Dell Inspiron 3891 Service Manual
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Dell Inspiron 3891 Service Manual

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Inspiron 3891
Service Manual
Regulatory Model: D29M
Regulatory Type: D29M004
August 2021
Rev. A02
Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Dell Inspiron 3891

  • Page 1 Inspiron 3891 Service Manual Regulatory Model: D29M Regulatory Type: D29M004 August 2021 Rev. A02...
  • Page 2 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. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Chapter 1: Working inside your computer..................5 Before working inside your computer..........................5 Safety instructions................................5 Electrostatic discharge—ESD protection........................6 ESD field service kit ................................6 Transporting sensitive components..........................7 After working inside your computer..........................8 Chapter 2: Removing and installing components................9 Recommended tools................................
  • Page 4 Updating the BIOS from the F12 One-Time boot menu..................70 Chapter 5: Troubleshooting......................72 System diagnostic lights..............................72 Recovering the operating system..........................72 WiFi power cycle................................73 Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset)............................73 Diagnostic error messages.............................. 73 System error messages..............................76 Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Dell................77 Contents...

  • Page 5: Chapter 1: Working Inside Your Computer

    You should only perform troubleshooting and repairs as authorized or directed by the Dell technical assistance team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. See the safety instructions that is shipped with the product or at www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

  • Page 6: Electrostatic Discharge-Esd Protection

    ESD protection is an increasing concern. Due to the increased density of semiconductors used in recent Dell products, the sensitivity to static damage is now higher than in previous Dell products. For this reason, some previously approved methods of handling parts are no longer applicable.

  • Page 7: Transporting Sensitive Components

    It is recommended that all field service technicians use the traditional wired ESD grounding wrist strap and protective anti-static mat at all times when servicing Dell products. In addition, it is critical that technicians keep sensitive parts separate from all insulator parts while performing service and that they use anti-static bags for transporting sensitive components.

  • Page 8: After Working Inside Your Computer

    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.

  • Page 9: Chapter 2: Removing And Installing Components

    Removing and installing components NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered. Recommended tools The procedures in this document may require the following tools: ● Philips screwdriver #1 and #2 ● Plastic scribe Screw list NOTE: When removing screws from a component, it is recommended to note the screw type, the quantity of screws, and...
  • Page 10 Table 1. Screw list (continued) Component Secured to Screw type Quantity Screw image Power-supply unit Chassis 6-32, hex head Optical drive Chassis M2x2 Media-card reader Chassis 6-32, pan head I/O-cover door Chassis 6-32, pan head Fan and heat-sink System board M3 (captive) assembly System board...

  • Page 11: System-Board Components

    System-board components Figure 1. System-board components 1. power-button cable connector (PWR SW) 2. media-card reader board connector (SD CARD) 3. coin-cell battery slot 4. system-board power cable connector (ATX SYS) 5. hard-drive data cable connector (SATA0) 6. hard-drive power cable connector (SATA PWR) 7.

  • Page 12: Left-Side Cover

    14. processor-power cable connector (ATX CPU) 15. memory-module slot (DIMM 1) 16. memory-module slot (DIMM 2) Left-side cover Removing the left-side cover Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the left-side cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 13: Installing The Left-Side Cover

    Installing the left-side cover Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the left-side cover and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 14: Installing The Front Cover

    2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the front cover and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Gently pry and release the front-cover tabs sequentially from the top. 2.

  • Page 15: Fan Shroud

    Steps 1. Align and insert the front-cover tabs with the slots on the chassis. 2. Rotate the front cover towards the chassis and snap it into place. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 16: Installing The Fan Shroud

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its left side facing up. 2. Press on both securing clips to release the fan shroud from the fan and heat-sink assembly. 3. Slide and lift the fan shroud off the system board. Installing the fan shroud Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.

  • Page 17: Memory Modules

    Steps 1. Slide and put the fan shroud into place on the fan and heat-sink assembly and snap it into place. 2. Place the computer in an upright position. Next steps 1. Install the left-side cover. 2. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 18: Installing The Memory Modules

    About this task CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module, hold the memory module by the edges. Do not touch the components on the memory module. NOTE: Note the slot and the orientation of the memory module in order to install the replacement in the correct slot. The following image(s) indicate the location of the memory modules and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 19: Solid-State Drive

    Steps 1. Ensure that the securing clips are in an 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.

  • Page 20: Installing The Solid-State Drive/Intel Optane

    ● M.2 2280 solid-state drive The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive/Intel Optane and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Lay the computer with its left side facing up. 2. Remove the screw (M2x3.5) that secures the solid-state drive to the system board. 3.
  • Page 21 ● M.2 2230 solid-state drive ● M.2 2280 solid-state drive The following image(s) indicate the location of the solid-state drive/Intel Optane and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Locate the notch on the solid-state drive. 2. Align the notch on the solid-state drive with the tab on the M.2 card slot. 3.

  • Page 22: Coin-Cell Battery

    Coin-cell battery Removing the coin-cell battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task NOTE: Removing the coin-cell battery resets the BIOS setup program's settings to default. It is recommended that you note the BIOS setup program's settings before removing the battery.

  • Page 23: Wireless Card

    About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the coin-cell battery and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Insert the coin-cell battery into its slot on the system board with the positive side (+) label facing up. 2.

  • Page 24: Installing The Wireless Card

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its left side facing up. 2. Remove the screw (M2x4) that secures the wireless card to the system board. 3. Slide and lift the wireless-card bracket off the wireless card. 4. Disconnect the antenna cables from the wireless card. 5.
  • Page 25 Steps 1. Connect the antenna cables to the wireless card. The following table provides the antenna-cable color scheme for the wireless card that is supported by your computer. Table 2. Antenna-cable color scheme Connectors on the wireless card Antenna-cable color Main (white triangle) White Auxiliary (black triangle)

  • Page 26: Antenna Modules

    Antenna modules Removing the antenna modules Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. 3. Remove the front cover. 4. Remove the wireless card. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the antenna modules and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 27: Installing The Antenna Modules

    2. Route the antenna cables through the routing guides on the chassis. 3. Peel the antenna modules off the chassis. Installing the antenna modules Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the antenna modules and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 28: Graphics Card

    Next steps 1. Install the wireless card. 2. Install the front cover. 3. Install the left-side cover. 4. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer. Graphics card Removing the graphics card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer.

  • Page 29: Installing The Graphics Card

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its left side facing up. 2. Locate the graphics card installed in the PCIe x16 card slot. 3. Lift the pull tab and open the expansion-card door. 4. Push and hold the securing tab on the graphics-card slot and lift the graphics card 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 process.
  • Page 30 About this task The following image(s) 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. Using the alignment post, insert the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is firmly seated. 3.

  • Page 31: Serial And Parallel Ports Expansion Card

    Serial and parallel ports expansion card Removing the serial and parallel ports expansion card Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the serial and parallel ports expansion card and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 32: Installing The Serial And Parallel Ports Expansion Card

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its left side facing up. 2. Locate the serial and parallel ports expansion card that is installed in the PCIe x1 card slot. 3. Lift the pull tab and open the expansion-card door. 4. Lift the serial and parallel ports expansion card from the PCIe x1 card slot. Installing the serial and parallel ports expansion card Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process.
  • Page 33 Steps 1. Align the serial and parallel ports expansion card with the PCIe x1 card slot on the system board. 2. Using the alignment post, insert the card in the connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is firmly seated. 3.

  • Page 34: Power-Supply Unit

    Power-supply unit Removing the power-supply unit Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the left-side cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 35: Installing The Power-Supply Unit

    Steps 1. Lay the computer with its left side facing up. 2. Remove the three screws (6-32) that secure the power supply to the chassis. 3. Disconnect the power-supply unit cables from the system board. NOTE: The power-supply unit cables are connected to the system board at two locations and supply power to the following components at the two locations: ●...
  • Page 36 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the power-supply unit and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Removing and installing components...

  • Page 37: Hard Drive

    Steps 1. Route the power-supply unit cables into the routing guides on the chassis. 2. Connect the power-supply unit cables to the two connectors on the system board. NOTE: The power-supply unit cables are connected to the system board at two locations and supply power to the following components at the two locations: ●...

  • Page 38: Installing The Hard Drive

    About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the hard drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Lay the computer with its left side facing up. CAUTION: Hold the hard drive in place when removing the screws that secure the hard drive to the chassis to prevent the hard drive from falling from place and damaging your computer.
  • Page 39 About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the hard drive and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure. Steps 1. Hold the hard drive into place on the chassis and align the screw holes on the hard drive with the screw holes on the chassis. 2.

  • Page 40: Optical Drive

    Optical drive Removing the optical drive Prerequisites 1. Follow the procedure in Before working inside your computer. 2. Remove the front cover. 3. Remove the left-side cover. About this task NOTE: These steps are only applicable for computers that are shipped with the optional optical drive. The following image(s) indicate the location of the optical drive and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure.

  • Page 41: Installing The Optical Drive

    4. Remove the two screws (M2x2) that secure the optical drive to the chassis. 5. Slide and lift the optical drive from its slot on the chassis. Remove the optical drive bezel. Installing the optical drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: When installing the optional optical drive, ensure that the front cover of your computer has the slot for it.

  • Page 42: Optical-Drive Bezel

    4. Replace the two screws (M2x2) that secure the optical drive to the chassis. 5. Connect the optical-drive power cable to the connector on the optical drive. 6. Connect the optical-drive data cable to the connector on the optical drive. Next steps 1.

  • Page 43: Installing The Optical Drive

    Installing the optical drive Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: When installing the optional optical drive, ensure that the front cover of your computer has the slot for it. The following image(s) indicate the location of the optical-drive bezel and provides a visual representation of the installation procedure.

  • Page 44: Installing The Media-Card Reader

    3. Remove the front cover. About this task The following image(s) indicate the location of the media-card reader and provides a visual representation of the removal procedure. Steps 1. Remove the screw (6-32) that secures the media-card reader to the chassis. 2.

  • Page 45: Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    Steps 1. Connect the media-card reader into its slot on the chassis. 2. Replace the screw (6-32) that secures the media-card reader to the chassis. Next steps 1. Install the front cover. 2. Install the left-side cover. 3. Follow the procedure in After working inside your computer.

  • Page 46: Installing The Fan And Heat-Sink Assembly

    About this task WARNING: The heat sink may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. 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.

  • Page 47: Processor

    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 (M3) that secure the fan and heat-sink assembly to the system board.
  • Page 48 About this task CAUTION: The processor may become hot during normal operation. Allow sufficient time for the heat sink to cool before you touch it. 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.

  • Page 49: Installing The Processor

    Installing the processor Prerequisites If you are replacing a component, remove the existing component before performing the installation process. About this task NOTE: If either the processor or the fan and heat-sink assembly is replaced, use the thermal grease provided in the kit to ensure that thermal conductivity is achieved.

  • Page 50: System Board

    NOTE: Ensure that the processor-cover notch is positioned underneath the alignment post. 3. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, pivot the release-lever down and place it under the tab on the processor cover. Next steps 1. Install the fan and heat-sink assembly.
  • Page 51 Removing and installing components...
  • Page 52 Removing and installing components...

  • Page 53: Installing The System Board

    Steps 1. Remove the two screws (6-32) that secure the front I/O bracket to the chassis. 2. Remove the front I/O bracket from the chassis. 3. Disconnect the following cables from the system board. Refer to the system-board components for more information about the respective connectors of the following cables.
  • Page 54 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 you have made to the BIOS using the BIOS setup program. You must make the appropriate changes again after you replace the system board.
  • Page 55 Steps 1. 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. 2. Replace the eight screws (6-32) that secure the system board to the chassis. 3.
  • Page 56 ● power-supply cables ● hard-drive cable ● power-button cable 4. Align the front I/O bracket to the front I/O ports and the screw holes on the chassis. 5. Replace the two screws that secure the front I/O bracket to the chassis. Next steps 1.

  • Page 57: Chapter 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 000123347. Drivers and downloads...

  • Page 58: Chapter 4: System Setup

    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 ●...

  • Page 59: System Setup Options

    NOTE: Depending on this computer and its installed devices, the items listed in this section may or may not appear. Table 3. System setup options—System information menu Overview Inspiron 3891 BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version number. Service Tag Displays the Service Tag of the computer.
  • Page 60 Table 3. System setup options—System information menu (continued) Overview DEVICES Video Controller Displays the video controller type of the computer. Video Memory Displays the video memory information of the computer. Wi-Fi Device Displays the wireless device information of the computer. Native Resolution Displays the native resolution of the computer.
  • Page 61 Table 4. System setup options—Boot Configuration menu (continued) Boot Configuration ● Reset All Keys will reset all four keys to their default settings. By default, PK security key database is selected. By default, Save to File is selected. Table 5. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu Integrated Devices Date/Time Date...
  • Page 62 Table 5. System setup options—Integrated Devices menu (continued) Integrated Devices NOTE: USB keyboard and mouse always work in the BIOS setup irrespective of this setting. Table 6. System setup options—Storage menu Storage SATA Operation SATA Operation Configures operating mode of the integrated storage device controller. Default: RAID On.
  • Page 63 Table 8. System setup options—Connection menu (continued) Connection Default: ON Bluetooth® Enables or disables the internal Bluetooth® device. Default: ON Enable UEFI Network Stack Enable UEFI Network Stack Enable or disable UEFI Network Stack. Default: ON HTTP(s) Boot Feature Enables or disables internal speaker. By default, Enable Internal Speaker is selected.
  • Page 64 Table 10. System setup options—Security menu Security Intel® Platform Trust Technology Intel Platform Trust Technology On Enable or disable the Intel Platform Trust Technology (PPT) visibility to the operating system. PPI ByPass for Clear Commands Enable or disable 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.
  • Page 65 Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert Enable Allow Non-Admin PSID Revert Enables or disables Physical Security ID (PSID) revert of NVMe storage drives from the Dell Security Manager prompt. Default: Disabled NOTE: When disabled, the PSID revert is protected by the BIOS Admin...
  • Page 66 Enables or disables cloud Service OS recovery if the main OS fails to boot within the number of failures equal or greater than the value specified by Dell Auto OS Recovery Threshold, and local Service does not boot, or is not installed.
  • Page 67 Table 13. System setup options—System Management menu (continued) System Management Default: ON First Power On Date Set Ownership Date Enable or disable setting of Ownership date. Default: OFF Table 14. System setup options—Keyboard menu Keyboard Keyboard Errors Enable Keyboard Error Detection Enables or disables report of keyboard-related errors when the computer boots.

  • Page 68: System And Setup Password

    Table 17. System setup options—Performance menu Performance Multi-Core Support Active Cores CPU core disabling is not supported with current BIOS version. Changes the number of CPU cores available to the operating system. The default value is set to the maximum number of cores. Default: All Cores Intel®...

  • Page 69: Assigning A System Setup Password

    The Master System Password is used to clear the admin and system password. Note the code that appears on your locked computer's screen that is generated by hashing the computer's service tag. Dell customer support representative requires this code to generate the Master System password. Contact Dell customer support for receiving more assistance on resetting the system setup password.

  • Page 70: Updating The Bios Using The Usb Drive In Windows

    One-Time boot menu on the computer. Most of the Dell computers built after 2012 have this capability, and you can confirm by booting your computer to the F12 One-Time Boot Menu to see if BIOS FLASH UPDATE is listed as a boot option for your computer. If the option is listed, then the BIOS supports this BIOS update option.
  • Page 71 4. Select external USB device. 5. Select the file and double-click the flash target file, and then click Submit. 6. Click Update BIOS. The computer restarts to flash the BIOS. 7. The computer will restart after the BIOS update is completed. System setup...

  • Page 72: Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

    It enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to its factory state. You can also download it from the Dell Support website to troubleshoot and fix your computer when it fails to boot into their primary operating system due to software or hardware failures.

  • Page 73: Wifi Power Cycle

    Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset) The Real Time Clock (RTC) reset function allows you or the service technician to recover Dell Inspiron, systems from No POST/No Power/No Boot situations. The legacy jumper enabled RTC reset has been retired on these models.
  • Page 74 Then, shut down the computer, reinstall the hard drive, and restart the computer. If the problem persists, try another drive. Run the Hard Disk Drive tests in Dell Diagnostics. INSERT BOOTABLE MEDIA The operating system is trying to boot to non-bootable media, such as an optical drive.
  • Page 75 The operating system cannot find a specific track on the hard drive. SHUTDOWN FAILURE A chip on the system board may be malfunctioning. Run the System Set tests in Dell Diagnostics. If the message reappears, Contact Dell. TIME-OF-DAY CLOCK LOST POWER System configuration settings are corrupted. Connect your computer to an electrical outlet to charge the battery.

  • Page 76: System Error Messages

    UNEXPECTED INTERRUPT IN PROTECTED MODE The keyboard controller may be malfunctioning, or a memory module may be loose. Run the System Memory tests and the Keyboard Controller test in Dell Diagnostics or Contact Dell. X:\ IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THE DEVICE IS NOT Insert a disk into the drive and try again.

  • Page 77: Chapter 6: Getting Help And Contacting Dell

    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 23. Self-help resources Self-help resources Resource location Information about Dell products and services www.dell.com My Dell app...

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