Left corner of laptop bulging and lower case separating from the upper case

[Mel242]

First it just seemed like the keyboard was bulging in one section. Then the the lower and upper case started separating in the left top corner. I am able to snap it back in. However, every time I move the screen the slightest bit, the hinge is shifting and it pops back out.  Recently the screw in that corner fell out of the lower case and doesn't catch when trying to put it back in.

The warranty is expired on this laptop. There are things that I expect to fail with age (like the battery or other technical components). But the case/hinge is not one of them. At least not with a laptop that has never been dropped and been taken good care of. It seems like several people are having this problem and it's a well known issue according to this topic in the forum https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Left-Hinge-Broken-Corner-of-La...

Pretty disappointed...

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Mel242 

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All batteries die, some do so quietly and some first inflate and then fail.

Bulging is almost always signs of a bloated, inflated battery that is forcing the case and other components out of the way.

If this is the cause...

Bloated battery will fail and it might damage the computer (more than it has already done).

Bloated battery must be removed and replaced.

Batteries are considered consumables and should be replaced by the computer owner when the device is no longer in Warranty.

Right Now:

>>>  Make sure your backups are kept CURRENT and stored other than on the computer.  <<<

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"Fat" Battery / Bloated Battery / Swollen Battery – Sealed / Internal Battery

• Swollen battery might be hiding OR there might be evidence that the battery has inflated.  For example, notebook case is warped, touchpad stops working, “odd” bulging near the keyboard.

• If the battery is in a swollen or bloated condition, the battery must be removed from the computer and replaced.  There are no other remedies, tests, or useful options.

HP Commercial and Consumer Notebook PCs - Swelling or Deformation of Notebook Battery

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Replacement and Purchase Options

HP Document:  HP Notebook PCs - Purchasing a Replacement Battery

Reminder: 

Purchase a compatible battery from your favorite online merchant when HP does not provide the battery you need.

Find your Product

See:  HP Notebook PCs - How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number?

Find Parts and Replacement Procedure

      Open Product Home    >> Enter the full model name

• When the website opens, select category Manuals
• Look for and open the Maintenance and Service guide for your computer (document name varies)
• Search for “Battery” to find parts and replacement  >> Read the chapter on Replacement Procedures

NOTES  

1. The exact name of the service document varies, though usually the word "service" or "maintenance" is included in the name. 
2. The "Service Guide" and "User Guide" are not the same documents.

• Part numbers and replacement procedure are listed in the component replacement section (wording varies)

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HP Collection of “how-to” videos – Battery

Internal Batteries…

HP Support Channel - Collection of “how-to” videos

HP Video Gallery - YouTube

• Use Categories to narrow the results. 
• Select your Video

Example – Category 

HP PC Service Videos | Remove and Replace Parts

Cntrl-F   Search the page for Replace the Battery or Battery

Find a similar model type to your system > Select and watch your Video

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Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"

[Mel242]

@Dragon-Fur 

Thank you for your response.
I am one of those end users who don't have a clue about anything. I didn't even know a battery could inflate. Sure enough the battery was the issue...

[Dragon-Fur]

@Mel242 

You are welcome, Mel.

Inflation can happen at any time.

Battery technology is not perfect.  😐

Stay Safe.

Better 2021 for all...

Thank you for participating in the HP Community.

The Community is a separate wing of the HP website - We are not an HP business group.

Our Community is comprised of volunteers - people who own and use HP devices.

Click Thumbs Up to say Thank You.

Question Resolved / Answered, Click "Accept as Solution"