HP Zbook 15v g5 - how to remove the bottom cover

[Renegat71113]

Hello,

im trying to open my Zbook 15v g5, but got the same problem as described here: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/HP-zbook-15-G5-add-HDD/td-p/68...

The laptop has fewer screws than specified in the manual. Does anyone have any idea how I can remove the bottom cover of this "workstation"? Never had that kind of problem with Dell laptops...

[REO51ST]

Welcome to the HP Support Community @Renegat71113

Your Maintenance and Service Guide here:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06009180

Base Cover Remove/Replace starts on page 38.

REO

[Huffer]

Remove the screws you can see and check under the rubber feet for additional screws holding the rear panel in place. 

From the pictures posted in the thread you linked, it appears that the Manual shows screws that are not there so it is not a stretch to think maybe it fails to show some screws that are present but hidden under the rubber feet. 

[Renegat71113]

Thank you for your reply.

I've removed the red marked screws. The lid is still tight. I can only remove the rubber feet by force.  I don't think they are meant to be removed.

[iomare]

Hi,

The bottom part and top part are clicked into eachother, you have used a plastic tool such as credit card, guitar pick or similar to release the plastic hooks which hold the top and bottom parts together. You need to go around the whole computer. If there are screws under the rubber feet you will notice once you have seperated the top and bottom a little.

Regards,

David

[Renegat71113]

Not a chance. Credit card too thick. Tablet tool too thick. Without violence nothing works. Or I am too stupid. Frustrating.  Business laptops should be easier to handle. I am disappointed by HP.

[Huffer]

I do this all the time and I can tell you it takes a little elbow grease. Find a place where the chassis is already separated just a bit and you can get it started with a fingernail. Most likely place to start is back by the hinges. Once you get the credit card or spudger tool in there walk it laterally side to side and the rear cover will begin to unzip. As said above, you will "feel" if there are screws under the rubber strips. The strips need to be removed with a flat blade screwdriver and yes you have to break a rubber cement seal. 

I work on all brands of laptops and there is nothing harder about this than other current models. On superthin laptops the days of the easy access doors is gone. 

[Renegat71113 · Accepted solution]

I finally got the laptop open. All you need is a suction cup. There are no screws under the rubber feet.

[Huffer]

I guess violence was not required. 

[Talesin]

I have to say I find this model particularly difficult to open, it's feasible but it means leaving some minor dents in the plastic. The official suggestion to start at the back in the centre is not practical, it would mean prying it to the point of breaking. The model above this has a sliding back cover.