How do I get into a dv7-4153cl ?

[ChuckBradley]

I want to remove the disk from my  dv7-4153cl. It looks easy. Loosen the five screws that hold the large T shaped panel on the back and lift the panel. The screws loosen but the panel refuses to budge. I found the service manual, c02642701.pdf and it confirms what seemed obvious.  The T shaped panel is called the primary hard drive cover. The five screws are secured, meaning they are not supposed to fall out when they are loose. Lift the base of the T first.  I can get the tip of a screwdriver under the panel, but the panel does not move except at the base of the T. I can feel that the other three screws are loose. It feels like there is a hidden clip somewhere. Any suggestions to get access are welcome.  Thanks.

[Mumbodog]

Your Service Manual

Main page for you model

[Mumbodog]

Looks like 5 screws hold the cover on

[ChuckBradley]

As mentioned in my request, I found the manual and followed the instructions. The cover does not come off. Is there a secret place to push or pry?  I hesitate to pry to hard for fear of breaking the cover. The system works fine now. I want the disk out to replace it with a good disk from a broken system for just long enough to copy the data from that disk. Yes, both are SATA.

Thanks for any hints to get around this very low tech roadblock.

[Mumbodog]

I have noticed on both my newer HP's, the door has small tabs that retain it even after the screws are out, use a small flat blade screwdricer to pry up, the diagram shows you the spot to lift first.

[ChuckBradley · Accepted solution]

The expert agreed there are hidden tabs. Here is what I found while learning to break into my computer. The details might change as the production run continues. I imagine HP is searching for the right balance between keeping klutzy users out and letting trained service personnel in quickly. Place the system top down with the hinges facing you. Then the problem cover looks like the letter T, with the stem facing you. Br sure all the screws are loose, but remember they will still be retained and will not fall out. At the very center of the bottom of the stem, pry up gently. Slip something under the cover to keep the tension and to prevent losing the little prograss so far. Work on the right side of the stem of the T next.  About half way up the stem there is a small tab and a matching recess in the body.  Don't hunt for them yet. A little closer to the top of the stem is a place to pry gently, about 4 or 5 slots from the top of the vent in the stem. When the right side of the stem is free, insert something to keep it free. Then push the stem to the right to free the much larger detent on the left. Insert more stuff so your progress is not undone. There are two more small tabs on the bottom of the right side of the cross piece of the T. Some combination of techniques shoud work. Push the bottom of the stem to the right.  Gently pry up at the two access points along the right edge of the top piece. One is about midway between the screw and the far top edge.  The other is the same distance from the screw toward you. Insert more fill. Then push the T away from you to release the larger tabs on the left. Finally, pull the cover toward you to release the three large tabs along the top of the T.

[littlelotus]

Thank God for you!! I did NOT want to spend any more time on the phone with HP, after finally getting our replacement hard drive, but your discussion of all these cursed tabs led me in the right direction, even though I was working with our g6 laptop. Used a screwdriver to get the edge indicated lifted, and carefully popped up the tabs all around until I had it off. After that, it was easy Thanks again!!!