Need help disassembling my HP 17 P161DX laptop

[Honkmaster]

I'm no stranger to disassembling desktops and laptops but many of my experiences have been with computers from the 90s/00s. Unfortunately the laptop started having overheating issues right after the warranty expired. A computer repair shop determined that they couldn't fix it, and they returned it with the hard drive separate so I could recover my files. I would like to take a look inside but am having difficulty.

I've removed the battery and all of the screws. It appears that the palmrest pops off the top and I can start this process with a guitar pick but something is holding it down. I suspect there may be a screw or something else at fault under the corner covers. I've never had to deal with corner covers like this before and can't find any videos for this model.

Can someone please provide me with a service manual, disassembly video, and/or tips for removing the corner covers? Thanks!

Images: Top of laptopcorner covers

[Photoray002]

Hello @Honkmaster

HP Laptops have a Maintenence Manual that illustrates hardware removal procedures. You can find it, along with drivers and such from your models downloads page... HP Notebook - 17-p161dx

Maintenence Manual... look at pages 31-32.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04777516

That should give you an idea how to tear it down.

Removing the rubber feet on the bottom will give you access to more screws.

[Honkmaster]

Thank you, I made some progress. I got the corner covers removed but there's one more obstacle - the optical drive.

On page 28 of the service manual, it states "Use a flat tool to press on the optical drive bracket tab to release the optical drive."

I can't find this "bracket tab" anywhere!

 Here's the underside of the laptop, the optical drive is on the left. 

[Photoray002]

Page 27-28 of the Maintenance Manual shows the tab and screwdriver.

You mean this one?

I think that is for only select models.

I think (guessing) yours just has two screws next to a Disk icon on the base. remove those and the drive should slip forward out the side. Otherwise the keyboard top should be removable now.

[JR10X]

Hello,  I am looking to upgrade RAM  in my laptop, but the user manual reads, "Memory Two SODIMM slots - NON customer accessible / upgradeable."  Does this mean I can not remove and install new RAM chips?  Thanks.

[kevin-t]

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