hard copy how to replace hdd with ssd

[DavidWalland]

The hdd recently died on this machine and I had to spend money buying another computer with Win 11, which is appalling and snoops on me despite turning every tracking app accessible off.  I have bought a 1TB SSD and new memory to update my Pavilion to 16gb from the current 8gb.  I found a video of how to open the machine and fit a new hdd but I'm hearing impaired (I was very careless and chose the wrong parents for this - stupid of me but I was very young at the time.  IE it's congenital and after 3 ear ops and with hearing aids in both ears, I'm pretty skilled *BUT*...)  My problem is it takes so much effort to listen that I can't also watch at the same time, so I need a written script with pictures to help me do this.  This is hardly the first computer I've been into but opening it is clearly much more complex than the previous ones I've done before, so help would be gratefully received.

It seems worth replacing the bios battery while I'm in there.  Can anyone give me details of the battery required and where best to get one from?

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@DavidWalland, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you upgrade your HP Pavilion Notebook - 15-ab271sa by replacing the HDD with a 1TB SSD and upgrading the RAM to 16GB. This guide includes detailed instructions and images to make the process easier.

Tools & Materials Needed

• 1TB 2.5" SATA SSD 
• 16GB DDR3L 1600MHz SODIMM RAM (2x8GB modules)
• Small Phillips-head screwdriver
• Plastic spudger or opening tool
• Anti-static wrist strap (recommended)
• USB flash drive (for Windows installation)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Power Down and Prepare

• Completely shut down the laptop.
• Disconnect all external devices and the power adapter.
• Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to discharge any residual electricity.

2. Remove the Back Cover

1. Unscrew the Base:
   • Turn the laptop upside down on a soft surface.
   • Remove all visible screws from the bottom panel. Some screws may be hidden under rubber feet or stickers.
2. Pry Open the Case:
   • Use a plastic spudger to gently separate the bottom panel from the chassis.
   • Start from one corner and work your way around to avoid damaging the clips.

3. Replace the HDD with SSD

1. Locate the HDD:
   • The HDD is typically found on one side of the laptop, secured by a bracket.
2. Remove the HDD:
   • Unscrew the bracket holding the HDD in place.
   • Carefully disconnect the SATA connector and remove the HDD.
3. Install the SSD:
   • Connect the SSD to the SATA connector.
   • Secure it with the bracket and screws.

4. Upgrade the RAM

1. Locate the RAM Slots:
   • The RAM slots are usually near the center of the motherboard.
2. Remove Existing RAM:
   • Gently push the clips on either side of the RAM module to release it.
   • Pull the module out at a 45-degree angle.
3. Install New RAM:
   • Align the notch on the new RAM module with the slot.
   • Insert it at a 45-degree angle and press down until it clicks into place.

5. Reassemble the Laptop

• Place the back cover onto the laptop and press down around the edges to snap it into place.
• Reinsert and tighten all screws.
• Reattach any rubber feet or stickers that were removed.

6. Install Windows 10

1. Create a Bootable USB Drive:
   • Use another computer to download the Windows 10 ISO from the official Microsoft website.
   • Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
2. Install Windows:
   • Insert the USB drive into the upgraded laptop.
   • Power on the laptop and press the appropriate key (usually F9 or Esc) to access the boot menu.
   • Select the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.

You may refer to this manual - HP Pavilion Notebook (Intel)Star WarsTM Special Edition Notebook Maintenance and Service Guide
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[David_Walland]

Many thanks, that manual contains exactly the information I needed.  I've printed out the relevant parts and hopefully will get the job done soon.  I'm still trying to identify the BIOS battery type (I haven't read through the complete parts list yet - I don't enjoy reading small print from the screen - being 77 doesn't help).  It seems to me worthwhile to replace that when I'm in the machine anyway, despite that it hasn't failed.  I'm intending to go to Linux Mint Cinnamon but would people advise me to reload Win10 first to check and update the BIOS as needed before then moving over to Mint or is it easy to check and update the BIOS on Linux (I'm a fairly newbie on Linux yet and we poor old folk are a bit slower to learn these new things you know!)?

[Max3Aj]

@David_Walland, You're most welcome, and I'm glad the guide was helpful! You’re clearly quite capable, and your practical approach is spot-on. Let's go through your follow-up questions clearly:

 When you open the laptop, take a photo of the CMOS battery and connector. That way, if you need to order a replacement, you can match it exactly (especially the plug type and cable length).

 Should You Install Windows 10 Before Installing Linux Mint?

Short Answer: Yes — install Windows 10 first if you want to update the BIOS easily.

Here’s why:

Updating BIOS in Windows is Easier:

• HP BIOS updates are usually .exe files made for Windows.
• Updating from Linux is possible but requires more manual effort and care (e.g., using FreeDOS or bootable BIOS USB tools).

Sequence Recommended:

• Install Windows 10 temporarily (you don’t need to activate it — just use it long enough to run the BIOS update).
• Check HP Support Assistant or download BIOS updates directly from HP website. 
• Install the latest BIOS update.
• Once done, wipe the SSD and install Linux Mint Cinnamon fresh.

A Few Tips for Linux Mint Cinnamon (as a newer Linux user):

• Use the Driver Manager under the start menu to install any proprietary drivers (like Wi-Fi or graphics).
• Keep Timeshift enabled for system backups in case something goes wrong — it’s like System Restore for Linux.
• Consider adding Flatpak support for more modern app availability.
• HP printers work best with HPLIP – preinstalled in Mint.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[David_Walland]

Thanks Max3Aj,

I'd certainly click "Accepted solution"  if I could find it???  I'd rather not leave the gadget open while I find a replacement BIOS/CMOS battery (those little screws and bolts and other bits are much better at hide and seek than I am).  The images in the manual show it as being clip-in rather than solder-in which is a bit of a relief, as fiddly soldering becomes harder as you reach late youth.  I still have last century laptops in sort-of working order but I'm not a trained repairer of these machines, I'm largely self-taught as I started my working life as a lab technician here in the UK when we were expected to *design and make* lots of items for our academics (I was originally a research technician).  I was a fair programmer from the late 60s to the late 80s, from then on only really a user, as I became a Radiation Protection Adviser - though I've fixed a fair bit of counting equipment in my time.

The issue for me is that when the Pavilion died (corrupted HDD) I bought a Windows 11 machine and despite all my efforts to stop it, it still tracks me and pokes an unwanted nose in my business (so much for privacy!!).  As soon as I've got Mint running and am used to it, I'll then transfer the Windows 11 machine to it too.

Thanks for the advice on the BIOS update.  I felt that the Win10 update system looks so simple that it was probably worth going that way.  I've never updated the BIOS from new on the machine, so it probably needs it.

I'll update about how things go when it's all done and dusted.

[Max3Aj]

@David_Walland, Sure, keep me posted. 

If my response did the trick and helped you out, marking it as an "Accepted Solution" would be super helpful for others! And if you'd like to show a little appreciation, clicking "Yes" on the bottom left is a great way to do it.

Take care and have a fantastic day!

Max3Aj 
HP Support