Getting the back off the hard way


Hazel123

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Not sure which section this should go under - devices? Anyway. Quite a while back I posted about the old HP Spectre X360 which wouldn't charge up after getting damage (someone tripping over the cable). At the time it was a spare laptop belonging to another family member who hardly used it, but I had to use it while looking for a replacement for my own. It was a total pain wiggling the cable around to keep it charging. And of course eventually that did work any more and I had bought a replacement charger socket but couldn't get the back off. Mostly posidrive screws but two torx screws. I bought a set of torx and torx plus screwdrivers. But nothing worked. The threads were stripped. Clearly someone had had the back off before and stripped the screw threads.

It has been sat there like a paperweight for months as had bigger things going on. But today I got the back off. OH got his drill out and drilled out the torx screws. It wasn't easy! No damage but the cosmetically it doesn't look that great on the back - the screw holes are a bit larger than they were.

Anyway - my job this week is now to replace the charger socket. When I have a quiet couple of hours. It just means removing the wifi card and the fan first.

Last time I did that job in a computer, the new charger socket then shorted and fused the Motherboard. Hope that doesn't happen again! But it's not usable as it is so I'll give it a go. It's not worth that much in it's current state and it's hard to find good used laptops. And this one is quite funky with its touch screen and folding hinge etc. I prefer my bog standard laptop, but we do need the second laptop for various things - and it's the one that has Windows 11 on ......
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Which model x360 is this?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel i7-11700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime Z590-A
    Memory
    128GB Crucial Ballistix 3200MHz DRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    No GPU - CPU graphics only (for now)
    Sound Card
    Realtek (on motherboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP Envy 32
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    1 x 1TB NVMe Gen 4 x 4 SSD
    1 x 2TB NVMe Gen 3 x 4 SSD
    2 x 512GB 2.5" SSDs
    2 x 8TB HD
    PSU
    Corsair HX850i
    Case
    Corsair iCue 5000X RGB
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black cooler + 10 case fans
    Keyboard
    CODE backlit mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1Gb Up / 1 Gb Down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Additional options installed:
    WiFi 6E PCIe adapter
    ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 PCIe adapter
  • Operating System
    Win11 Pro 23H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 2
    CPU
    Intel i7-1255U
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek® ALC3306-CG codec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    13.3-inch IPS Display
    Screen Resolution
    WQXGA (2560 x 1600)
    Hard Drives
    2 TB 4 x 4 NVMe SSD
    PSU
    USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 Power / Charging
    Mouse
    Buttonless Glass Precision Touchpad
    Keyboard
    Backlit, spill resistant keyboard
    Internet Speed
    1Gb Up / 1Gb Down
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    WiFi 6e / Bluetooth 5.1 / Facial Recognition / Fingerprint Sensor / ToF (Time of Flight) Human Presence Sensor
13 - 4007na - it's about 6 old now. Bought it used when it was about 3 years old. Originally came with Windows 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
I should add that last time I replaced a charger socket was in a much older computer and the spare part was possibly a bit dodgy in the first place, hence it blew and fused the motherboard when switched on. I have a genuine part so hope that doesn't happen this time!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
In the realm of esoteric knowledge, the screws in question are "Torx Screws", not `tork [sic] screws'.

There are better ways to remove them than drilling, such as using a Torx screwdriver.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8960
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-13700 2.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GetForce RTX 4060 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2722D
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    1024GB SSD boot drive; 2TB Internal Mechanical Hard Disc; WD My Passport (1Tb) external; My Passport Ultra (2Tb) external
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    40Mbps (Bonded DSL)
    Browser
    Firefox (default)
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes, MS Defender AV
Yep thanks for the correction - I keep getting the words tork and torx muddled up but have the correct screwdrivers - but no good as the threads were already stripped from someone taking those screws out before. I have the ifixit set plus some individual torx plus ones just in case the standard torx ones didn't do it. "Tork" is the paper towel manufacturer we use! Torx are the screwdrivers - I know :)

Originally bought the torx and torx plus for a nintendo switch and a surface laptop which also had the annoying little xxxx screws.

Drilling was an absolute last resort! Did the job anyway - I just need a couple of little rubber covers to fill the screw holes.

I've gone back and corrected the spelling now in case anyone else makes the same comment reading it!

This was an update from a few months back when I couldn't get the back off/screws out. Can't find the original thread!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Fingers crossed charger socket replacement sorts it out. It would be nice to have it working again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Given the description of the tools you have, I conclude that you have a "Torx Armada," which is not to be confused with Torquemada.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 PRO 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 8960
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-13700 2.10GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GetForce RTX 4060 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2722D
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    1024GB SSD boot drive; 2TB Internal Mechanical Hard Disc; WD My Passport (1Tb) external; My Passport Ultra (2Tb) external
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Mouse
    MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    40Mbps (Bonded DSL)
    Browser
    Firefox (default)
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes, MS Defender AV
Well I've replaced the charger socket. Wasn't too difficult. Plugged it in and it's still dead. So will have to try getting another charger. It was definitely the charger socket that was damaged because the old charger worked before if you could wiggles the angle the socket went in and held it in position. But I've noticed the charger block itself makes a clunking noise - as if there's something rattle around inside! So maybe it's both. Or neither.

Last used it in January when I backed up anything on it, just before the battery went flat because couldn't get the charger to work at all any more then.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Are you trying to do this ?

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • Operating System
    win7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    pentium g5400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    1x8gb 2400
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
Already swapped it over :) Not soldered. Watched a video first to check what to remove and in what order. It wasn't difficult. But perhaps hasn't worked! Used an antistatic wrist band as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Presumably it should still work off mains if the battery is dead (internal battery).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
If it won't power up when the new charger arrives I reckon the new socket wasn't right. It was supposed to be for that model of computer but did look a teeny bit different. The plug in end with the wires had extra small plastic lugs at the side that stopped it fitting in the socket. Shaved a bit off them - just a teeny bit of plastic. Maybe it just wasn't the right part.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
I have had two different laptops that would not turn on with a dead battery in them. I removed the battery, and with mains plugged in they started right up. No guarantee but it would be worth a try.

 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Thanks. I'll try that. New charger coming tomorrow so might wait for that. If that makes no difference I'm sending it back again!

Our laptops end up lasting for many many years usually (at 6 years old this one is only half life!) UNLESS someone trips over the cable. Lost three to damaged charger sockets. The moral of course is keep laptops out of the living room (or only use laptops with long battery life - which my current one has).

You'd think by now there'd be better ways than cables trailing across the room! Like an external battery charger and easily swappable batteries. Oh yes we used to have easily swappable batteries, I forgot! Not externally charged ones though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Aha. New charger arrived, plugged it in and have lights. And it turned on. But didn't boot up. Instead I get a black screen with white writing saying something about drive error - press F2.

Pressed F2 and had the option to do a drive test. Selected the short test. Result says Smart check passed. Short DST failed. Then Failure ID and a serial number and Product ID and a serial number "Hard Drive 1".

So looks like the M2 drive has failed.

Now this computer was working perfectly fine in January. The only issue was - couldn't get it to charge without wiggling the cable around to the right position. The battery went flat so then couldn't turn it on to see what position to get the cable into to charge it.

I replaced the charger socket thinking that would solve it. It didn't. I've replaced the charger and it has solved it. So presumably both the internal and external charger pins/socket were damaged. But why would the hard drive just die? Maybe some kind of short?

Exited that test screen and now it says "Boot Device not found - please install an operating system on your hard disk" And press F2 for system diagnostics again. So presumably it can still recognise the hard drive?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
The only spare M2 drive I have is the Optane one taken out of my current computer. Would the optane drive work in a non optane designed laptop? Could be interesting.

I guess it's possible I wiped this drive after backing it up thinking I wouldn't repair the computer. And may have forgotten. So first thing to try is intalling an operating system I guess. Before changing the drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Ok it's passed the memory test but failed both the long and short dst so not much point installing an operating system on this drive as it seems it's failing. A bit of a coincidence when it's just been sat doing nothing since January. But there you go.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Thought I'd try installing on the 500gb optane drive. At install Windows is only seeing it as a 27GB drive.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 14-ce3514sa
    CPU
    Core i5
    Memory
    16gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 evo plus 2TB
    Cooling
    Could be better
    Internet Speed
    200mbps Starlink
    Browser
    Firefox
    Other Info
    Originally installed with a 500gb H10 Optane ssd
Thought I'd try installing on the 500gb optane drive. At install Windows is only seeing it as a 27GB drive.
Is it really a 500GB drive, or a smallish Optane cache for another drive?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) Kingston DDR5 5200 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1600 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    Alphacool Eisbaer Pro Aurora 360, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    1200 Mbps
  • Operating System
    windows 11 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus PA329C
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8 TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Keyboard
    Logitech K120 (wired)

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