AI1 PC:

[david4651]

AI1 desktop PC: I want to clean the cooling fan on the processor. Can anyone advise me how to get the back off the PC, please.

[NonSequitur777]

@david4651,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

HP manufactures a variety of AI-enabled desktop and All-in-One (AiO) PCs.

Meaning, please provide your exact PC model: type: System Information in your lower Windows search bar, click on the System Information app, and look to the right of: System Model and System SKU and provide that information in order for me to assist you.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[david4651]

Dear NonSequitur777, Thank you for your response. Herewith requested information:

Model:  HP All-in-one 22-dd1xxx

SKU: 65p 84EA#ABU

System name: Desktop-9MD8D10

There are no visible screws for the case. Presumably there are some kind of locking tabs. I don`t want to damage anything.

David 4651

[NonSequitur777]

@david4651,

Yes, you are indeed completely correct to be cautious. HP designs these All-in-One PCs to look seamless, meaning the screws are intentionally hidden out of sight, and the rest of the chassis relies on tight friction clips.

To safely access and clean your processor's cooling fan, follow these steps:

1. Preparation:

• Lay a soft towel or blanket on a flat, sturdy table.
• Unplug all cables from the PC, and place the computer face down on the towel so you are looking at the back cover.

2. Remove the Hinge Cover & Stand:

The main structural screws are hidden behind a plastic trim piece right where the stand meets the computer body.

• Remove the Hinge Trim: Use your fingers or a plastic prying tool (like an old credit card or guitar pick) to gently pry up the plastic cover at the very base of the stand neck. It will unclip and slide out of the way.
• Unscrew the Stand: Once that cover is removed, you will see two metal Phillips-head screws. Loosen these completely—they are often "captive screws," meaning they loosen but won't fall out of their bracket.
• Slide off the Stand: Pull the metal stand neck straight out of the chassis slot and set it aside.

3. Remove the Speaker Bar / Bottom Trim:

On the 22-dd series, you do not pull the large back panel off first. Instead, you remove the plastic speaker trim strip running along the very bottom edge of the PC.

• Slide your plastic prying tool or fingernails into the seam where the bottom speaker mesh meets the back plastic cover.
• Gently pry forward. The entire bottom strip will unclip and pop off. There are no screws holding this strip down—only plastic tabs.

4. Remove the Frame Screws & Separate the Case:

• Unscrew the internal frame: Now that the bottom speaker trim is removed, look along that exposed bottom edge. You will see a series of small Phillips screws holding the front screen assembly to the back casing. Remove all of them.
• Pop the side tabs: Use your plastic pry tool to gently wedge into the seam along the side edges of the PC. Slowly glide the tool up the sides to release the internal locking tabs.
• Lift the display assembly: Gently lift the front screen/display assembly up and slightly away from the back cover casing. Be very careful: Do not pull it away completely yet, as there are delicate ribbon cables connecting the screen to the motherboard. Disconnect those internal cables, and you can fully lay the screen aside.

5. Cleaning the Fan:

With the case separated, the internal components are completely exposed. The cooling fan is located directly over the motherboard.

• Hold the fan still: Before using compressed air, hold the center of the fan blades down with your finger. Never let a PC fan spin freely from compressed air, as it can generate static electricity and ruin the bearings.
• Blow out the dust: Use short, 2-second bursts of compressed air to clear out dust from the fan blades and the copper heatsink fins next to it.

DISCLAIMER: As you can see, this is a rather 'involved' procedure.  For a seasoned DIY-er, this is not necessarily too demanding per se, but the challenge is that the parts and bits you are working with are fairly fragile -meaning (and alas, I speak from personal experience!) -and let's cut to the chase: it is easy to break something, especially with an AiO or a laptop.

Perhaps you want to consider taking your device to a local PC repair/service shop, which should ease your mind.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777