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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.
December 28th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
@ Steven,
You can find replacement hinges for HP Mini 2133 here.
Complete laptop disassembly instructions shown in the service manual.
Hope it helps.
December 28th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
One of the hinges of my 2133 hp mini came off, how do i fix it? Its the part of the laptop that allows it to open and close. I don’t know what to do, and i would really appreciate your help please.
December 6th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Aprajita,
First, try reseating memory modules. Try replacing memory.
December 6th, 2011 at 4:27 am
hi…
i have a 2140 hp mini laptop. it has started showing black screen on start up and does not proceed. can u pls help?
September 25th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
All but 5 of the keys work on my keyboard. The clip and the ‘tape’ got seperated – but we were able to use a small piece of tape to put them back in place. Hate to buy a new motherboard for 5 keys. Ideas?
September 17th, 2011 at 11:45 am
Thank you so much!
Very interesting your detailed process I’m technician and I really need this information! Greentings from South America!
August 5th, 2011 at 9:31 am
The hp mini 2140 is bit different from inside as fan can not be seen after removing keyboard what one can do to replace or clean the fan?
April 10th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Tiiki,
If the cooling fan makes noise even after cleaning, I guess it’s time to replace the fan with a new one.
Apparently the original fan doesn’t work properly and has to be replaced.
April 9th, 2011 at 2:14 am
Hello,
Thank you for step guide is really good!
1. My HP Mini 2133 was overheating and fan really noisy. I try to removed and cleaning all over fan, heatsink with a little drop of Arctic Silver 5, then i replace everything back.
2. I started up, everything work fine just for 20 minutes! After that my little fan started to moaning and again overheating!
3. I have done the same as (1) again, and try to do a little more as i have been reading somewhere on internet. I removed the black tape (sorry i really dont know how to call the name) what was wrapped over the Motherboard that i thought might be helpful (i was wrong).
So now extreme hot! I mean almost 100 degree! I know i was wrong to removed the black wrapped…Please help me!
Questions
* Can i run my notebook without black wrapped? If not, can i buy it somewhere and replace it myself?
* How to make the fan less noise and less hot..etc.
Thank you very much for advice!
February 21st, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Nino,
Sure, just download service manual for HP Mini 2100 Notebook series and follow disassembly instructions.