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I need to solder the power supply jack. I have removed all the screws and the laptopl is loose all around the edges but something is holding it near the middle, around the space bar or letters m,n. There are no more screws visible to remove. What do I do now?

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Good step removing the screws — the remaining hold at the mid‑keyboard area almost always means the keyboard/palmrest is still clipped or a hidden screw is under the keyboard. ’s pointer to the service manual is the right first stop; use it to confirm screw locations. The short, safe sequence below follows what most Presario‑era HP laptops require and explains why the case can still be tight around the spacebar.

  • Remove power (AC) and the battery first.
  • Remove HDD/optical drive and any small service covers (RAM, modem) so you can see screws beneath them.
  • Unscrew every visible bottom screw. Check under rubber feet and stickers — many screws hide there.
  • Open the lid and inspect the top edge of the keyboard for small retention tabs. Use a plastic spudger or your fingernail to lift the keyboard from the top edge; it will tilt up toward the screen.
  • Flip the keyboard up gently — do not yank it because of the ribbon cable. Open the ZIF connector latch and unplug the keyboard cable.
  • With the keyboard removed you’ll usually find screws that fasten the palmrest/top case. Remove those, then carefully pry the palmrest free using a plastic tool, working from the hinges outward to release clips.

Label screws and take photos as you go so reassembly is straightforward. Use a plastic pry tool to avoid melted or cracked plastic, and take ESD precautions. If the DC jack is soldered to the motherboard you’ll see that once the palmrest/top cover is off; if soldering is beyond your comfort level, consider replacing the jack assembly or using a service. If the case still won’t separate after the keyboard is out, recheck for screws under the keyboard, under the optical drive bay, or under any speaker/grille covers before applying more force.

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Member Avatar for Michael_Knight

Try here:

Member Avatar for preacherptl

Thanks Michael. that site is just what I needed.

Member Avatar for Michael_Knight

You're welcome. Glad I could help. Good luck with the PSU and the rebuild.

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