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.
June 8th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Your instructions were quite helpful, yet I could only figure out how to replace the 1 GB memory. I could not see where the other memory slot was and am wondering if I was doing something incorrectly? I am going to take my laptop to the electronics store where I purchased the 2 x 2 GB and figure out if I can install the second 2 GB memory card on my HP nc6400 notebook. The improvement with VMware and MS Office 2007 is huge with the upgrade to 2 GB. If you have any ideas of what to do for the second card, please reply. Thanks.
May 25th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
simon,
I have a different disassembly guide which covers HP Compaq 6730s and 6735s notebooks.
May 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 am
is this similar to replacing a keyboard on a hp compaq 6735s if not could you help me plz
April 20th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Princip,
I really enjoy doing that. It’s my hobby.
April 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
How do you keep this site up? Its awesome!
April 11th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Hi,
I managed to upgrade with these clear instructions, but also broke one stem on each clip. Is there anywhere i can buy these clips?
Thanks Rob
April 7th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Mark,
Make sure the second (2GB) memory module is installed correctly. Try reseating the memory module.
Nope, it should be recognized automatically.
I don’t think this problem is related to your new memory.
April 6th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I added a 2GB stick in the external compartment and rebooted. System properties shows 1 GB of RAM still – should be 3 now.
I vaguely recall adding memory to a desktop and having to reset something in BIOS to recognize the added memory. Do I have to do that here?
Finally, since adding the RAM module, when I click on Workstation Info on my desktop I get the Warning message “Unable to access the N: drive, please check your network connectivity”. Huh?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
March 14th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
As Randy says, be VERY careful with the little clips that secure the ribbon cables. I broke one (even though I was being careful) and now the trackpoint nub does not work on my keyboard. I regret the entire process, and should have just been happy with the ram that I had already installed in the slot accessible on the bottom of the computer.
March 8th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Your info saved me a lot of grief. HP instructions are no where near as well organized or as easy to follow as yours. Thank you so much for supplying this.
I did have one problem unplugging the ribbon cables. Those cheap little clips both broke on one side. My son, who works on computers all the time, helped me and he even broke one. They are VERY fragile. I put them back to hold the ribbons and will try to buy some replacements. They are working so far.
Thanks again!