Skip to main content

HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement

What you need

  1. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Prepare the laptop: step 1, image 1 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Prepare the laptop: step 1, image 2 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Prepare the laptop: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • 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: step 2, image 1 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the  battery: step 2, image 2 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unlock the  battery: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • 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: step 3, image 1 of 2 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the battery: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • 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: step 4, image 1 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the optical drive: step 4, image 2 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the optical drive: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • 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.

  5. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the screws under the optical drive: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

  6. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the bottom screws: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

  7. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hinge caps: step 7, image 1 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hinge caps: step 7, image 2 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the hinge caps: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • 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: step 8, image 1 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unsnap the palmrest: step 8, image 2 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Unsnap the palmrest: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • 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.

  9. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the power button: step 9, image 1 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the power button: step 9, image 2 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the power button: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • 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: step 10, image 1 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the flat flex: step 10, image 2 of 3 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Disconnect the flat flex: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • 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.

  11. HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: step 11, image 1 of 2 HP Pavilion 15-p Hard Drive Replacement, Remove the drive bumpers: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • 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.

Conclusion

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.

65 other people completed this guide.

Nick

Member since: 11/10/09

88,431 Reputation

49 Guides authored

Team

Master Techs Member of Master Techs

Community

322 Members

2,506 Guides authored

35 Comments

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

lifeat46hol - Reply

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 - Reply

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 - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 45

Past 7 Days: 338

Past 30 Days: 1,304

All Time: 160,580