need help replacing HDD on HP Pavilion laptop model 17-e118dx/ 17.3 AMD A8

[intrepid777]

Hello,

I am looking for any advice,tutorials or links to such that will help me safely access my hard drive for repacement. I found one screw holding a back cover but the cover didn't want to budge after removing screw. Other info: 17.3 AMD A8 750 GIG. Also interested in info related to upgrading/increasing memory and if possible, upgrading to backlit keyboard.

Thank you,

Scott

[visruth · Accepted solution]

Hi Scott


Here's your manual: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04069163.pdf

Go through Page 6, 49-51, 54 for details & replacement methods.

You can upgrade to 1TB

RAM upgrade maximum is given as 8GB max in this specs: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04235458
You could add another 4GB in the other slot with identical configuration - DDR3L PC3L-12800 1600MHz 1.35V SODIMM SDRAM

Unfortunately,
Keyboard modification can't be done, motherboard has to changed for that.

Thanks,

[intrepid777]

Thanks, Professor for your help. Do you know what would be involved changing the MB out? Is the backlit keyboard available for this computer and would I have any compatibility issues with other hardware by changing MB?

Scott

[visruth]

Unfortunately, that'll not be supported by HP for your system,
Your MB does not have Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) connector for the keyboard light cable, and moreover there is no light cable in the keyboards supported by the system.

[intrepid777]

what about changing out the mother board?

[visruth]

Hi

There's no backlit compatible MB available for this model.

[ChrisU_72]

Hello, I just wanted to add that I have just upgraded the HDD in my HP Pavilion 17-e118dx....

And just in case anyone asks, the upgrade for this laptop (according to HP documentation) states that you can upgrade to: 

HD Capacity: 1TB
HD Size: 2.5", 9.5mm height

I installed:

Seagate ST2000LM007

HD Capacity: 2TB
HD Size: 2.5", 7mm height

And it works just fine!

Here is more on what I had to do in case anyone needs it:  https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Software-and-How-To-Questions/New-HDD-in-HP-Pavillion-17-e118...