HomeIn this guide I’ll explain how to remove the keyboard and replace the internal memory module in a HP Compaq nc6400 series laptop.
HP Compaq nc6400 laptop has two memory slots. One of them could be easily accessed from the bottom but the second one is hidden under the keyboard. In order to replace the memory module in the internal slot you’ll have to remove the keyboard.
First of all, turn off the laptop, unplug it from the power adapter and remove the battery.
There are three screws securing the keyboard on the bottom. You can remove these screws with a #8 torx or flathead screwdriver. Remove all three screws.
There are four small latches located in the top row of keys on the keyboard. Unlock all four latches by moving them down with your fingernail.
Now you can lift up the keyboard as it shown on the picture below. Be careful, the keyboard is still attached to the motherboard.
It is possible to remove and replace the memory module in the internal slot WITHOUT disconnecting the keyboard. Carefully slide the keyboard aside and access the memory slot. I show how to disconnect and remove the keyboard only for readers replacing the keyboard.
Place the keyboard upside down on the palm rest. The keyboard is attached to the motherboard via two flat ribbon cables.
You’ll have to unlock both connectors in order to release the cables.
Each connector has a locking tab (one is white and another one is brown) witch has to be moved about 1-2 millimeters up.
Very carefully move both locking tabs up with your fingernails. Release both cables and pull them from the connectors.
Now you can remove the keyboard and replace it with a new keyboard if needed.
On the picture below you can see the hidden memory slot.
Carefully push on two latches pointed with red arrows until the memory module pops up at a 30 degree angle. Pull the memory module from the slot by the edges.
HP Compaq nc6400 laptop is upgradable to 4GB maximum. You can install up to 2GB RAM module into each slot.
Use DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz SODIMM memory modules.
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February 2nd, 2010 at 8:55 am
Instructions have been really helpful. I had accidently spilled some coffee on my laptop and have used these instructions to replace the key board
December 6th, 2009 at 3:04 am
hi, i wish to upgrade my nc6400 processor. how to remove the processor frm the laptop? is it same instruction?
November 27th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Ronald,
Yes, you can.
Nope, it’s not necessary.
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:14 am
Hi,
Thanks for the instructions, very helpful.
One question:
Systeminfo on my NC6400 tells me I have 1 GB installed memory. Can I just buy one 2GB module to upgrade to 3 GB. Or does it need to be an equal duo, in other words, the same amount of GBs in each slot? I read this somewhere but not sure if that is right. If it is true I would have to buy two modules in order to upgrade to 3 GB, instead of just one module.
Thanks
Ronald
November 16th, 2009 at 2:18 am
Thanks very much. Your clear instructions helped me upgrade the memory on my kidm 514 Mb to 2 GB. They are now getting in to trouble much faster. Cheers MJE
November 14th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
fred wilson,
It depends where you buy it.
).
If you are not in a hurry, I would suggest buying online (no tax, free shipping
Just google 2GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz SODIMM and you’ll get an idea how much it is. I would say you can get it for about $30-40.
If you are running Windows XP, most likely you will not see much improvement unless you are running some very intensive applications. XP will not see more than 3GB anyway.
But if you are running Vista, it will run better.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Thank you so much your your removal procedure. It worked perfectly. I had to peel back some of the plastic backing, and push my dents out with a screwdriver. Got all my letters even. Plenty of adhesive left on the backing too, so i didn’t have to reglue it. Keybord is even and works perfectly.
How much do the 2 gb ram sticks cost for this nc6400? I’m anxious to upgrade.
When i move up to 4 gb ram, specifically what differences in performance will i see?
OH, and thanks so much for your procedure. It’s rewarding to have done this with your help.
I’ll stay in touch with your site. It’s very good. I’m a devoted follower now, and look forward to my next project.
Thanks Again,
Fred
November 14th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
fred wilson,
A new keyboard for HP Compaq nc6400 could be found on eBay for less than $20.
November 14th, 2009 at 3:03 am
To short tempered human beings, if your keyboard on your nc6400 gets full of dirt, it will go crazy when you type a letter, and that letter will repeat over and over until your blood pressure hits the stratosphere. When you try to type a sentence, a sentence of unintelligible jumble types itself, looking like a language from another planet. This time your blood pressure soars beyond the limits of human restraint, and you do what? You slam your fist into the keyboard in an uncontrollable adrenaline-induced rage. This next sequence of events will shock unconditioned beings, so brace yourselves. The battery flew out of the bottom, and the plastic top cover latch flew across the room! Luckily, the battery went back in and snapped into place perfectly, and the plastic latch snapped back into place unharmed. No harm done. Except! My keyboard is bent inward now, and a few letters are lower than they should be. It works fine though, and I literally got away with the attempted murder of an HP nc6400 that rightfully deserved a good beating.
Everyone has wanted to viciously attack a computer before, and I hope you vicariously enjoyed the experience through me.
Now, i shall use your wonderful keyboard removal instructions to remove said keyboard, and push the dents out from underneath, and hopefully all my letters will be even again.
A court of law would ask if I had remorse, and I would tell them to go take a flying leap into Hades. Computers need beating from time to time, and everybody knows it.
As Edgar Alan Poe said in “The Tell Tale Heart,” …..”Do you fancy me Mad?”
With your instructions, I am sure I can fix it, or at least improve it dramatically.
Not that I need one, but how much does a new keyboard cost?
Finally, I am not going to confession for this sin. If my laptop wants to go for its sin of driving me crazy, then it can find its own ride to church. Maybe the priest can beat some sense into it.
Thank you immensely for your help. I will do the RAM upgrade when I get rich.