Dell Latitude E6400 RAM Replacement

Written By: Nicholas Ouimet

Comments: 9

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

6 minutes

Introduction

Because the latitude E6400 has just one screw to remove to access the upgradable guts, this process takes no more than 5 minutes to do. It's also very easy.

Pictures and text written by ouimetnick.

Tools

Phillips #1 Screwdriver

Step 1

Simultaneously slide the battery latches (outlined by the red box) to the dock connector in the middle.
This will release the battery. Just slide the battery away from the computer.
Open up the computer and press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. This drains any power left inside the computer.
This is important, as if electricity remains in the notebook, it can shock you and damage the logic board.

Step 2

Loosen the center screw with a philips screw driver. This is the only screw that needs to be loosened.
It can't be removed as it is captive the the bottom plate.
Now slide the plate away from the dock connector.

Step 3

Locate the RAM slot.
the system can hold 2 RAM modules.
This unit has 1 module. It is a 1GB one.
Push the metal spreaders (shown in the blue rectangle) straight away from the RAM module.
The RAM module should pop up to a 45 degree angle.

Step 4

Pull the RAM module straight out from the way it was raised. (Once it pops up to a 45 degree angle, pull it straight out from its current position).
Insert the new RAM into the empty slot, ensuring that the notch in the RAM lines up with the slot (see picture).

Step 5

Slide the bottom plate on.
Slide it to the rear of the notebook. (battery compartment)
tighten the screw.
Do not over-tighten. Doing so will strip the screw.

Step 6

Slide the battery in until it clicks.
Press the power button.
AND it works.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

9 comments

I assume that in Step 4, you install the new memory modules

Peter Bourke -

When/how to fit the new memory modules is unclear. I have a blue flashing A light and can't start up. Looking for solutions.

Linda -

It would be helpful to add a link to troubleshooting info here

Linda -

Instead of "assuming" why not READ all of Step 4; especially the second paragraph, which states: "Insert the new RAM into the empty slot, ensuring that the notch in the RAM lines up with the slot (see picture)."

Nadaword - 20/08/14

In my case, I needed to add a second memory board (2nd memory slot). If possible, would be interesting to have this additional step included in the guide.

Pedro Pontes - 03/04/16

I have not yet installed the RAM

Satish - 12/05/16

This worked perfectly to get past the startup problem. Reseating the memory modules solved it.

pdef - 07/03/17

With my computer (Which was refurbished before I ever got it as a backup), the single screw had been stripped well beyond even normal levels of being “stripped”, to the point the screw slots looked to be a smooth hole, making it indistinguishable from most rivets. It took the video to help me realize that it was, indeed, the screw holding the back on. Luckily, being a captive screw under some level of spring tension, I was able to open the back without even using a screwdriver, pressing the screw head with my finger and rotating it under pressure - and was able to close it the same way.

Note that while you, at best, only need 2 2GB, or 1 2GB & 1 1GB modules for a 32-bit install (many of these shipped with 2+1, and Vista 32-bit), if you get a refurbished computer that someone has installed a 64-bit version of Windows on, you’ll need to get 2 4GB modules (or a 4 & a 2) to get it to run better than a slow crawl (As in hours to make even tiny updates). And those cost $30-40 used EACH ($100+ new).

Stan Bundy - 11/04/18

When you say move the memory stick “straight away”, that means different thing around the world, do you move the clips to the right or left or up or down, straight away ? I own a body shop and car lot, I can't afford to be confusing with instructions.

Dave Hoskins - 12/04/21