The entire palmrest assembly will be replaced -- the keyboard, touchpad and palmrest are a single unit. Absolutely do not send the drive with the system unless you have a full, verified backup -- it is very possible they'll reimage the system as part of the repair process, and if they do, you will lose everything. No, the system will not be replaced -- that option comes up only after three repair attempts for the same issue have failed to resolve the problem.  
X Hello Gang, My 9500 has the dreaded touchpad rattle issue. If I put pressure on the bottom of the laptop, the rattle goes away. It's still under warranty. What are my options to have it repaired? If I have to send it in, will the they transfer my files over to a replacement unit? Or, can they replace just the touchpad on mine? As Always, thanks in advance for any assistance you can give me.   James S
XPS 15 9500 Touchpad Rattle Issue