HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement

Written By: Cole Simpson
  • Comments: 0
HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

11

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

The SSD is where a computer stores information, including the operating system. If your hard drive is damaged, it can cause a variety of problems including crashes and (in Windows computers) the infamous blue screen.

This guide will run you through how to open your HP 14-SMB Chromebook, disconnect the battery and take out the hard drive.

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    • For your safety, unplug all peripheries, discharge the battery below 25%, and power down your device before beginning disassembly.

    • Lay the laptop down with the lower case facing up.

    • Remove eleven screws using a Phillips screwdriver.

    • Remove the two rubber stoppers, then remove the two Phillips screws.

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    • Flip the laptop over and open the lid.

    • Insert an opening pick into the seam between the keyboard and chassis.

    • Slide the opening pick a few centimeters along the seam to begin to release the clips.

    • Once there's enough space in the seam, insert an opening tool into the seam.

    • Pry around the entire perimeter of the keyboard until it fully releases.

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    • Lift the keyboard perpendicular to the laptop.

    • Flip up each of the the two black ZIF locking flaps that secure the keyboard and trackpad ribbon cables to their motherboard sockets.

    • Disconnect the keyboard and trackpad ribbon cables.

    • Remove the keyboard.

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    • Use your fingernail or the flat end of a spudger to gently disconnect the battery connector from its motherboard connector.

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    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the three screws that secure the battery.

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    • Lift the battery up and out of the chassis.

    • Take care not to scratch or damage the battery. Lithium-Ion batteries can be dangerous if punctured.

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    • Remove the three Phillips screws that secure the motherboard.

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    • Use your fingernails or the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the speaker and fan connectors from their motherboard sockets.

    • Flip up the black ZIF locking flaps of any ribbon cables connected to the motherboard.

    • Disconnect the ribbon cables.

    • Use your fingernails to disconnect the white connector on the underside of the motherboard.

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    • Disconnect the two wireless card antenna cables.

    • Pull the wireless card directly out of its motherboard port.

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    • Pull the motherboard a few millimeters to the right to unseat the ports from the chassis.

    • Turn the motherboard over.

    • Remove the single Phillips screw that secures the SSD.

    • The SSD will flip up a few millimeters after removing the screw. This is normal.

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    • Pull the SSD directly out of its motherboard port.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Cole Simpson

Member since: 19/02/25

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