HP Envy 15-AS151NR HDD replacement - Trouble removing back cover

[JCP304]

Hello, I seem to be having trouble removing the back cover to replace the HDD. I've removed all the visible screws and successfully used a plastic pry tool to open everything but the hinge side. Are there more screws that are hidden? I had attempted to simply lift from the front but the metal begins to bend before there is enough force to pry the back open. I've tried from near the hinges as well as in the middle but I've had no luck and am afraid I'll damage the metal body before I get the back unstuck. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've tried YouTube videos but, for some reason, I can find videos for just about every other model besides the 15-AS151NR (unless I've read the model number incorrectly on the machine). 

Thanks for your help!

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Service Manual (assuming you have the model number right):

Manual

Start on p. 28. 4 screws under the rubber strip. Be careful and do not stretch the rubber strip or you will not get it to fit back in the channel. 

Post back with any more questions and please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[JCP304]

Thank you! I'll take a look when I get home from work tonight. I appreciate your quick response!

[JCP304]

Sorry, I forgot to update after I got home. This worked perfectly. There were 4 screws until the rubber strip that were preventing me from opening the back cover. Once removed, the cover came right off without needing a plastic pry tool for anything more than just lifting it off the machine. I sincerely appreciate your help!

[Altastein]

The HP videos describing the removal of this cover seem to be showing examples of this very model however there are 2 screws that are shown in the video that secure the rear corners of the base enclosure to the top cover. On my laptop these screws are not visible.   After removing the remaining 6 screws (in the video the total is 😎 I am able to pull apart the bottom portion of the cover but the end nearest the hinges remains secure indicating that there is something, possible hidden screws, holding it in place. Can they be beneath the rubber feet? These feet would have to be torn off to inspect beneath and I don't want to do that to find out there is really a proper way to remove the cover.  Thank you for any help you can offer.          

[Huffer]

Why don't you post a picture? The Manual linked in this thread shows no rubber feet except the strips and the two screws in the corner outside the strip are easily visible. If you have smaller square rubber feet then the laptop is not in the same model series as this thread is about. 

[Altastein]

It's not the same model actually.  It's an HP Spectre X 360 convertable 15-bl0. product number Z4Z37UA#ABA.  I replied to your post because it had a similar problem and I was hoping mine would have a similar resolution. The manual for this model, as does the HP video, shows 2 screws in the top corner that are not evident on my laptop. All the other screws are where the diagram suggests and easily removed. The screws on my computer must be hidden somewhere and of course HP support will not help me find them.  It is possible I guess that HP changed the design slightly since I got bought this computer when it was first released. Thank you for replying so quickly.      

[Huffer]

You are misunderstanding how manuals work. You must use the Manual for your specific laptop model series only. Other Manuals even from seemingly similar products will show significantly different physical configurations. 

Here is your Manual:

Manual 

See p. 22 which confirms indeed there are screws under the (in this case) circular rubber feet. Good luck. 

[Altastein]

Thanks, you're right.  I made the mistake of searching for the manual under the model name only rather than the product number. That did it and was able to successfully remove the back of the computer and get to the source of my problem.