can't remove outer shell to replace battery on spectre x360 convertible 13-ac0xx

[GR1126]

I am trying to remove the back shell to replace the battery and it won't budge. I've removed the 6 screws, but it feels like the shell is secured by other unseen screws. Any ideas?

[pbroussard]

Look for a small round circle which is a cover for a screw. Did you remove the rubber feet to remove the screws under it?

edit- Here's your Service Manual - http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05357578.pdf  It has detailed instructions how to remove and replace everything on the laptop.

[GR1126]

Thank you for your reply. I don't see any other round circles, but the two round rubber feet don't appear to be able to be removed. Is there a trick you may have?

[pbroussard]

Look on page 25 of the service manual I linked above. I use a pocket knife to pry up the feet, being careful not to mess them up so they can be reinstalled.

[GR1126]

That worked! Now the problem I'm having is that one of the screws to the battery itself is stripped. This is nuts. You wouldn't happen to know how to remove a stripped screw?

[pbroussard]

Mini size needle nose pliers. If you are going to do work on small stuff like laptops, get a good set of screwdrivers, like Wiha. They are made from harder steel than most everything out there. I have a set from Radio Shack maybe 20 years old made by Wiha, and they are still in great shape.

[PeteC22]

There are 8 screws, not 6.  Did you remove the 2 rubber feet at the rear of the bottom shell?  There is a screw to also remove under each one. Then, you do need to insert a flat shim (preferably plastic, but if you're careful a flat screwdriver blade will do) and carefully pry along the bottom to release plastic catches.