How to Dismantle an HP Laptop

There are multiple reasons you may need to dismantle your HP laptop. The most common reason is to upgrade hardware such as the memory or hard drive. When dismantling an HP laptop, you may have to remove multiple components to reach the one you really need to remove or replace. Other reasons to dismantle your HP laptop are to replace bad hardware or troubleshoot existing hardware.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electronics or computer toolkit
• Anti-static mat, wrist strap or non-carpeted working area

1. Turn off your HP laptop, shut the lid and disconnect from the power supply.

2. Turn your HP laptop over so the bottom is up and the battery compartment is closest to you. The battery compartment is the only area with a slide latch and is located near the hinge for the laptop lid.

3. Remove the battery. Slide the latch, which is directly below the battery, to release the battery. Gently pull the battery up and out.

4. Remove the Mini-Card component. The Mini-Card compartment is located to the left of the battery latch. Remove the single screw holding the compartment in place and carefully remove the lid.

5. Remove the memory modules. The memory compartment is located directly below the battery compartment. Remove the two screws holding the compartment lid in place. Remove the lid and press the clips holding the memory in place outward. When the memory module tilts upward, gently remove it.

6. Remove the hard drive. The hard drive can be found below the memory compartment. Remove the two screws holding the hard drive compartment lid in place. Lift the hard drive kit gently from the laptop.

7. Remove all remaining screws. Pry the base of the laptop up gently using the end of a flat head screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch any components. Unscrew the keyboard assembly and carefully lift the keyboard to remove it. The number of screws will vary based on the model of your HP laptop. Newer HP laptop models have fewer screws.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep parts with their corresponding screws to make reassembly easier. You can place parts and their screws in sandwich bags to prevent losing screws. Find replacement or upgrade parts for your HP laptop by visiting the HP Support site the Resources link.
• Never force a component out of the laptop. Doing so may damage the component. If you encounter resistance, be sure you've removed all screws and use a flat-head screwdriver to loosen the component before lifting. Exercise caution when opening an HP laptop.

Resources

• Find Parts and Manuals for Your HP Laptop