Introduction

Use this guide to replace the USB board (aka "connector board") in your HP EliteBook 840 G9 laptop.

The connector board is on the same side of the laptop as the audio jack. It includes the SIM card slot and one USB‑A port.

If either the USB‑A port or SIM card slot are broken or have a loose connection, you may need to replace the connector board.

Before replacing the connector board, test the port with a different cable to make sure the problem is with the port itself and not the cable.

Still under warranty? Contact HP to learn your warranty status, receive a repair under warranty if eligible, or for further warranty information.

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    • Before starting your repair, allow your laptop's battery to drain below 25%—a charged lithium-ion battery is a potential safety hazard if accidentally damaged.

    • Save your work, fully shut down your laptop, and unplug all cables.

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    • Despite the standards, Phillips screwdrivers can vary in size and shape—two drivers labeled as the same size may fit differently in the same screw. Use the size that fits the most snug into the screw head to avoid stripping it.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to fully loosen (not remove) the five captive screws securing the bottom cover.

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    • Position your laptop so the rear edge (with the screen hinge) is closest to you.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the rear edge of the bottom cover and the frame, near the middle screw and ELITEBOOK text.

    • If you're having trouble inserting your spudger, make sure the screw is fully loosened. If necessary, use your fingers to gently pull the screw up.

    • Use your spudger to pry up the cover to release the clip securing it.

    • Leave the spudger inserted under the bottom cover for the next step.

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    • Slide your spudger along the rear edge toward one of the corners to release the rear edge clips.

    • Rotate your spudger around the corner and up the edge to release the clips securing the short edge of the cover.

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    • Reinsert the flat end of a spudger near the ELITEBOOK text.

    • Repeat the previous step for the other side of the cover to release the remaining clips.

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    • Slide the cover towards the screen hinge to disengage the clips on the opposite edge.

    • Lift and remove the cover.

    • The cover should come away easily. If you feel resistance, use the flat end of a spudger to release any remaining clips.

    • During reassembly, slide the clips along the front edge of the cover (opposite the hinge) into their slots on the frame, then lay the cover down. Firmly press around the perimeter of the cover to engage all the clips.

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    • Position your laptop so the front edge (opposite the screen hinges) is closest to you.

    • Use the point of a spudger to push on alternating sides of the battery's sliding connector to walk it completely out of its socket.

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    • Use a spudger to lift the hinged locking flap on the audio jack ZIF connector, located near the top left corner of your laptop.

    • Use tweezers to gently pull the cable straight out of its socket.

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    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 4.6 mm‑long screw securing the audio jack.

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    • Use tweezers or your fingers to pull the audio jack away from the edge to dislodge it.

    • Lift the audio jack out of its recess and remove it.

    • During reassembly, insert the audio jack at a slight downward angle so the socket goes into its cutout on the edge of your laptop—make sure the jack is fully inserted before securing it.

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    • Use a spudger to lift the hinged locking flap on the connector board ZIF connector, to the left of the fan.

    • Use tweezers to gently pull the cable straight out of its socket.

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    • Use a clean fingernail or the flat end of a spudger to push in the SIM card tray to eject it.

    • Remove the SIM card tray.

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    • Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the three 4.5 mm‑long screws securing the connector board and its brackets.

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    • Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the black plastic bracket.

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    • Use tweezers or your fingers to lift the bottom edge of the metal bracket and remove it.

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    • Use a spudger to lift the connector board out of its recess until you can grip it with your fingers.

    • Use your fingers to lift and remove the connector board.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler. Depending on your region, used HP devices and parts can be returned for reuse or recycling through the HP Planet Partners program.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

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