My laptop doesn’t turn on after replacing SSD
Getting straight to the point because Ive spent the last 5 hours messing with my hardware to identify why laptop doesn't turn on after trying to replace the SSD.
Before taking out the SSD I shut down my laptop completely and removed all USB connections and disconnected the battery.
After replacing the SSD I reconnected the battery and attempted to turn on the laptop and it failed to turn on. At first I thought it’s because i didn’t plug in the AC adapter but even after i plugged it back in nothing. No LED charging light, no power button LED, no screen boot up.
I figured that I had made a mistake in the process so again I disconnected all USB and power cables, pulled the battery RTC cable, replaced the SSD with the original one and put it back together just for the same issue to arise.
At this point I thought I might have accidentally unplugged something internally, so I inspect the motherboard for burns or damage, look for unplugged electrical cords, and I found nothing wrong. I’ve read guides for this issue and nothing has worked so far, I suspect either the AC adapter is broken or my battery decided to retire. Either that or my entire motherboard is cooked, I don’t have to have a multimeter to check so I can’t confirm where the issue lies.
At this point it’s late and I’m tired of messing with this laptop which worked perfectly fine this morning. It’s never had power issues before, no driver issues, no screen issues, nothing. I feel like this is my laptops way of retaliation for all the days I’ve left it on overnight.
Any advice would be appreciated on how to fix this mess or what parts I need to get replaced in order for it to work again.
crwdns2934109:0crwdne2934109:0
No power at all after SSD swap means the problem is likely mechanical, not software. On HP Omen 16 WD0017CI the power chain is:
1. AC adapter → DC-in jack → power MOSFETs → mainboard rails
2. Battery → power controller → mainboard rails
If neither battery nor adapter gives any LED, the board isn’t seeing power. Usual causes:
Loose DC-in jack board or cable. The Omen has a small daughterboard for the barrel jack/USB-C PD input. If that cable wasn’t fully seated when reassembling, nothing will power.
Battery cable not seated. The flat flex can look connected but be slightly misaligned.
RTC/CMOS cable not reseated. Some HP boards won’t power if the RTC connector is left loose.
Short from SSD installation. A misaligned M.2 screw or overtightening can short 3.3 V to ground. Removing the SSD entirely and trying to power on is the way to rule this out.
Damaged power MOSFET/fuse. If there was a slip with the screwdriver or ESD, an inline fuse could be blown. Without a multimeter you can’t confirm.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Markus Norstrøm crwdne2934271:0
Recommended next steps without tools:
1. Disconnect AC and battery. Hold power button 30 s. Reconnect only AC (leave battery unplugged). Try power.
2. Test with original SSD completely removed (M.2 slot empty).
3. Reseat DC-in daughterboard cable and RTC cable.
4. If still dead, borrow/test another HP 200 W adapter (same voltage/current).
If none of those restore LED/power, it’s likely a board-level power fault. At that point you need either a multimeter to check voltage at the DC-in board or professional service.
crwdns2934271:0crwdnd2934271:0 Markus Norstrøm crwdne2934271:0