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In this guide I explain how to remove keyboard, replace memory module and access hard drive in a HP 2133 Mini-Note PC. Fortunately all these three components can be removed without taking the whole thing apart. Even a novice user can do that if he/she is careful enough.
Also, you should be able this guide for taking apart a HP 2140 Mini-Note PC which has the same body.
Before you start do not forget to turn off the laptop and remove the main battery.
STEP 1.
REMOVING THE KEYBOARD.
In the battery compartment you’ll find three screws securing the keyboard to the laptop base. Remove these three screws.
Carefully lift up the top side of the keyboard as it shown on the picture below. There are small plastic latches securing the keyboard on both side but they should’t be a problem. Do not lift up the keyboard too much, it’s still connected to the motherboard.
Set the keyboard so you can access the cable connector underneath. You’ll have to unlock the connector before you can release the cable and remove the keyboard.
WARNING! Be very careful with the connector. You cannot replace the connector if you accidentally break it. The connector is permanently attached to the motherboard. If it’s broken, the whole motherboard has to be replaced.
In order to unlock the connector, lift up the brown locking clip. The clip will open as a door on hinges.
On the picture below you see the same connector in the unlocked state.
Now you can release the cable and remove the keyboard.
Here’s the back side of the keyboard removed from a HP 2133 Mini-Note PC.
You can find a new replacement keyboard if you search by the part number 482280-001. The keyboard is not expensive and can be purchased for less than $25. Searches by the keyboard model number 468509-001 also will bring you some results.
STEP 2.
REMOVING THE MEMORY MODULE.
HP 2133 Mini-Note PC has only one memory slot and it’s located under the keyboard. After the keyboard is removed, you’ll find the memory module between the cooling fan and hard drive.
In order to remove the memory module, carefully spread latches on both sides of the slot.
The memory module will pop up at a 20-30 degree angle and you can pull it from the slot by the edges.
HP 2133 Mini-Note PC will take up to 2GB memory module. You should use DDR2 PC2-5300 or faster DDR2 SODIMM module.
STEP 3.
REMOVING THE HARD DRIVE.
Remove two screws (green) and loosen one screw (yellow) securing the hard drive assembly.
Pull the hard drive cable up and disconnect it from the motherboard.
Remove the hard drive assembly from the laptop.
Remove two screws from each side of the hard drive assembly. These screws securing the hard drive to the caddy.
Remove the hard drive from the caddy.
Disconnect the hard drive connector.
Now you can replace the hard drive with a new one. In my laptop I had a 120GB 7200RPM hard drive installed. You can replace it with a larger drive without any problem. Make sure then new drive also works at 7200RPMs.
CLEANING THE COOLING FAN.
If your laptop overheats, most likely it happens because the cooling module got clogged with dust.
When you remove the keyboard you can get a limited access to the cooling fan. It would be enough for cleaning the fan and heat sink.
For cleaning the fan use a can of compressed air of find an air compressor. Spray compressed air into the fan until all dust is gone.
Block the fan with your finger so it doesn’t spin when you spray air inside the cooling module. Hi RPMs can kill the fan bearing.
You’ll find complete laptop disassembly instructions in the official service manual for HP 2133 Mini-Note PC and HP 2140 Mini-Note PC.
By the way, the display panel disassembly instructions (LCD screen, inverter board removal, etc…) are posted in the chapter 11 (Recycling) on the page 112.
February 20th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Hi, thumb up for excellent work u’re doing. Heres my issue. My 2133 stopped working a while ago, overheating/motherboard issue. Since I live in Europe outside of an area where I can get HP servicing, my question is, if I order motherboard from ebay or similar, will I be able/is it possible to change motherboard manually (i.e. myself)??
Thank you very much!
January 25th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
hi,
really good step by step guide!but a quick newbie question…if i have 160gb 5200rpm hard drive will i have an issue upgrading to a 320gb or 500gb 7200 rpm hard drive?
thanks,
Andy
December 10th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
MP,
Could be failed memory module. I would try replacing it with a known good memory module first.
December 9th, 2010 at 10:52 am
I have my friend’s HP Mini 2133 and it’s getting on (the blue light is coming but no activity happening on screen) can you provide me the detail screen shots how and what to check?
November 17th, 2010 at 9:41 am
>> “Thanks laptop tech but the service manual did not help. The computer used to demonstrate how to remove the bezel is noth the same therefore does not have the same issue i am having. I have replaced many screens in the past but this one just isn’t coming off. I was told by the support group that the bezel is not intended to be removed as it holds the microphone and webcam in place. The solution is to replace the display entirely which runs around 270 bucks.”
I am not so sure about this – I was able to snap also the top part off – needed to use sharp knife and use just a bit more force. It snapped off nicely. I have HP Mini 2140. BUT: so far I have not been able to remove the botton part of the bezel, as it is obstructed by the hinges. I have been trying to remove the hinges, but it seems to require a 5mm wrench, which I don’t have. So need to go to hardware shop tomorrow. I am quite positive the screen can be removed, even though it is VERY difficult.
November 16th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I have a good ac power adapter but th female end within my HP Mini 2140 i beleive is faulty. The power light comes on breifly but will no stay on. Is there a way I can replace the dc jack receiver within my HP Mini 2140?
November 5th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Tank’s a lot!
October 31st, 2010 at 12:51 am
DEAR SIR I WANT TO DISASSEMBLE MY HP MINI 2133 BATTERY(3 CELL) TO CHANGE THE INTERIOR CELL BECAZ IT IS NOT CHARGING N I DONT WANT TO DISCARD IT PLZ GUID MY IS THIS POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE CELLS INSIDE THE LAPTOP BATTERY?
June 17th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Would anyone know a solution for the usual motherboard heat problem on all 2133? I was thinking on using a 2140 motherboard (with an ATOM CPU). Does anyone know it’s possible? Does it match the form and size?
April 19th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Robert Szabo,
You’ll find step-by-step disassembly instructions on this service manual for HP 2133 Mini-Note PC and HP 2140 Mini-Note PCs.
The display removal instructions starts at the page 36.
The display disassembly instructions are on the page 112, in the recycling section.
PC