Concerned if I have damaged hardware parts when removing bottom cover on notebook

[Oblivion1991]

Dear all

When I was separating the bottom cover on my laptop with a plastic plectrum.

Without any problems I separated / loosened the bottom cover on the left side and right side, and most of the front side.

It wouldn’t let go at the front, in front of the mousepad - I was missing to unscrew the only screw at the front.

I was pulling the southwest corner on the bottom cover, close to where the battery is located, I was pulling away from the laptop. I noticed, that the southwest corner on the TOP cover, where the battery is placed, was bending a couple of millimeters.

The southwest corner on the BOTTOM cover was bending a couple of centimeters.

The southwest corner on the TOP cover was bending a couple of millimeters.

After a couple of pulls, the plastic part that held the screw broke off.

After the bottom cover broke of, I was very concerned if I had damaged any of the hardware parts.

I was looking thoroughly on all the hardware parts with a lamp, and no bent or damage was anywhere to be seen.

I removed the network card that has integrated Bluetooth - that was the reason I removed the bottom cover.

It was no problem to put the bottom cover back on again.

When using the laptop afterwards, alle functions was functioning correct.

1.

Is there any noticeable bent or damage on the hardware, on the photos attached?

2.

When looking thoroughly on the hardware parts, what should I look for regarding if bent og damaged?

3.

How much can the hardware circuit boards bend, before taking damage?

4.

How much can the battery bend, before taking damage?

Thank you

[erico]

Well, if there are damaged parts, the ship has sailed on rolling back what you did.

If it is working, count yourself as being lucky.

For future reference, any time you are disassembling any electronic device, never, ever use force, unless you don't mind breaking it.

If you are having to force it to come apart, you are doing something very wrong.

[Oblivion1991]

Dear Erico

Thank you for your reply

Would you kindly try to answer question 1-4?

Thank you

[erico]

Unfortunately, I cannot answer most those questions because the images are two dimensional.

I would also have no idea as to just how much force you applied during disassembly .

[Oblivion1991]

Could anyone else please try to answer my questions?

Thank you

[Oblivion1991]

Could anyone else please try to answer my questions?

Thank you

[zoey7886]

@Oblivion1991, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding damaged hardware parts! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

I understand your concern about potential damage while removing the bottom cover of your laptop, and I appreciate the detailed explanation you've provided.

From what you've described, it sounds like the plastic section holding the screw broke off due to tension while attempting to remove the cover. Since all laptop functions are working fine after reassembly, that’s a good sign! However, physical damage caused during disassembly isn't covered under warranty, so if any issues arise later, repairs or part replacements may be chargeable.

To assist you better, could you please share your laptop’s model name and number? This will help us identify the affected parts and suggest possible replacements if needed.

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[Oblivion1991]

Dear Zoey

Thank you for your reply

I am not trying to get any of the parts covered by the warranty or looking for new parts.

Could you please try to answer:

1.

Is there any noticeable bent or damage on the hardware, on the photos attached?

2.

When looking thoroughly on the hardware parts, what should I look for regarding if bent og damaged?

3.

How much can the hardware circuit boards bend, before taking damage?

4.

How much can the battery bend, before taking damage?

Thank you

[Oblivion1991]

As for:

1.

Is there any noticeable bent or damage on the hardware, on the photos attached?

2.

When looking thoroughly on the hardware parts, what should I look for regarding if bent og damaged?

3.

How much can the hardware circuit boards bend, before taking damage?

Would you atleast try to come with your best guess?

Thank you

[zoey7886]

@Oblivion1991, I’ve gone through the pictures you attached thoroughly, and I don’t see any noticeable bending or damage to the hardware components. 

Since the laptop is functioning correctly after reassembly, that’s a positive sign — it’s likely that no critical components were affected.

To address your specific questions:

Is there any noticeable bent or damage on the hardware, on the photos attached?
→ From the pictures, everything looks intact. I don’t see any signs of bending or physical damage on the hardware.

When looking thoroughly on the hardware parts, what should I look for regarding if bent or damaged?
→ Keep an eye out for any visible cracks, misalignment of components, or unusual gaps between the parts. Also, check for loose connectors or exposed circuitry.

How much can the hardware circuit boards bend before taking damage?
→ Circuit boards are designed to be somewhat flexible, but even minor bending can cause microcracks in the solder joints. If it’s working fine now, you’re probably in the clear!

How much can the battery bend before taking damage?
→ Batteries are more sensitive to bending. Even slight deformities can lead to internal damage or reduced lifespan. Since the battery is functioning fine, it seems like you avoided any major issues.

Since everything is working smoothly, I’d say you’re good to go! Just keep an eye on performance over the next few days. If you notice anything unusual, feel free to reach out. 😊

Take care, and have an awesome day!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,