Upgrading memory on HP Pavilion zv5000 series laptops


Here are excellent instructions for upgrading memory on HP Pavilion zv5000 series laptops in seven relatively easy steps. I found links to the disassembly pictures while reading comments on Ask Laptop Freak site and decided to compile them into a guide. Upgrading memory on this laptop could be tricky because one of the memory expansion slots is located under the keyboard. According to HP specifications for zv5000 you can install 2 memory modules up to 1GB each. You should use PC2700 333MHz memory modules.

STEP 1.
First of all, you can add one memory module into the expansion slot on the bottom of the laptop.

Memory slot on the bottom of the laptop
Enlarge image 1.

STEP 2.
Remove seven screws pointed with red arrows.
Remove screws on the bottom of the laptop
Enlarge image 2.

STEP 3.
Carefully lift up the keyboard cover. You’ll have play with the cover in order to release plastic latches.
Lift up the keyboard cover
Enlarge image 3.

STEP 4.
Remove four screws securing the keyboard.

Remove keyboard screws
Enlarge image 4.

STEP 5.
Carefully lift up the keyboard. You don’t have to disconnect the keyboard from the motherboard in order to access the memory expansion slot. Just turn the keyboard over and place it upside down on the palm rest.
Lift up the laptop keyboard
Enlarge image 5.

STEP 6.
Here’s the memory slot you are looking for.
Remove laptop memory module
Enlarge image 6.

STEP 7.
Spread latches on both sides of the memory module and remove the old 256MB module and install a new one.
HP Pavilion zv5000 laptops will not take more then 2GB (1GB module in each slot).
Replace laptop memory module
Enlarge image 7.

UPDATE: HP Pavilion zv5000 LCD removal and backlight replacement instructions

 

Topics: Disassembly help, Memory, 3. Compaq & HP Laptops |

18 Responses to “Upgrading memory on HP Pavilion zv5000 series laptops”

  1. How to remove, replace, upgrade memory on a HP Pavilion zv6000 laptop >> Inside my laptop Says:
    March 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    […] By the way, memory installation instructions for a HP Pavilion zv5000 laptops are similar. […]

  2. Joey Delgado Says:
    March 17th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

    This was worked out great. I’m pretty handy with tools, but by no means, a PC Tech. Thanks!

  3. Shawn Says:
    March 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 am

    Thanks for the instructions! I’d tried before, but didn’t realize I could lift out the keyboard.

  4. Bitson Says:
    April 4th, 2008 at 11:45 pm

    thanks a great deal ur information satisfy my quest

  5. Mike D Says:
    April 5th, 2008 at 4:10 pm

    Great instructions BUT…my zv5000 will not accept anything over 256 in the slot under the keyboard, or nothing but BSOD. It says 1280 max on the HP support site and I confirmed it is 1280mb max. Check the website for specs before you buy more than you can handle.

  6. stan S. Says:
    April 12th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    These instructions are great. I installed 2×1Gb RAM in my HP zv5000 in no time and it runs beatifully. This is after searching in vain for hours through the HP technical guides for where the 2nd RAM socket is located. Thanks!

  7. Gifford Walker Says:
    April 17th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    Thanks for the excellent notes and photos. I could not have attempted this without help such as you provided. My zx5040 worked exactly like this and I now have the 2GB installed as well. For the person who had difficulty with the RAM capabilities, try PCPitstop.com as the test will give you the capacity allowed. Thanks again.

  8. Jay Says:
    May 23rd, 2008 at 10:34 am

    Thanks a lot for the instructions.. I was able to upgrade my RAM in 15 minutes thanks to your detailed description!.. You rock!!!!

  9. Traci Says:
    May 30th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    Hi! Ten Thousand Thank-You’s for posting these crystal clear illustrated instructions. I purchased 2Gb of RAM to upgrade my HP ZV5410us a year ago, and I was really bummed when I opened the memory bay on the bottom of my laptop and found only one RAM slot. I almost gave that second stick away! Jay is right - 15 minutes to 2Gb of RAM and yes, you do rock. I am so happy I stumbled on your website, and I will be referring others to here who need help in this area.
    My sincere gratitude for breathing a new pep into this aging laptop. You’re awsome :)

  10. Traci Says:
    May 30th, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    And BTW - this is to address Mike D’s comments regarding HP’s memory recommendations … HP stated the same about my computer as well…but what do you know…here it is recognizing all 2 Gb after the upgrade. I think HP wants to sell new computers by dishing out that crock of steaming poop, which sort of makes me steam a good bit at HP :( . Point being, what the heck, give it a whirl! Just verify the return policy at the store you’re buying RAM from, and return the RAM stick if it doesn’t work! Be shopper savvy, be careful upgrading, and Good Luck!

  11. Therion Says:
    June 2nd, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    Thanks for this howto!!! i love you!!!

  12. Ted Jardine Says:
    June 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 am

    Much thanks!

  13. How to remove LCD screen and replace backlight bulb in HP Pavilion zv5000 laptop >> Inside my laptop Says:
    June 27th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    […] Here’s another guide for HP Pavilion zv5000 laptop. How to remove keyboard and replace memory. […]

  14. Jerry Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm

    Excellent diagrams. Something that HP lacks with their tech/service manuals.

    Thanks again, you made my day go better. -j

  15. Ed Mills Says:
    July 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm

    I can’t thank you enough for publishing this “how to”! No where on HP’s site did it mention anything about where the “hidden” memory module slot was at. Then, finding your tutorial, which even told me which screws to take out, was a godsend!!!

    Thanks a ton for taking the time to put this resource on the web for others to use… =)

  16. NIck D Says:
    August 13th, 2008 at 6:24 am

    Thanks for all that you have done here regarding upgrading and repairing my HP Pavillion zv5000!!! Your efforts made the work possible and tolerable also!!! It went exactly as you described in the photos and documentation. I replaced an LCD screen and upgraded my memory to 2GB. Your site made it possible…thanks again!!!

  17. Jimlat Says:
    August 17th, 2008 at 11:12 am

    Awesome instructions…got pny 1gb from newegg for $43 including shipping…15 minutes of install and 2gb of RAM…that and a new 250gb hard drive have really added life to my zv5410!!

  18. Daniele Says:
    August 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

    Thank’s!!! Very good manual..you have helped me in this operation! I love this notebook, is fantastic. Greetings from Italy

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