Need Help To Open The Back of a DV5t

They're so many screws, and I'm not even sure which ones are responsible for keeping the bottom of the laptop latched to the top. Plus, after unscrewing all the screws, including the screws that hold the separate covers for the RAM, processor, and others (at least, I think I unscrewed all the screws...the overuse of the word "screw" is beginning to bug me), the bottom of the laptop requires a LOT of putting your fingernails in the tiny spaces and pulling it apart from the top that I decided to stop before I do some real damage to the laptop.

My vents are getting really dusty and my idle temps are slowly rising. Can anybody give any advice on how to pry open the bottom of the laptop? Pictures will be greatly appreciated.

 

Not to worry my friend. HP has the answer for you and anyone else. But don't PRY it open....

HP's Services Media Library not only has the instructions, it also has the video demos that shows you how to remove and replace just about every component on your system.

You really only need to remove the top cover and keyboard assembly to get at the vents. I recommend that you get yourself a large piece of paper and some 3" blue masking tape also. Reverse stick the tape to the paper so the adhesive side is up. As you remove the screws, stick them to the tape and label the paper which screws they are. You can do the same with a muffin pan or small parts box, but they're harder to label, and if you accidentally knock it off the table while your working, you're screwed (no pun intended) literally. Anyway you do it, make sure you ID all your parts if this is something you're not accustomed to doing.

Note before you start the next procedure that you'll need to have a browser with a Flash plugin.

Go to this URL: HP SERVICES MEDIA LIBRARY

When you get to the Media library, select:

1. Product Category - Notebook & Tablet PC's
2. Product Family - HP Pavilion Notebook PC's
3. Product Series - Dv-5 whatever it is your system number is. It should be one of the DV-5000 series (Intel) or the other, which are normally AMD units (ugh). BAD juju...
4. Under Media Selection and Additional Resources, scroll down the list until
you find the FRU Remove/Replace Icon (Field Replaceable Unit) and click on it. This will open up the list of all FRU components for your system, which is essentially the entire unit.

Go down the list and pick the Top Cover or Keyboard Assembly (the KB should have the TC removal as part of the procedure), or you can go through the various videos to find which one you think will give you the best access for blowing it out. Remember DO NOT USE a standard vacuum near any electronic assemblies on your system - the laminar airflow at the tip causes extreme static charge buildup. You also want to keep your system plugged in, but keep the battery out. This will keep it grounded and reduce the chance of static damage, unless you've got a ESD wrist strap and understand ESD procedures around electronic devices. If you don't you might want to bone up, as most people don't understand how easy it is to completely destroy electronics today with a single touch from an ungrounded finger.

If you want the manual for your system, get the Product # from the label under your system, then plug it into the field at this link: HP Support & Drivers

Click on the double arrows, and it'll take you directly to the support page for your exact system configuration. You'll find the Maintenance Manuals in PDF there.

Have fun - don't forget to label your screws and other parts.