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.
Enlarge image 1.
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
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 2x1Gb 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. [...]