Omen 15 ax200na laptop massive swelling, constantly freezing and unable to perform updates

[nmbrowneyedgirl]

The problem started in January when I noticed my laptop said "plugged in, not charging". I unplugged the laptop and examined it to see if the charging port had been damaged, when I noticed my laptop has some swelling around the right corner at the track pad. I then saw the laptop wasn't quite closing fully because of the swelling. The charging issue resolved after a week or two but the swelling started to get really bad. Its so bad now that I'm scared to use it incase it bursts. The track pad is now sticking out as well as some bottom keys and the laptop can't lie flat because of the bulge on the underside too. It was only 18 months old when this problem started, its now about 28 months old. What can I do? I can't get to the battery as its non removable and the case is so swollen I doubt I can get it open. Its also been freezing completely to the point of having to hold the power button down to close it down and restart. I can't help feel a little angry as I paid a lot of money for this device and took excellent care of it but now I feel really unsafe to use it.

[Photoray002]

Hello @nmbrowneyedgirl 

The swelling is the battery that has failed.  Yes it is unsafe to use at this point. The battery needs to be removed before it bursts and starts leaking. Those types of batteries are known to do this after they get a certain age. Happens on any brand of PC.

You can open the case yourself, its just a little delicate and tedious to do so because of that models design. It has little plastic tabs that are clicked together inside and have to be uncoupled by carefully prying on it.

After you remove the screws, you have to use a spudger tool (or a credit card) and carefully separate the seam around the top edge of the case.  I used a set of carving tools from Harbor Freight and some credit cards.

Once you get the bottom case off, you can disconnect the battery cable and screws and remove the old battery.

You will have to surf the web for a third party battery to replace it as HP does not resell them.

The battery will have the part number on it.

It should be 4 cell polymer battery - 63.3 Whr (4175 mAh) part number: 905277-855

Here is the manual giving some details of how to access the battery on pages 34-36...

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05357609

Here is an example of how to open the case...

https://www.myfixguide.com/manual/hp-omen-15-ax000-disassembly/

Note: if you wish to remove the battery but not replace it right now, Yes, it is safe to run the laptop on the AC adapter/charger only.

Also if you wish to upgrade your RAM or SSD to a larger capacity, now would be a good time to do so as you have the case apart.

Let me know if you have other questions.

[nmbrowneyedgirl]

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me such useful information. I was able to get my case open thanks to you and confirmed that my battery is indeed faulty. However I couldn't get the battery cable disconnected? It was like it was taped/glued in place so I was just wondering how to proceed? Knowing that removing the battery will allow me safe use of my laptop again is like an early Christmas present so I just want to get the battery out lol

[Photoray002 · Accepted solution]

Its probably just really tightly fitting. Grab a couple of Pencils and try to work it straight out from the pin connector.

If it looks like this photo, try the pencil technique.

Here is HPs video on how to do it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9fImU3b29s

[nmbrowneyedgirl]

I just wanted to come back and thank you massively! You are an absolute star! I was able to get the battery out thanks to the pencil technique and the case has almost returned to normal! My trackpad and buttons have resumed their usual position as if nothing was wrong to begin with and it also closes fully again. There's a small lump in the case where the swelling was worst but I am very happy.

Thank you again, you just gave me an early Christmas present 🙂 

[Photoray002]

Glad I could help and a very (early) Merry Christmas. 🎄