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HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement

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  1. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Prepare the laptop: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Prepare the laptop: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Prepare the laptop: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Shut the laptop down until it is hibernated or shut off. Do not remove power until both lights turn off.

  2. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the  battery: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the  battery: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the  battery: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Once the computer is off, remove the battery. Switch the locking tab to the unlocked position.

  3. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the battery: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the battery. Pull the battery forward and remove it from the laptop.

  4. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the optical drive: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the optical drive: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the optical drive: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the screw that holds the optical drive in. To do this, use a Phillips #0 screwdriver. Slide the optical drive out once the screw is removed.

    No puedo quitar la unidad

    César - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Try using a Philips #00 and see if that works. Not the first time this occurred.

    Spanish translation:
    Intente usar un Philips #00 y vea si funciona. No es la primera vez que esto ocurre.

    Nick -

  5. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the screws under the optical drive: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • The system used in the guide only came with one screw. If yours came with three, sort accordingly.

    • With the palmrest screws removed, remove the screws under the optical drive. Use a Phillips #000 screwdriver.

    If I'm having troublds removing this screw what should I do? Using a Phillips #00

    mjsbak - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Try a Phillps #000 screwdriver. It worked for me with a #00, but #000 is a better fit when I revisited this.

    Nick -

    Mine has been worn out due to excessive use. What should I use to remove this screw?

    Ahmed Khan - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

  6. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the bottom screws: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Once the battery and optical drive are removed, remove the 11 screws that secure the palmrest.

    • This screw is hidden by a sticker. If lost/damaged, it is cosmetic.

    • Not found on all models. On some models, there are screws in this area. If you see screws here, they must be removed.

    Caution: There are two additional screws on some models in the battery pack area on the far left and right of single screw shown in the picture above. Make sure to remove those screws as they are also securing the back of the palm rest to the computer.

    David May - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Good catch. I made the assumption all machines in the P series come apart the same way since multiple chassis in the same line are rare. What model machine do you have?

    Now that I’ve looked at my picture, I think I know what you’re talking about. I think you’re taking about the square areas that were never used on my machine?

    Nick -

    I added a marker to account for this. I meant to do it sooner, but it slipped past me. Let me know if I put the markers in the wrong location. I have not seen one of these, so I don’t know with 100% certainty.

    Nick -

  7. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hinge caps: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hinge caps: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hinge caps: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • If you choose to reuse the original pads, stick them to the hinge caps to preserve the adhesive.

    • Remove the hinge caps. To do this, remove the rubber pads. Use a Phillps #0 screwdriver.

    • Remove the screws under the hinge caps. To do this, use a Phillps #0 screwdriver.

  8. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unsnap the palmrest: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unsnap the palmrest: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unsnap the palmrest: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Do not fully remove the palmrest - the power button is still connected to the motherboard.

    • If you are having trouble removing the palmrest, try using a guitar pick.

    • Run a plastic tool around all 3 sides of the palmrest. Once they are loose, disconnect the keyboard and trackpad. Flip the black plastic tabs on the connectors up and disconnect the cables.

    • Once the keyboard and trackpad are disconnected, the palmrest can be lifted up. In some cases, further prying may be needed.

    >Step 8 Remove the palmrest

    >Do not remove the palmrest.

    lolwut

    Toynbee Idea - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Not sure if you’re being serious or sarcastic. If you’re serious, it says it in the line you quoted that from why it has to wait.

    Nick -

    This is very difficult to remove. I managed to get the hard drive removed without removing it completely. The corners would not come loose and I didn’t want to risk cracking the palmrest.

    Hollow Hills Ranch & Homestead - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    The trick I’ve used on this HP chaissis is I will go over the back tabs with more attention then the rest, and then go over it again just to be sure.

    The alternative is to buy anything else that isn’t awful to service, but sadly if you own it you can’t do much about it.

    Nick -

    NOTE! The ONLY cloning tool that created bootable (HP Pavillion) clone was DiskGenius software's "OS Migrate" button. I spent tens of hours with other software only to experience BSOD's (Blue screen of death) during the boot-up. Windows 8.1 install DVD's standard Command line boot repair tools could not fix the issues that other cloning tools created. The cloning tools tried were Acronis, Clonezilla, Macrium Reflect but they produced unbootable laptop. DiskGenius is not the cutest software but I wish I had it in the beginning. My two cents..
    - Teemu Parkkunen

    Teemu Parkkunen - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    EDIT: On my previous comment I mentioned that DiskGenius was the the only working option for this Windows 8.1 Pavillion cloning. Now it turned out that the target SSD was faulty. There was bad sector on boot area. This may have contributed to the fact that cloning was a hit or miss process. So feel free to try any cloning sofware.

    Teemu Parkkunen -

  9. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the power button: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the power button: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the power button: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • With the keyboard and trackpad disconnected, disconnect the power button. Flip the black tab up and remove the palmrest.

  10. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the flat flex: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the flat flex: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the flat flex: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • If this guide is used as a prerequisite, the hard drive may not need to be removed.

    • The I/O daugherboard can be removed if it is in the way.

    • Disconnect the flat flex cable over the hard drive. To do this, lift the black locking tab up and remove the cable from the ZIF socket.

    • To remove the hard drive, tilt it forward starting with the SATA interface. Once it is removed, set it aside as shown.

    • Disconnnect the drive cable. Wiggle the cable off until it is released. Do not forcefully remove the cable. Unserviced "virgin" systems may require more force.

    Disassembling a 15-P013AU and the connectors here have the opposite colouring - the locking bar is white and the connector itself is black. Confusing, but mechanically works the same.

    Harry Ray - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

  11. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • If your hard drive has a plastic sticker over the PCB and an SSD is installed, put this in the chassis in case a traditional hard drive is installed later.

    • If your drive has a plastic sticker over the drive PCB, this MUST be transferred to the new drive.

    • Remove the drive bumpers from the old drive. Transfer these to the new hard drive.

    Personally I found this more of a pain in the ass than difficult. I would give it a moderate to moderately difficult. I only propped up the keyboard enough to remove the hard drive. Thus eliminating the need to fiddle with the ribbon cables for the keyboard. I replaced the drive with a SSD and used double sided foam sticky tape instead of replacing the rubber rails...pain in the ass, and who cares, the tape worked better anyway. Took me about 30 minutes.

    Michael Maxson - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    The reason for the conservative rating is the user error issues I have run into with this guide. I tried lowering it to Moderate and it led to issues and a dispute about the guide. I'm not opposed to lowering it with a PITA warning, but that put me off to lowering it further.

    HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement

    Nick -

    What kind of SSD can I install in this machine? It came with a regular HD.

    Nelson Per - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Any SATA SSD is fair game.

    Nick -

crwdns2915888:0crwdne2915888:0

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Once tested and reassembled, you will need to install an operating system. Install whatever OS you like.

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Nick

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Master Techs crwdns2935289:0Master Techscrwdne2935289:0

Community

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Some hp pavilions you need to detach the keyboard first, then, and only then, can you access the screws that hold the palmrest!

lifeat46hol - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

This isn't the case on the P series. The keyboard is welded in with plastic so the top piece and keyboard is a singular component.

Nick -

Thanks, Nick. Great guide, took me about 20 mins to get this done.

Maarten Merken - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

That’s good to know. I said 2 hours to cover for users who will take a little longer to complete the repair. The difficulty also reflects on that.

Nick -

Dear Nick,

Thank you for the info. My Wife’s laptop is a slightly different version but I was able to install a SSD today. What a nightmare! I’ve never known a laptop to be so difficult to upgrade.

Cheers!

Andy

NoOnions - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Most laptops aren't this horrible. HP is special in this regard.

You're the second person to mention variation between models. It seems like when it happens it's a minor change and it isn't an issue to adapt.

Nick -

This guide was perfect for my mothers laptop. There were small variations, but nothing that a little common sense couldn’t help out with.

Danny - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Was it similar to the previous mentions of additional screws under the battery bay? I’m just trying to get these variations documented so there’s a known list to refer to.

Nick -

I am using HP pavilion 15-p laptop, I want to use caddy bay for my computer, but I don't know what is it the size of dvd.

And what SSD type I should buy if I want to change it with original HDD.

And thanks for the guide

Anh Cường Nguyễn - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Looks like a 9.5mm drive from eyesight and experience. Any SSD should work so that's not an issue.

I didn't get a notification for this comment. :(

Nick -

Great instructions. I'll let you know how mine turned out.

Gary Lanza - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

his guide was exact for the HP Pavilion 15-p051us model. I was able to access the HDD without completely removing the keyboard. Gently lift up on the front of the keyboard, and you shroud be able to remove the old HDD. I also think this should be rated a moderate job. I took less than 20 minutes to complete, and believe me I am not that good. Trickiest part for me as usual is the %#*@ ribbon cables. Sandisk SSD fits perfectly.

Michael Maxson - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

I set it to difficult to communicate to end users this repair is a pain to do.

That said, I'll consider it. I made this a few years ago when I was a bit looser about setting the difficulty.

Nick -

I &&^&@@ up with the last screw and i cant continue with the guide even tho it is quite straight-forward to follow. You require a bit of skill but not to much. This is a great guide tho.

Ignacio - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

That’s why I rated it difficult and was quite blunt about how difficult the job is. I’m assuming you’re talking about the optical drive screw(s). If you can safely drill it out with a very small bit (while being very careful!), you’ll recover but that area will always feel looser then the other parts of the chassis.

It’s not impossible, but yeah… This is not someone’s first DIY job.

Nick -

I patched this up as well as I can. I got away with a #00, but I added or #000 to avoid more documented problems similar to this. It may be possible yours was #000 and I used a #00 system for the guide.

Check Step 7.

Nick -

I've worked on several laptops before but this one is not straightforward, I wouldn't have attempted this without these instructions. Many thanks.

Pete WC - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Thanks a lot, Nick.

HD => SDD done!

(snail => rocket done :-))

Greets from Vienna,

Peter

peter.pernhofer - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Hi Nick

when it comes to computers I’m lost but with your guidance managed to put my new hard drive in approximately 30mins cheers for this keep up the good work

Jon smith - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Super Anleitung.

Suche auch eine für HP Pavilion 15 cs2535ng

zum RAM und SSD nachrüsten. Vielleicht haste da ja auch was im Programm.

Bestimmt reagards egon

Egon Olsen - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Used this upgraded in 20 mins thanks

geoffobarnes - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

The middle screw of the three mentioned in step 7 is different from the rest on my mother’s laptop. It seems to have a raised cross instead of any sort of slot. Does anyone know the correct name for this sort of screw? I’m struggling to find a suitable tool for it.

Thanks,

Sean

Sean - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

It looks as if the raised cross was an issue with my eyesight! A small precision screwdriver from a decent set did the trick.

Drive is replaced and my mother is happy with her much faster laptop. Many thanks for the instructions.

Sean -

The screw seems to be #000 for most. #00 worked for me (15-p263nr) but I marked it as or #000 because it seems to vary.

Nick -

Thanks Nick’

Finding all the screws makes it easy.

Jeff Crippin - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

25 minutes. Magnifique, merci. Great, thanks.

Philippe - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Merci pour ce retour positif !

Stéphane MILOUX -

25 minutes. Magnifique, merci. Wonderful, thanks.

Philippe - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Just completed this guide. The laptop i have is slightly different from that depicted in the pictures but the screw guide etc was spot on. SSD now installed. Unnecessarily complicated drive replacement. Why do HP do this? ANyway - excellent work thank you!

Bradley Anderson - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Their commercial products are a fixers dream come true, yet the consumer stuff is hit and miss with more stinkers then winners :(.

HP is getting better on the consumer side, but yeah I love how easy my 840 G5 is to repair. That's the freaking benchmark - remove the bottom cover (screws are captive) and you have access to EVERYTHING - motherboard, WLAN/WWAN cards, SSD, RAM and battery*. HP needs to make everything that good.

*Battery uses T8 screws, but that’s the only deviation. If that’s it, still a home run design.

Nick -

Useless guide, a complete waste of time. The keyboard does not detach after removing all screws from the bottom case and there are no instructions about how to remove it. This guide is incomplete and left me frustrated with a half-disassembled computer.

Extremely disappointed in iFixit and this half-assed half-completed half-guide.

Does anyone know where I can find complete instructions how to actually upgrade this computer?

Steve Keate - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Sorry to hear that this guide did not work for you. It previously worked for others, so it might be helpful if you let us know what went wrong and where you got stuck. If you want to proceed with working on this laptop I suggest you download the HP Maintenance and Service guide from here That way you will have the instructions from the manufacturer. Best of luck to you.

oldturkey03 -

I have made a few changes to Step 8, which is where I identified the most likely source of your error. Since I do not have any concrete information to know for sure what I need to correct, I cannot do much more then identify possible errors. As @oldturkey03 has said, my pry method has largely worked to get these HP laptops open. These days, this method is finally obsolete :-). The new HPs open from the bottom.

Sometimes you still need to run the pick towards one side of the laptop (varies per model), but as long as you got everything on one side, they come open a lot easier today. HP changed a lot of things and put these horrid designs behind them even on the consumer side when RtR took off so people who self-service don't call and complain.

I actually vetted this better than I usually do, just due to the sheer headache these laptops are for the average person to work on.

Nick -

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