HP Pavilion 17-P180CA HDD/SSD Upgrade/Replacement

[drewmartell]

Update: After this post I located two hidden screws under some pads and thought that didn't solve anything. I just had to pry really hard with proper force (to prevent breaking any of the plastic) and it removed it enough to swap out the HDD.

Hi all,

I've been working as a tech/admin for years, and I've been having trouble replacing the boot drive on some of our HP models. The last one similar to this, the case was a bit broken so I could pry the machine open and remove the HDD and replace it to the SSD without having to fully remove the stuck case (pinched my fingers during the process and couldn't screw the drive down but it worked).

In this instance, the computer is fully in-tact so I cannot just bend the laptop open further without breaking it to replace the drive. I've taken out all 12 bottom screws and 2 additional screws under the battery and 2 additional screws under some pads. I've pried along the bottom and side edges to an extent but as I'm attempting to pry, I'm worried I might be breaking some plastic as it still seems very stuck together.

I read a post stating there may be some plastic hiding two screws and I did locate some plastic like the post said but digging a hole into the plastic revealed no screws and just further damaged the unit.

See the attached photos:

HDD Location - Since the case is not broken like the other, I cannot remove it and swap it out

Overview shot - I've gotten the bottom of the keyboard and sides pryed open a tad

Under-view - All visible screws removed

Underside Closeup - I've removed two pads hiding screws underneath

I've checked this page (https://support.hp.com/ca-en/product/hp-17-p100-notebook-pc-series/8499335/product-info) but my model was not on there.

TLDR; How do I replace the HDD with my SSD?

[REO51ST]

Welcome to the HP Support Community @drewmartell

See if this helps???

It is for the 17-P000 but see if it is the same???

HP 17-p000 Notebook PC series - FRU Remove/Replace Videos

http://h20574.www2.hp.com/results.htm?SID=7771417&MEID=3C0E93B4-66E7-4973-B47D-5082B1AB4F54

Click on Top Cover.

Let me know if these and other videos of many models could help you in the future???

REO