How to Change a Laptop Hinge on a Gateway

Laptop screens are attached to the computer by two pegs that are inserted in separate holes in the computer's body. These screens are able to move up and down because of two individual hinges that allow for fluid movement. However, if the hinges are damaged, the screen may not be able to stay open without some external support. This not as serious as one might think, however, because the hinges on a Gateway laptop can be easily replaced.

Things You'll Need

• Philips-head screwdriver
• Replacement hinges

Instructions

1. Unscrew the two screws from the back of the laptop that connect the laptop's screen to its body. Lift up on the plastic covering on each hinge to free the screen.

2. Pull up carefully on the laptop screen so that the two pegs lift out of their holes and clear the laptop's body. There are two wires that connect from the laptop's screen to the internal motherboard. Make sure you do not disconnect these wires or you will have to open the laptop to reconnect them.

3. Locate the plastic covering that covers the top strip of the laptop that houses the power button and light-up indicators; this plastic piece will also wrap around the hinges of the screen. Remove this plastic covering to expose the screen's hinges and set it aside.

4. Slide the hinges off their places on each side of the screen. Place the new hinges in the old ones' place and reattach the plastic covering that you removed in Step 3.

5. Reinsert the two pegs into their holes and snap the tabs back down that you unhooked in Step 1. With the laptop's screen back in place, the final step is to reinstall the two screws that connect the screen to the body of the laptop.