the expansion-card door. Next steps 1. Install the side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Power-supply unit Removing the power-supply unit Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover.
NOTE: Note the routing of all cables as you remove them so that you can route them correctly while you are replacing the power-supply unit. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.
Steps 1. Disconnect the power cables from the system board and unroute them from the routing guides on the chassis. NOTE: The power-supply cable is connected to the system board at two locations and supply power to the following components at the two location: ● Processor - ATX CPU connector ● System board - ATX SYS connector 2. Remove the three (#6-32) screws that secure the power-supply to the chassis. 3. Press the securing clip to release the power-supply unit from the chassis. 4.
Disassembly and reassembly
Steps 1. Place and slide the power supply into its slot on the chassis. 2. Replace the three (#6-32) screws to secure the power-supply unit to the chassis. 3. Route the power cable through the routing guides on the chassis and connect the power cables to their respective connectors on the system board.
CAUTION: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease. 2. Remove the side cover. 3. Remove the fan shroud. About this task The following images indicate the location of the fan and heat-sink, and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the fan cable from the connector on the system board. 2.
Steps 1. Gently place the fan and heat-sink assembly on the processor. 2. Align the screw holes on the fan and heat-sink assembly with the screw holes on the system board. 3. In sequential order (1>2>3>4) tighten the four captive screws that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board. 4. Connect the fan cable to the connector on the system board. Next steps 1. Install the fan shroud. 2. Install the side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.
NOTE: Caution: For maximum cooling of the processor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on the heat sink. The oils in your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal grease. About this task The following images indicate the location of the processor and provide a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Press the release lever down and then push it away from the processor to release it from the securing tab. 2. Lift the lever upward to lift the processor cover.
About this task NOTE: If either the processor or the fan and heat-sink assembly is replaced, use the thermal grease that is provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is maintained. The following image indicates the location of the processor and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Ensure that the release lever on the processor socket is fully extended in the open position. 2.
3. Install the side cover. 4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Power button Removing the power button Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working on your computer. 2. Remove the side cover. 3. Remove the front bezel. About this task The following images indicate the location of the power button and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Disconnect the power button cable from the connector on the system board. 2.
About this task The following images indicate the location of the power button and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Insert the power button switch into the slot from the front-side of the chassis. 2. Push the power button in until you hear a click from the retention tabs. 3. Connect the power button cable to the connector on the system board. Next steps 1. Install the front bezel. 2. Install the side cover. 3.
System board System board layout 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. ATX CPU power connector CPU fan connector Memory slots (DIMM1, DIMM2) Coin-cell battery Power switch connectors ATX system power connector SATA 2 connector SATA power cable connector SATA 1 connector M.2 WLAN connector SATA 3 connector M.2 PCIe SSD connector Jumper connectors PCIe x16 (Slot 3) PCIe x1 (Slot 2) PCIe x1 (Slot 1) Processor socket Removing the system board Prerequisites 1.
NOTE: Your computer’s Service Tag is stored in the system board. You must enter the Service Tag in the BIOS setup program after you replace the system board. NOTE: Replacing the system board removes any changes that you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Disassembly and reassembly
Steps 1. Remove the single screw (#6-32) that secures the front I/O-bracket to the chassis. 2. Slide and remove the front I/O-bracket from the chassis. 3.
● Power-supply cables ● Hard-drive SATA cables ● Power-button cable 4. Remove the eight (#6-32) screws that secure the system board to the chassis. 5. Carefully lift the system board at an angle and remove the system board off the chassis. Installing the system board Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation procedure.
Disassembly and reassembly 47
Steps 1. Place the system board onto the chassis and ensure that the chassis screw holes align with the ones on the system board. 2. Replace the eight screws (#6-32) that secure the system board to the chassis. 3.
● Hard-drive cables ● Power-button cable 4. Slide the front I/O-ports on the system board into the front I/O-slots on the chassis and align the screw holes on the system board with the screw holes on the chassis. 5. Replace the single screw (#6-32) to secure the front I/O-bracket to the chassis. Next steps 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Install the processor. Install the fan and heat-sink. Install the coin-cell battery. Install the graphics card. Install the M.2 2230 SSD/ M.2 2280 SSD.
3 Drivers and downloads Drivers and downloads When troubleshooting, downloading or installing drivers it is recommended that you read the Dell Knowledge Based article, Drivers and Downloads FAQ SLN128938.
4 System setup Boot Sequence Boot Sequence allows you to bypass the System Setup–defined boot device order and boot directly to a specific device (for example: optical drive or hard drive). During the Power-on Self Test (POST), when the Dell logo appears, you can: ● Access System Setup by pressing F2 key ● Bring up the one-time boot menu by pressing F12 key The one-time boot menu displays the devices that you can boot from including the diagnostic option.
Table 3. System setup options—System information menu (continued) General-System Information PCI Information SLOT2 Displays the PCI information of the computer. SLOT3 Displays the PCI information of the computer. SLOT5_M.2 Displays the PCI information of the computer. Processor Information Processor Type Displays the processor type. Core Count Displays the number of cores on the processor. Processor ID Displays the processor identification code.
Table 4. System setup options—System Configuration menu (continued) System Configuration SATA Operation Configure operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller. Drives Enable or disable various drives on board. SATA-0 Displays the SATA device information of the computer. SATA-1 Displays the SATA device information of the computer. M.2 PCIe SSD-2 Displays the M.2 PCIe SSD information of the computer. SMART Reporting Enable or disable SMART Reporting during system startup.
Table 6. System setup options—Security menu (continued) Security SMM Security Mitigation Enable or disable SMM Security Mitigation Table 7. System setup options—Secure Boot menu Secure Boot Secure Boot Enable Enable or disable the secure boot feature. Secure Boot Mode Modifies the behavior of Secure Boot to allow evaluation or enforcement of UEFI driver signatures. ● Deployed Mode-Default: Enabled ● Audit Mode-Default: Disabled Deployed Mode Enable or disable the deployed mode.
Table 8. System setup options—Intel Software Guard Extensions menu (continued) Intel Software Guard Extensions Wake on LAN/WLAN Enables the computer to be powered on by special LAN signals. Block sleep Enables you to block entering to sleep mode in OS environment. POST Behavior Numlock LED Enables the NumLock function when computer boots. Keyboard Errors Enables the keyboard error detection. Fastboot Enable to set the speed of the boot process. Default: Thorough.
Table 14. BIOS Overview Page Options Description Series and system model number This field shows the following information: ● BIOS Version - The version of the BIOS installed on the computer. ● Service tag - The unique 7 digit hexadecimal identification number for the computer. ● Asset tag ● Manufacture Date - The date for when the unit was manufactured. ● Ownership Date - The date for when the unit's ownership was transferred to the end user.
Table 14. BIOS Overview Page (continued) Options Description ● Panel Type - This field mentions the type of display panel used on the computer. ● Video controller - This field mentions the type of video controller used on the computer. ● Video Memory - This field gives the capacity of the video memory available for use on the computer. ● Wi-Fi Device - This field mentions the type of wireless device available for use on the computer.
Table 15. Boot Configuration: (continued) Options Description Enable Custom Mode This section contains a toggle switch that allows the user to enable or disable Custom Mode. This mode allows the PK, KEK, db and dbx security key databases to be manipulated. (OFF by default) Custom Mode Key Management This section helps the user to select the Key Database to allow modification.
Table 16. Integrated Devices (continued) Options Description ● Rear Port 3 (Top Left) ● Rear Port 4 (Top Right) Storage This section provides storage details and settings. Table 17. Storage Options Description SATA Operation SATA Operation This section allows the user to select the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller. The following options are available: ● Disabled - SATA controllers are disabled. ● AHCI - SATA is configured in AHCI mode.
Table 18. Display (continued) Options Description Video Primary Display This section allows the user to select the video controller for the primary display when multiple vide controllers are detected. The options are: ● Auto (Selected by default) ● Onboard Video Full Screen Logo Full Screen Logo This section contains a toggle switch which allows the user to enable/disable the option to view a full screen logo (disabled by default). Connection This section provides connection details and settings.
Power This section provides power details and settings. Table 20. Power Options Description USB Wake Support Enable USB Wake Support This section contains a toggle switch to allow the user to enable or disable USB Wake Support. It allows the system to use USB devices like a mouse and keyboard to wake the system from standby mode (OFF by default). NOTE: This feature only works if the power adapter is connected to the system.
Table 21. Security (continued) Options Description PPI Bypass for Clear Commands This section contains a toggle switch which controls the TPM Physical Presence Interface(PPI). When enabled, this setting will allow the OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts when issuing the clear command (OFF by default). Clear This section contains a toggle switch which clears the TPM owner information, and returns the TPM to the default state (OFF by default).
Table 22. Passwords (continued) Options Description Upper Case Letter Enable or disable reinforced use of upper case letters (OFF by default). Lower Case Letter Enable or disable reinforced use of lower case letters (OFF by default). Digit Enable or disable reinforced use of at least one digit (OFF by default). Special Character Enable or disable reinforced use of at least one special character (OFF by default).
Table 23. Update Recovery (continued) Options Description SupportAssist OS Recovery This field contains a toggle switch which allows the user to enable or disable the boot flow for SupportAssist OS Recovery tool in the events of certain system errors (ON by default).
Table 24. System Management (continued) Options Description Auto On Time This field allows the user to set defined days/time when the sytem can automatically power on. The options here are as follows: ● Disabled (selected by default) ● Everyday ● Weekdays ● Select Days SERR Messages This section allows the user to enable or disable(ON/OFF) the SERR message mechanism (ON by default). NOTE: Some graphics cards require SERR message mechanism to be disbaled.
Table 27. Performance Options Description Multi-Core Support Active Cores This field allows the user to configure the number of active cores on the computer.
Flashing the BIOS About this task You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. Follow these steps to flash the BIOS: Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3. Click Product support, enter the Service Tag of your computer, and then click Search. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, use the product ID or manually browse for your computer model. 4. Click Drivers & downloads > Find drivers. 5.
3. Type the system password that you entered earlier in the Confirm new password field and click OK. 4. Press Esc and a message prompt's you to save the changes. 5. Press Y to save the changes. The computer restarts. Deleting or changing an existing system setup password Prerequisites Ensure that the Password Status is Unlocked (in the System Setup) before attempting to delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password.
5 Troubleshooting Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics About this task SupportAssist diagnostics (also known as system diagnostics) performs a complete check of your hardware. The Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check diagnostics is embedded with the BIOS and is launched by the BIOS internally.
System diagnostic lights Power-supply diagnostics light Indicates the status of the power-supply in either of the two sates: ● Off: No Power ● On: Power is supplied. Power button light Table 29. Power button LED status Power button LED state System state Description Off ● S4 ● S5 There is in Hibernate or Off state.
Table 30. Diagnostic LED status (continued) Blinking pattern Problem description Suggested resolution 2 4 Memory/RAM failure ● Reset the memory module. ● If problem persists, replace the memory module. 2 5 Invalid Memory installed ● Reset the memory module. ● If problem persists, replace the memory module. 2 6 System board error, chipset error, clock failure, gate A20 failure, super I/O failure, keyboard controller failure ● Flash latest BIOS version.
Start the RTC reset with the system powered off and connected to AC power. Press and hold the power button for thirty (30) seconds. The system RTC Reset occurs after you release the power button. Flashing the BIOS About this task You may need to flash (update) the BIOS when an update is available or when you replace the system board. Follow these steps to flash the BIOS: Steps 1. Turn on your computer. 2. Go to www.dell.com/support. 3.
7. Turn on your computer.
6 Getting help and contacting Dell Self-help resources You can get information and help on Dell products and services using these self-help resources: Table 31. Self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com My Dell Tips Contact Support In Windows search, type Contact Support, and press Enter. Online help for operating system www.dell.com/support/windows www.dell.
