Dell XPS 15 L521X Hard Drive Replacement

After turning off the computer, turn over the laptop and lift up the system badge (#2).

Unscrew the six Torx screws (#1) along the base cover's edge and the two Philips screws (#2) under the system badge.

Snap the system badge back into place so that it can be removed along with the base cover.

Using the spudger (or some other prying tool), pry the base cover away from the rest of the system.

Remove the battery indicator cable (#3) from the white connector by lifting up the connector latch (#1) pulling on the tab (#2).

Even if you do not plan on replacing the base cover entirely, decoupling this fragile cable will ensure that it doesn't get damaged if the base cover is moved for whatever reason.

Disconnect the battery cable from the system board.

Remove the screws that secure the battery to the palm-rest assembly.

Lift the battery off the palm-rest assembly.

Turn the computer over and open the display as far as possible.

Hold the power button for about 5 seconds, so that the system becomes grounded.

Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive assembly to the palm-rest assembly.

Disconnect the hard-drive cable from the system board.

Lift the hard-drive assembly off the palm-rest assembly.

Disconnect the interposer from the hard-drive assembly.

Remove the screws that secure the hard-drive bracket to the hard drive.

Lift the hard-drive bracket off the hard drive.