HomeHere 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.
STEP 2.
Remove seven screws pointed with red arrows.
STEP 3.
Carefully lift up the keyboard cover. You’ll have play with the cover in order to release plastic latches.
Enlarge image 3.
STEP 4.
Remove four screws securing the keyboard.
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.
Enlarge image 5.
STEP 6.
Here’s the memory slot you are looking for.
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).
Enlarge image 7.
UPDATE: HP Pavilion zv5000 LCD removal and backlight replacement instructions
Static electricity can kill your laptop. I recommend wearing an anti-static wrist strap while working with internal parts of your laptop.
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October 16th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Tony,
Sounds like that. Apparently your memory is good.
You can download an iso file (CD image) and burn it on a CD. After that you boot your laptop from that CD and run HDD test.
October 16th, 2008 at 6:34 am
I tried to use all three memories (256K-512K-1G) one at a time and at one slot at a time. The problem remains. However at the setup every time I see the corresponding memory size. Does this mean that the problem has nothing to do with any of the memories?
To go ahead with the hard drive test, it seems that I need a diskette? But my PC has not floppy drive. Or did I understand wrong?
October 15th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Tony,
Try installing memory modules one at a time so only one slot is occupied. Try different modules in each memory slot. It’s possible that one of the slots has a damaged pin inside. Take look inside the memory slots, maybe you can see something.
Try cleaning contacts on the memory module with pen eraser, maybe they got oxidized.
Also, run hard drive test. Maybe the hard drive is going bad and it’s just a coincidence that it failed when you replaced memory. Try Hitachi’s drive fitness test. I lined to this utility in “Useful Links” in the right sidebar.
October 15th, 2008 at 6:46 am
One more thing which I guess it is a bit stupid but I will mention. I have taken the battery off because it only lasts 1-2min, but it shouldn’t affect anything. I have it forgotten somewhere else at the moment.
October 15th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Exactly the same problem when I use the two original memories and at their original slot (at the setup now it shows 640M which makes sense again for 512K+256K).
BTW, when I got the new memory, first thing I did was to change the 512K with the 1GB. I had the same problem and after trying many different things at the startup of Windows at some point I managed to make it work. To be honest I am not sure what I did, that made it work. Then I thought…why should I have the 512 out and not replace the 256. So then I got to the same problem. I am guessing that it can not be the memory after all these…
October 13th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Tony,
Maybe the new 1GB memory module is bad. Did you try removing the 1GB stick and testing the laptop with the original 256MB module?
October 13th, 2008 at 1:36 am
I replaced the 256Mb memory at the bottom with 1GB and I can not start windows (getting the options below). After trying many things, I reformatted and installed Win XP SP2 again and it worked. But the next time I turned it on, I had the same problem. I get the following options when I turn it on:
1) Safe mode (OR safe mode with Networking OR safe mode with command prompt)
2) Last known good configuration (your most recent settings that worked
3) Start windows normally
whatever I try, Windows try to start and they just hang…
In the setup I can see that there is 1408Mb memory which sounds right.
October 12th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Carolyn,
Nope, you will not lose anything. All your data is stored on the hard drive.
This laptop has two memory slots. On on the bottom and the second one under the keyboard.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:54 am
This is a completely novice question but.. If I remove one of the 256 memory modules and replace it with a 1gb will I lose programs or files on my computer? I used the instructions to replace my keyboard btw and it works wonderful. Now I would just like to replace or upgrade the memory but I dont want to do anything until I know I wont mess something up. The instructions seem to indicate that there is an empty slot somewhere? Both of mine have a 256 in them.
September 7th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Keith,
Make sure the new memory module is installed correctly. Try reseating it.
Also, it’s possible that your new memory module is defective, try installing the old one.
If your laptop works with the old memory module but will not start with the new one, your new module could be bad.
September 7th, 2008 at 10:44 am
After going through a “dry run” of upgrading memory for laptop, the lcd screen stays black. I also noticed that the wireless button does not light up anymore. All of these worked fine prior to walking through the steps. Any suggestions as to what might be going on?
Keith
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I upgraded my wife’s zv5000 to 2GB RAM. No problems; worked the first time. Didn’t even lose any screws. Great job on the procedure.
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
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!!
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!!!
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… =)
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
June 27th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
[...] Here’s another guide for HP Pavilion zv5000 laptop. How to remove keyboard and replace memory. [...]
June 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 am
Much thanks!
June 2nd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Thanks for this howto!!! i love you!!!
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!
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
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!!!!
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.
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!
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.
April 4th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
thanks a great deal ur information satisfy my quest
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.
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!
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
[...] By the way, memory installation instructions for a HP Pavilion zv5000 laptops are similar. [...]