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In the following guide I explain how to disassemble a Gateway NV series laptop. To be accurate, I’m working on a Gateway NV53 laptop (NV5302u). It also says model: MS2285 on the bottom.
I’m taking it apart in order to fix broken DC jack. The DC jack is soldered to the motherboard, so the whole laptop has to be disassembled and motherboard removed. With the following guide you should be able to remove and replace (if needed) all main laptop parts.
Before you start make sure the laptop is turned off and battery removed.
STEP 1.
Remove five screws securing the hard drive and memory cover.
Remove the cover.
STEP 2.
Remove one screw securing the hard drive. In order to remove the hard drive, slide it away from the battery compartment and lift up.
Gateway NV53 laptop uses a regular 2.5″ SATA hard drive. If you are not satisfied with the hard drive capacity, you can replace it with any larger 2.5″ SATA hard drive. It should work just fine.
Both memory modules can be accessed through the bottom cover. It’s not necessary to remove memory modules for the purpose of this guide.
Gateway NV series maximum RAM capacity is 4GB. It means you can install up to 2GB memory module into each slot.
You should use DDR2 800MHz, PC2-6400 SODIMM modules.
STEP 3.
Remove one screws securing the DVD drive.
Pull DVD drive from the laptop and remove it.
STEP 4.
Carefully disconnect two antenna cables from the wireless card. Simply grab the gold connector with your fingers and lift it up.
In order to remove the wireless card you’ll have to remove one screw and after that pull the card from the slot.
It’s not necessary to remove the wireless card for the purpose of my guide. You can leave it connected to the motherboard.
STEP 5.
Remove three screws securing the media button board cover.
STEP 6.
Lift up the media button board cover as it shown on the picture below. Continue separating it from the laptop base with your fingers.
STEP 7.
Do not lift up the media button board cover too much, it’s still connected to the motherboard.
At this point we are not removing the cover, we just move it a little bit away in order to get access to the keyboard.
STEP 8.
Lift up the keyboard and place it upside down on the palmrest.
STEP 9.
Before removing the keyboard, it’s necessary to unlock the connector on the motherboard and release the cable.
On the following picture the keyboard connector shown in the locked state.
To unlock the connector, you’ll have to lift up the left side of the locking tab (brown) so it opens up at a 90 degree angle.
Be very careful, do not break this connector or your keyboard will never work again. Do not apply too much force to the locking tab.
On the following picture the connector shown in the unlocked state.
Now you can pull the keyboard cable from the connector.
STEP 10.
After the keyboard cable released, you can remove the keyboard.
If you would like to replace the keyboard, new keyboards for Gateway NV series laptops available here.
STEP 11.
Disconnect the media button board cable.
STEP 12.
Remove the media button board cover.
STEP 13.
Remove two screws securing display hinges on the bottom of the laptop.
STEP 14.
Disconnect LCD cable connectors from the motherboard.
Pull wireless card antenna cables thought the opening in the top cover.
In some Gateway NV series laptops you’ll have to disconnect one more cable. I pointed to the connector with a white arrow.
STEP 15.
Remove two screws securing display hinges.
STEP 16.
Now you can lift up and remove the entire display assembly.
STEP 17.
Remove all remaining screws from the bottom of the laptop.
STEP 18.
Remove three screws securing the top cover.
Disconnect three cables from the motherboard.
STEP 19.
Start separating the top cover assembly from the laptop base.
I’m using a guitar pick in order to crack the case.
STEP 20.
Remove the top cover assembly.
STEP 21.
Remove one screw securing the motherboard.
Disconnect the USB board cable from the motherboard (top arrow).
Disconnect the modem cable (bottom arrow). You can leave the modem board connected to the motherboard.
Also, when the top cover assembly removed, you can get access to the CMOS battery.
STEP 22.
Carefully lift up the right side of the motherboard.
STEP 23.
Remove the motherboard.
STEP 24.
When the motherboard removed you can access the cooling fan assembly (heatsink and fan).
In order to remove the cooling assembly you’ll have to loosen four screws and disconnect fan cable from the motherboard. After that you should be able to lift up and remove the assembly.
New cooling fans for Gateway NV series laptops available here.
Here’s why I was disassembling the laptop. The DC jack is broken and has to be replaced.
The DC jack soldered to the motherboard and if you would like to fix broken DC jack yourself, you have to have soldering skills. It’s not an easy job for a novice.
January 17th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
I would like to know how to remove the power button from this computer. I need to replace the power button. That is broken on my computer.
January 21st, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Very good article! This is exactly what broke on my computer, so I’m guessing that happens a lot with this type of computer.
Where did you find the replacement DC Power Jack? How much?
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Jess,
New DC jacks for Gateway NV series laptops available here.
January 31st, 2011 at 10:58 am
How did you know to replace the DC power jack?
I have the same laptop but it will not power on. When you press the power button the green LED light comes on and the cooling fan spins – no boot screen or any other signs of life.
January 31st, 2011 at 11:08 am
Benjamin,
Probably in your case it’s not the jack failure.
Check memory modules. Try removing memory modules one by one. One of the could be bad.
February 12th, 2011 at 10:18 am
i just broke the connector of the keyboard by mistake, is that means i have to by a new keyboard, or i can ignore the connector and plug everything back without it !
February 17th, 2011 at 11:34 am
Is there any info to repair a power jack on a Toshiba P500 mn# PSPGSU-0PK00W? Feels like it has busted loose inside and will no longer charge.
February 17th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Greg Turner,
Take a look at this guide:
http://www.insidemylaptop.com/repair-damaged-power-jack-toshiba-satellite-l305-l355-laptops/
Not sure if you can use it on a Satellite P500 laptop but it might give you the idea.
Maybe you can replace the failed DC jack with a generic jack as it shown on this picture.
February 17th, 2011 at 11:48 am
marwan_zaid91,
The connector is not a part of the keyboard.
Take a look at this guide explaining how to fix the keyboard connector: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2009/11/17/fix-broken-keyboard-connector-on-laptop-motherboard/
February 25th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Need Help! I have this same exact laptop, last night i shut it down correctly and when i woke up this morning its not turning on! The AC adapter is plugged in and the brick has the green light on. The battery charge indicator on the bottom left is blue which means the battery is fully charged? When i press the power button i get nothing, the laptop is lifeless. I have tried to unplug, take out battery , hold power 30 secs, & put back everything. I have also tried to remove memory, still nothing. I dont know whats wrong Please help.
February 26th, 2011 at 11:16 am
Chloe,
If you have two memory modules installed, try removing them one by one. Test the laptop with each memory module separately.
Also, try removing the hard drive and start the laptop. A bad hard drive can halt the entire system.
Can you boot to the initial screen when the hard drive removed?
February 27th, 2011 at 4:43 am
Hi…I love all your information. You have helped me with many computers. I would like to know how do you fix the power button. My son broke mine and I don’t have the button any more. I just touch the power cables and it turns on. I also think by doing that Messed up my wi-fi cables. Is there a way to fix the cables. I had to put black tape around them.
Thank you
February 27th, 2011 at 9:23 am
Lynn,
It really depends on the laptop model. I cannot tell because I don’t know what laptop you have.
How bad the damage is? Did you cut the cable? Can you solder it back together?
February 28th, 2011 at 5:49 am
Model is nv5378u….are the two wireless cords suppose to touch or not touch? (The ones by the power button) I put tape (black) around each one. The wireless signal is always picked up but doesnt always connect.
March 3rd, 2011 at 7:50 pm
hi, i’m trying to repair a gateway laptop. i replaced the dc jack, but the copper ring on the motherboard that goes to the center pin was missing. i soldered it anyway, but it didn’t work. i’m wondering if can solder a wire to another point of the motherboard to supply the 19v, but i don’t have way to find because the missing ring doesn’t let me measure anything to that point. i was guessing that the power button could be the right place, but i’m not sure about which pin.
thanks.
March 5th, 2011 at 6:53 am
One of my locking tabs is cracked. Do you know of any place where I can purchase this tiny part without buying a new mother board. I also am having a problem fitting the keyboard and multimedia board snapping in place correctly. Is there a place thta i can buy scissor switches for keys instead of buying a whole new keyboard. Can you help?
March 12th, 2011 at 11:07 am
Jared,
Can you use the cracked tab and secure it with sticky tape?
Take a look at this tutorial: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2009/11/17/fix-broken-keyboard-connector-on-laptop-motherboard/
March 29th, 2011 at 4:09 am
If you could email me with the speaker wire order. my connecter broke and I see a blue, white, and two blacks. What order do they go back in on the board? Thank you!
March 30th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
John,
Sorry cannot help here. I don’t have this laptop anymore.
April 23rd, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Wow, I wish I had found this site about 5 months ago, could have saved me a head ache.
Problem, it was the power jack, that is fixed, now I am getting purple and green streaks across my screen. All drivers are up to date, plugged into HDMI and the purple and green streaks were gone. Narrowing the problem to the cable/cord that connects the LCD screen. Any info on where to get one and possible replacement procedure (looks pretty straight forward to me) would be appreciated. Or on the off chance the LCD might be dying?!?!?!
May 1st, 2011 at 5:42 am
When I get done with fixing my friends laptop I am going to give this site some money. Thank You for the perfect instructions.
May 15th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
In the step 18 on this disassembly instruction you did not mention what are for those three more cables to disconect from the main board, could you please tell what is for the top one on the lefth cable? . The situation the cable conector is broken, but the one on the mail board, how can I fix it?
Thanks
May 15th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Pedro,
The very top one? I believe this is the speaker cable.
May 25th, 2011 at 2:15 am
In step 18 of this laptop disassembly, the very top left connection was stubborn and I guess broke on me at the wires. It looks as if the 4 pin connection still remains locked to the mobo, but the wires came out of it. Is there anyway at all to fix this or did I screw up big?
May 27th, 2011 at 10:30 am
I have this exact same trouble. Can you please tell me how to get a new jack.
Thank you
May 28th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
@ Rick,
Search on eBay. There are tons of new jacks there.
May 28th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@ Cameron,
I think you can fix it.
Remove the connector, put wires back into the connector and plug it back into the motherboard.
As a last resort, you can remove the stuck connector and plug wires one by one directly into the motherboard. Just a guess.
June 2nd, 2011 at 1:56 pm
These were perfect instructions. Unfortunately I found them after I had already figured out how to disassemble myself. Everyone seems to have problems with that top left wire in step 18. When pulling that, you have to make sure you pull the connector and not the wires. Now that I have soldered the new jack on and reassembled the computer, now it won’t power up at all. Any suggestions? I’m thinking need to just replace the motherboard.
June 7th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
HELP!
Awesome instructions BTW. Ended up pulling the wires out of the top connector on pg 19. Can anyone tell me the order of the wires? I have a Blue, White and Black. And everything else was going so well.
June 9th, 2011 at 7:15 am
Correction to Help. Make that the connector in Step 18. I think I can salvage this if I know where the wires go in that top connector.
June 17th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
Holy crow! What an awesome site!!
My special needs daughter dropped my husband’s NV-5378u right on the power button. Looks like it bent the plastic hinge assembly and broke the power button.
I tried unscrewing the hinge to allow the power button to move more freely and even took the power button cover off. I tried touching the contact under the button cover and it makes the battery light come on, but it won’t actually power on.
I saw a place where I could buy replacement power button assembly, but they dont offer instructions on how to install and I am wondering if I might need to replace the whole pcs cover with hinge assembly, too. Or since it won’t boot is there another issue than just broken power button.
I’ve never repaired a computer myself, but I’m pretty handy like that and feel like I could do it if i had instructions. Can you help?
July 12th, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Help!
I used this guide in conjunction with Gateway’s service guide. I had a malfunctioning power button that I replaced. I was careful removing wires, et cetera, but now the laptop won’t turn on. There aren’t even any status lights anywhere when I plug it into the wall.
I feel there’s something fairly obvious that I’m missing here. I went back and checked my work and nothing stands out. I even reseated all the wires I unplugged.
What’s puzzling to me is the fact that I receive no status lights at all anywhere with the unit plugged into the wall. It’s just dead to the world. I can’t imagine what I did wrong. I was careful with ESD protection and disassembly as well as reassembly.
I would be grateful for any help whatsoever.
Also, I’m aware that the new power button board may be defective, but I should at least get status lights with the unit plugged in. I am puzzled.
July 20th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
My power button board (it’s the same model as the laptop above, ms2285) has become disconnected from the cable entirely, two red and black wires are exposed and the cap for the power button cable remains attached to the power button board, so I bought a new power button board cable and I am wondering If I need to follow all of the steps up to step 21 to replace the cable(specifically removing the lcd screen), in other words if there is anything less or more that I would have to do, do I even need to go to step 21 to get access to the power button board cable. Also how difficult is it to replace the power button board cable?
August 6th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
How do you know how much space to leave between the plug and the board when you solder it back into place?
August 17th, 2011 at 5:33 am
Having an issue with the disconnect of the media button board cable STEP 12. Does the clip on the connection flip up like the key board connector or does it just pull on.
August 26th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
I’D JUST LIKE TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR KEEPING THIS SITE UP AND RUNNING. I’M A INTERMEDIATE PC REPAIR GUY AND HAVE FOUND A LOT OF THINGS HERE VERY USEFUL!! THANKS AGAIN!!
September 3rd, 2011 at 2:42 pm
John or outrider were you able to find the order of the wires? I am currently in the same stuck position – guidance would be of the greatest assistance if you have found this information! Thank you
September 19th, 2011 at 12:52 am
Aw man this is awesome, I’ve been putting this off for a year, and I was worried it would be incredibly daunting, but I just followed these instructions and got everything apart and cleaned my fan in less than 2 hours, this was awesome.
November 11th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
My dc jack is also broken, but is it needed to take out all the bottom components to reach the jack motherboard or can you reach it fine going under the keyboard? and what do you do to avoid static? please email me back thank you.
November 12th, 2011 at 9:23 am
Michael,
It’s necessary to remove the motherboard in order to replace damaged DC jack.
Here’s a tutorial how to desolder the jack: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/06/dc-power-jack-repair-guide/
Removing just the keyboard is not enough.
Do not touch internal laptop components with your fingers. You can use anti-static mat and wrist strap if you are paranoid about damaging the laptop with static electricity.
December 4th, 2011 at 10:22 am
is there a step beyond #24?
it says “next step” and when i press it, i get an ad
December 6th, 2011 at 11:06 am
@ Joni,
This guide has only 24 steps. Probably “next step” is part of the ad which is placed after the guide.
December 10th, 2011 at 7:43 am
Nice but I need to replace the CPU in an NV55s03u laptop I got a faster A8-3500M how do I open it! Does it need to be entirely opened?
December 11th, 2011 at 12:12 am
@ Sam,
In order to replace the CPU, it’s necessary to remove the motherboard.
After that you remove the heatsink (shown in the step 24), remove the old CPU and replace it with the new one.
December 14th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Hi, love your website. I have a Gateway NV52 series. laptop all of a sudden stopped working. When I plug in the AC power supply the red indicator charging light turns on but I can not hear the laptop turn on. When I remove the battery and plug in the AC power supply. the laptop still does not turn on. NO lights or noise at all. I was told it is the motherboard. Is that a good possibility. Any suggestions would help. Thank you.
December 14th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
@ Ed Mann,
Yes, this does sound like a possible problem with the motherboard.
Just in case you can try the following:
1. Test the laptop with each memory module individually. Maybe one of the memory modules is bad.
2. Test your laptop with another known good AC adapter. It’s possible your AC adapter failed and not providing enough power for the laptop to power up.
December 30th, 2011 at 11:24 am
Hey, I have a NV53 with the following symptoms.
- No picture on boot
- No post beep on boot
- DVD sounds like its attempting to read on boot.
- Quick buttons at top right light up when pressed but I can’t get Numlock, bluetooth or any keyboard combination lights to come on. Im not certian if the keyboard is working or not.
Any ideas on what I should do next? I have already disconnected everything including ram / hd / keyboard and listened for a post beep. Nothing..
Thanks,
Chris
December 30th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
@ Playlt,
If you have two memory modules installed test the laptop with each one separately. Try different memory slots.
If the same problem appears with different modules installed, probably this is motherboard failure.
January 1st, 2012 at 12:26 pm
in step 14 when i removed the lcd cable connectors… the little two pin connector broke off. could you tell me if its required for the screen to work…if so can i have it fix.
January 1st, 2012 at 11:11 pm
@ alex,
If it’s one of the little connectors probably the screen will work without it.
The LCD screen signal goes though the big connector.
You can try fixing it using this guide:
http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2011/12/25/how-to-repair-broken-touchpad-connector-on-laptop-motherboard/
January 5th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Thank you very much for such AWESOME and detailed guide.
January 8th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
My problem is when I go to plug my charger into the computer, once it touches the metal of the DC jack, the green light goes out on my charger and there is a faint click sound. Nothing works on my laptop now, is something shorting out with my DC jack? Do you think that replacing the jack will cure the problem? Appreciate any help you can provide on this one as my laptop is in pieces right now hoping to become whole again.
Regards,
Shannon
January 11th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@ Shannon,
It’s hard to tell if this problem is related to the DC jack or AC adapter.
First, I would test the laptop with another adapter. If the problem still there, it’s likely you have failed DC jack.
The DC jack may be broken. The only way to tell is disassemble the laptop ant take a closer look at the DC jack.
January 12th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
I have a nv52 that when plugged in the end of the ac adaptor plug and the dc jack in the machine get realy hot. The end of the plug has blackend a little. The charge light goes on and off when the lcd is open and the backlight dims with charging on and off at this time it gets realy hot. It can only be charged not in use to avoid heat. Could there be a bad power supply or jack?
January 13th, 2012 at 11:36 am
@ joe,
It’s possible the DC jack has to be resoldered. Maybe the solder joint has a micro crack and it’s causing the problem.
Cannot really tell without opening up the laptop and taking a closer look at the jack.
January 13th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Thank you so much for the input and great directions. Do laptops have a power supply like in a desktop or is that all in the power brick? It would act like a power supply getting tired? But maybe it just a bad conction and the jack.
January 14th, 2012 at 11:03 am
I bought a new ac adapter and tried it with no luck. I disassembled the laptop and the dc jack is not broken like the pictures you show. Could still be a bad jack possibly? Before I go that route, are there other possibilities that you may know of? I tried starting up with the different memory modules removed one at a time and nothing worked trying it so I am thinking total power failure or a motherboard problem? I appreciate your response and look forward to getting this thing up an running again.
Thanks!
January 14th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
My laptop only displays a black screen. I have both blue lights that indicate power and charge, but no display. I have already tried unplugging it, removing the battery, and holding the power button. I also tried testing my memory modules, as well as starting the laptop without the hard drive. I thought maybe my fan was dirty, so I disassembled everything to clean it thoroughly. Is there anything else I can try, or should I resign myself to getting a new motherboard?
January 17th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
@ joe,
It’s in the power brick.
What is your symptoms? Not sure what you mean by that.
January 17th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
@ Shannon,
Yes, it’s possible. Sometimes you cannot see the damage because it’s just a micro crack in the solder joint.
You can try resoldering the jack. Try doing that without removing the jack. Just melt the existing solder and apply some fresh solder.
Most commonly this damage appears on the “+” connector which is connected to the central pin inside the jack.
January 17th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Jessica,
Have you tested your laptop with an external monitor? Can you get image on the external monitor?
Here are some tips for troubleshooting dead laptop: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2008/06/14/laptop-dead-troubleshoot-the-problem/
If you go to the last step and still cannot get image, probably it’s the motherboard failure.
Think twice before buying a new motherboard. Is it really worth it?
January 26th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Hey I’m having problems with step 18, the connection that seems to be connected to the speaker doesn’t want to disconnect- I feel that if I pull to hard it’ll break the connection. I’m thinking that the connection is glued? I tried swirling it to the sides but it still doesn’t come out. Your input?
January 26th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
@ Alex,
No, it’s not glued.
I believe it’s just a regular male-female connector.
Something like this one: http://www.insidemylaptop.com//images/Acer-Aspire-5534/aspire-5534-disassembly-17.jpg
Just don’t pull by the cable.
Remove the male part by the connector edges. Use your fingernails.
January 26th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
Thanks for your help, I managed to disconnected it, but a piece of broke off and the wires are know loose. Now I’m having the same problem as post #61, I followed the link that you provided- and did everything It said- but nothing. I assembled bare bone system and connected on piece of RAM and connected and HDMI cable to get output on my T.V. but I didn’t get any output. So know I’m sure it’s the mortherboard.
February 10th, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Thanks SO much for the help! I followed all of your steps and pretty much everything worked great! The only problem that I’m having is slipping the dvd drive back in. it seems to be stopped by the connector that it is supposed to fit into. Any ideas before I have to tear the thing apart all over again? I finished the assembly anyway and was pleased to see my new dc jack working and the laptop runnig great! I look forward to hearing from you and gope it’s simple!
February 13th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
wow!!! Crazy! Its completely apart. Fortunately our was under warranty and Best buy did it all for zero dollars.
March 13th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Any idea where I can purchase replacement WiFi antenna cables? The cable got pinched and severed somehow in the laptop hinge. WiFi still works. I found this out when I disassembled to figure out why monitor is not working.
March 14th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
@ Josh,
You can buy wireless antenna cables for Gateway NV series here.
March 24th, 2012 at 7:42 am
I am having trouble unscrewing a few screws. Im using a jewlers screw kit, but the screws will not loosen. Any suggestions?
April 9th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Hi, i have a gateway nv 54 and i want to know wats next to the touchpad on the left side, because the touchpad is too hot and is no working, i feel a little very hot bump on that side, somebody give me the laptop to me bcause they say the fan was not working, but i heard and i feel the air of the fan so dats no the problem, and im scared to open it! can i open just the top cover without moving the monitor or others things?
May 25th, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Hi there I was wondering if you could help me.
I have a Gateway NV58 series, and I need to change a new hard drive, I have read how to open and replace the hard drive. my question is after i have put in the hard drive, and turn on the laptop will the laptop automatically restore it self, because when I brought the laptop it didn’t come with any CD’s (window 7 etc.)
Thanks
Sheng.
May 29th, 2012 at 11:03 am
@ Sheng,
No, it will not restore itself. You’ll have to install Windows OS from the installation CD.
June 13th, 2012 at 8:59 am
Thanks, i had a broken power supply, now i replaced and it works. This link has a easy step by step to do that.
Thanks
–Senthil
June 18th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
I need help ???????
Please help me i have a gateway nv59 laptop and having trouble.
I am getting a white screen, but when i connect a extanel monitor it works.
I thought it was the screen and put in a new screen but thats not the problem.
As it works on a extanel monitor i think the mother board is good. What do you think the problem is.
Can you help.
Thanks
Eric
June 24th, 2012 at 11:45 am
@Johnny Doc -
I experienced the same thing, then took out a screw on the backside of where the DVD drive slides in, and it went in just fine. Best of luck.
Thanks for the help! I was able to resolve the issue in the fan thanks to your detailed instructions. All the best.
July 28th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Thanks for posting this. It helped me with checking how far water got into my laptop.
July 29th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Hey, so I’ve replace the DC jack in my NV series gateway. Found the task very easy. Computer booted up nicely and everything seems fine. After about 10 minutes of the laptop being on and sitting at the log in screen the left corner and trackpad area became incredibly hot to the point holding your finger on the area for a second was impossible. Any ideas on what could be causing this?
July 30th, 2012 at 9:37 am
@ Kevin,
Maybe you forgot to plug in the cooling fan? Listen for the fan. Does it spin at all?
July 30th, 2012 at 12:40 pm
I have replaced the power button on an NV53 series and followed your excellent guide to taking the laptop apart. 1 Problem I had, when reassembling the laptop I connected a small black cable on the left side of the screen and then went to unplug it again to thread it better around the larger LCD cables. The end came off the small cable, I could see 1 red and 1 black wire but no idea which side went where. I reassembled the laptop and everything seems to work fine. Monitor, web cam, power, etc. It’s killing me to know what that wire was for! Can someone please tell me its purpose??
July 30th, 2012 at 12:51 pm
@ David Hooie,
Maybe microphone?
August 1st, 2012 at 10:56 am
Hello,
First i would like to thank you for making such an easy detailed brakedown of all the steps.i had just finished putting my gateway back together using this great tutorial.
Finally my computer is running at a constant 55-60c compared to the 98c it was before i cleaned the pound of dust out of the fan and better yet. its not overheating anymore.
Thanks again! Keep up the great tutorials. it helped me greatly and im sure it will help others also
August 2nd, 2012 at 11:25 pm
i have a NV53A and it does not have a media board. the whole keyboard and case are one. im trying to fix my fan because its making this horrendous noise. i cant get the keyboard off because it seems like its screwed to the motherboard. is it a screw under the hardrive or am i missing something?
August 15th, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Just wanted to say thank you! thank you! i’ve replaced my DC jack in my boyfriends Toshiba and now the power button on my gateway thanks to your guides!
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:23 am
I have a Gateway NV53A that is giving me trouble when booting up and once it is running the system time/date keeps changing on me. Do you have any instructions on how to change the CMOS battery on that model?
August 23rd, 2012 at 9:44 am
@ Paul L,
Is it similar to the laptop shown in my guide?
You can see the CMOS battery in step 21. It’s necessary to remove the top cover (palmrest assembly) in order to access the CMOS battery.
August 27th, 2012 at 5:29 am
@Laptop Tech
I believe all NV series models are similar. Just to clarify my question. Can I just remove the keyboard and palmrest to get to the mother board, or do I need to remove the screen to get at it?
September 2nd, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Would you know if the Gateway NV5922h has the video card soldered onto the motherboard, or if it uses an MXM (or compatible) slot where the video card can be removed/replaced/upgraded?
My dad has one, and is concerned about (me) frying the video card Iit does run a little hot) and I’d like to know if it’s at least possible for the end user to replace the card. This particular one came with a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 1GB video, but I was reading that most manufacturers will solder the chip directly onto the motherboard because it’s cheaper rather than using an MXM slot. I can’t seem to find any detailed technical specifications about this particular version’s motherboard, but I figured since it’s the same Gateway series (the chassis looks exactly the same), the motherboard might be the same or similar.
Also, if anyone knows of any online retailers that specialize in affordable discrete video cards for laptops, please let me know.
September 3rd, 2012 at 8:05 am
@ Krantzstone,
I couldn’t find any info about that either but I really doubt that this laptop has a discrete video card. Manufacturers install discrete video cards only into very expensive laptops.
Make sure to use the laptop of a flat surface. Don’t use it on a bed, carpet, blanket, etc… There should be some space between the bottom of the laptop and desk.
Make sure the cooling module inside the laptop is clean. You can blow off dust with an air compressor or canned air.
September 3rd, 2012 at 9:03 am
@ Paul L,
You’ll have to remove the display assembly as it shown in the step 16.
The display assembly mounted above the top cover. It means you cannot remove the top cover without removing the display assembly first.
September 21st, 2012 at 6:30 am
Hello:
gateway MS2285 NV53
I turned on for 5 seconds and then go off, I feel disconnected because the temperature increases.
Is the processor or motherboard?
Excelent Irisvista Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
October 8th, 2012 at 7:31 am
i’ve tried to fix my nv58 powerjack, but after i installed a new one (and put everything back) the laptop will turn on for around 1 minutes and self shut off (similar to someone pull off the powercord). Anyone knows why?
November 5th, 2012 at 9:45 am
I have a Gateway NV53 that is about to drive me insane.
The problem is it will not boot up consistently. Not really sure how to explain it, but there is power to the computer, the DVD drive will open/close, the blue lights on the power and battery light up, but the red lights (wifi, sound, etc.) don’t light. I can try for an hour or two, usually taking the battery out, unplugging the power supply, wait a few minutes and try again. Eventually it will work, but I’m not sure if it is just luck or what.
I’m using the laptop right now after messing with it for a couple of hours. I tried to boot it, and of course nothing appeared to be working, so a quick slap on the front edge of the laptop, and like magic, it decided to boot. No idea if the slap had anything to do with or if the laptop decided to just start.
Once it starts up, it runs flawlessly. Had it on for several hours without a problem. No weird sounds, nothing.
Thanks in advance if anyone knows what is going on here!
November 7th, 2012 at 3:47 am
hi I came upon this site and I wanted to ask you if you can tell how to replace the switch and the fire thats inside the hinges of this same gateway lap top. What happen was I had to replace the screen and while doing that a part of the hinge broke where the little button was to power on the lap top, well that left the button and wire exposed and some how eventually the button broke off the wire so I am not able to power on the computer. If you can furnish me with the correct name for it also would be good, Thanks
November 14th, 2012 at 11:41 am
I purchaced this nv 53 from Tiger company it was a refurbed product it lasted 4 months and then died on me , I tried to get assistance from the company but that was hopeless , should I just give up on a hopeless case or spen some money to fix it ? Bill
November 14th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
the tiny black and red wires ,(up on top by led screen wires) are for the webcam, right? at 1st i didnt know cuz the sound and screen came on.. after installing win 7 ..i tried using cam and it gives errors like it ‘TURN ON CAM’ or ‘NO cam found”… thats the one that broke huh
November 28th, 2012 at 11:30 pm
@ Laptop Tech
First off, thanks for the great tutorial.
One problem: In step 18, the cable where the top arrow is in the pic broke apart as I tried to disconnect it. The motherboard marking says SPKR1. Is this the speaker connection for the main sound for the laptop or the internal beep speaker? Sorry I don’t know the correct terminology. Either way it’s broken so now I need to know where I can find that 4-wire connector. If it’s that internal speaker, I had it disabled anyway because it was annoying while the dc jack was beginning to fail. So if I don’t need it, I’ll just tape ends and leave it off.
Thank you for your input.
January 6th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
My computer was dropped a couple of feet while plugged in and broke the DC jack. Computer would not boot at all after and I assumed it just did not have enough battery power. Replaced the jack and computer still will not power up. Shows no signs of power (lights, fan, etc.) No physical damage can be seen on the mother board. Tried booting without hard drive and Ram and no luck. Would you have any suggestions?
January 7th, 2013 at 3:22 pm
@ T Parker,
If the laptop shows absolutely no signs of light I would check the AC adapter. It’s possible when the jack got broken it shorted the adapter someshow.
Test the voltage.
January 10th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Hey what’s up dude,
Thanks so much for putting these up, they are actually better than videos to me. I’ve repaired over 30 laptops using your site man and its helped me keep food on the table for my kids so much appreciated. My question is, I recently took in a Gateway NV5207u Notebook pretty much identical to the one you took apart here, when the power button was pressed it gave the dreaded blank screen while the fan spins NO VIDEO to external VGA or to the LCD display prioblem. I figured well this probably is a GPU problem so I told the girl it was pretty much junk. Before putting it back together after tearing it completely apart, I reflowed both sides of the VIDEO chip. I than put it back together and POOF it turned on with the screenw working!! Now the problem is when it gets passed the bios GATEWAY screen it immediately says
PXE-E61 Media test failure
PXE-M0F Exiting Broadcom PXE-ROM
Operating system not detected
I know the hard drive works fine and I’ve put three other different hard drives in it that work fine to make sure it wasn’t the hard drive. I have no idea where to go from here. I would flash the BIOS because a lot of the BIOS options I’ve read about online aren’t there like the battery reconditioning option. Plus in the BIOS it doesn’t say there is a hard drive either?? Thats with no matter what hard drive I put in there it still says that, even a formatted one, or non formatter one… I really really need the info off the original hard drive so I ordered a hard drive reader. But I would also like to get this original hard drive working again without having to reinstall windows 7 over whats currently on it. I thought maybe you might know what causes this issue or maybe you could give me some pointers on how to flash the bios to fix this problem? Gateway is by far the worst company I’ve ever seen when it comes to service manuals.. THanks in advance for any help!!
January 14th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
@ Jason Herek,
Apparently, this is motherboard related problem. Enter the BIOS setup menu and try loading default settings. Sometimes it helps to detect the drive. If not, the motherboard is bad.
January 17th, 2013 at 7:35 am
I had the issue with the power jack and it was fixed. But after that i hear loud noice from the sound card. I had to hit hard on any part of the laptop to stop the sound. Now i cant hear any audio beacuse of this issue. Any suggestions on this.
January 17th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
@ Sanmat,
Not sure what was causing the problem but I would disassemble the laptop again and make sure everything seated/connected correctly inside the laptop.
January 27th, 2013 at 6:20 am
hi, any time i switch on my gateway nv53 laptop it gives a beeping sound for about 5 to 20 seconds what do you think might be the problem?
February 1st, 2013 at 10:26 am
If I am a novice how would I replace the jack since it is soldered on there.
Would it be best for me just to buy a new motherboard since I am trying to stay easy on the pockets.
February 5th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
How much of the disassembly pictured here will I need to do to get at the fan in my Gateway NV79? It’s been shutting down unexpectedly a lot and I think it’s because I’ve never properly cleaned the fan.
February 5th, 2013 at 2:13 pm
@ Ptet Borini,
You can do the following.
Find an air compressor (or buy compressed air) and blow into the fan grill on the bottom until all dust is gone. After that blow air into the grill on the side.
OR
You’ll have to disassemble the laptop completely and access the fan as it shown in the step 24. For that you’ll have to go though all steps in the guide.
February 7th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
I have a Gateway NV53a and its bottom case is broken between the fan grill and the DC jack. The DC jack must have been held in place by the bottom case because the DC jack slid back. The bottom case needs replaced and DC jack needs put back in place. I was wondering how to go about that.
February 9th, 2013 at 10:25 am
@ Morgan,
The DC jack is soldered to the motherboard, correct? You’ll have to replace the jack as explained in this tutorial.http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/06/dc-power-jack-repair-guide/
In order to replace the bottom case you’ll have to go though all steps in this tutorial and remove the motherboard. After that transfer all other parts from the damaged cover to the new one and assemble the laptop back together.
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:33 pm
Great site photos and instructions are clear’
For the most part I don’t like to work on laptops but this is for the daughter so what are my choices?
the Problem:
computer: gateway ms2285 and is probably a nv as it has the extra plug.
the problem: things went great until I got to step 18 the small pug in the top left (three wires one blue one white 1 sleeve) refuses to unplug. I have put as much pressure on it as I dare but it refuses to budge. I noted that the wired side on the plug has some factory installed adhesive on the wires with about the same rubbery properties as automotive weather stripping and I suspect that some of this material is under the plug and it is effectively glued in place.
the Question:
Can you think of a work around for this. I have no idea where these wires go or what they do.
I will look forward to your input thanks,.Bob
http://www.insidemylaptop.com/images/Gateway-NV-disassembly/fix-gateway-power-jack-21.jpg
screen 18
April 3rd, 2013 at 10:51 am
Hi,
To repeat others, GREAT tutorial. I have a problem though and could not see the part in the pictures. While I was disassembling, I was turning the case over to get the screws out, one at a time. I do this from having loosened all the screws on laptops and turning over to get the screws out and having to chase them all over the place. So… I do it one at a time now. This has worked well up till now. One time when turning over the case, a metal bracket fell out of the case and I could not determine from where. In writing this I think I just found out where the bracket came from. I was originally going to ask if you had any idea where it might have come from but now want to ask if you have picture of the CD drive. I now think the bracket was attached to the back of the CD drive. I probably stayed in place for a while and as the rest of the screws were removed it finally slipped out of place. And yes, at some point I did hear a rattle in the case but did worry since I was taking it apart. Thought it was a loose screw or some other foreign object but now… think it was the bracket.
Thanks, Jim
April 3rd, 2013 at 11:10 am
I did not see a reply to your question Bob and hope I get a reply. I will make a stab at an answer to your question but … I would have to disassemble my case again to be sure. I also suspect that since your post was two months ago, that you have solved the issue one way or the other and my solution is for future readers…I would suspect the answer to your question depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are replacing the DC jack, most likely not. If you are just looking to clean the system or replace one of the ancillary boards, probably yes if you are VERY careful. I believe that the need to remove the connector is due to the fact that the wires are routed through holes in the top case and you will not be able to remove the top case completely, i.e. held captive by wires. This will make all remaining steps difficult and greatly increase the chance of breaking the wires or connector. I had problems with a few connectors too. My suggestion is to try using an awl or very tiny screw driver such as eye glass screw driver. Very carefully apply pressure to each side edge of the connector while supplying firm but not heavy tug on the wires. Make sure you do not slip with the tool and scratch the motherboard. If you do slip and rip any land on the MB you will have much bigger problems and most likely need a new MB. I have used this technique successfully several times.
Best of luck,
Jim
April 3rd, 2013 at 1:45 pm
@ JHPArizona,
Unfortunately, I don’t have this picture. If the optical drive doesn’t have any bracket attached to the back, most likely your loose metal bracket has to be attached to the drive. Normally all laptop optical drives have this bracket. It helps to secure the drive to the laptop case.
You can search on eBay site for “Gateway NV DVD bracket”. There is one bracket listed at this time. You can compare if it’s similar to yours.