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    Pls Help: No PCMCIA Slot in HP Compaq 2510p

    Discussion in 'HP' started by KonKet, Mar 10, 2009.

  1. KonKet

    KonKet Notebook Enthusiast

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    My HP Compaq 2510p doesn't have the PCMCIA slot, it has Smart Card reader instead. I assume that the Smart Card reader is installed in the PCMCIA slot. If so, is there a way to remove that Smart Card slot so that I could use the PCMCIA slot?

    I read the manual and it shows that in order to get to that Smart Card reader, I have to remove the motherboard. I'm afraid doing so will void the warranty.

    Any thought or suggestion? Thank you very much!
     
    KonKet, Mar 10, 2009
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  2. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Should be a little button just to the left of the pcmcia slot that you press to eject the pcmcia smart card reader. I would assume you have tried that already, but thought maybe I should point it out just in case.
     
    User Retired 2, Mar 10, 2009
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  3. KonKet

    KonKet Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the input. There's no eject button. The Smart Card reader is flush with a slot cut for the card. It appears to be bolted inside. The laptop is brand new, otherwise I'd open it up if it's not too complicated.
     
    KonKet, Mar 10, 2009
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  4. KonKet

    KonKet Notebook Enthusiast

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    Finally, I took the bull by the horns and opened the laptop. I had to completely disassemble it to remove the MB and pulled out the Smart Card reader. I can use the PCMCIA slot now but it doesn't have the black plastic ejector.

    It took me 4 hours. The worst part is that the laptop doesn't look and feel as good as it was before (just like when you remove the car door panel to replace the speakers).
     
    KonKet, Mar 11, 2009
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  5. pippopippo

    pippopippo Newbie

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    Hi

    I also need to remove the smart card reader, can you provide me the instructions of how to remove.
    If there is any links with the instructions pls provide the same.
    thanks
     
    pippopippo, May 21, 2009
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  6. pocket_geek

    pocket_geek Notebook Geek

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    It would be nice to be able to remove the smart card reader and purchase the required bits to make the pcmcia/cardbus slot function properly...ejector button and all.

    <edit>
    Best I can figure the part we'd need so we have the ejector button and proper cage would be 451742-001 PC Card card cage/socket assembly
    </edit>
     
    pocket_geek, May 21, 2009
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  7. pocket_geek

    pocket_geek Notebook Geek

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    So I went ahead and ordered that part. Cost ~$16 plus ~$12 shipping.

    Took me about 1 1/2 hours to tear my laptop apart and replace the cage. Now it works just like it's supposed to with button + ejection mechanism.

    ....and I only had 1 screw left over :D
     
    pocket_geek, May 30, 2009
    #7