HP 15-fc0000 Series USB Board Replacement

Written By: Spencer Pennington
  • Comments: 0
HP 15-fc0000 Series USB Board Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

17

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the USB board in your HP 15-fc0000 series laptop. The only replaceable USB board is on the right side of the laptop, near the DC-in port, and holds one USB-A port.

Note: This procedure was written using a model 15-fc0093dx HP 15 Laptop PC but is compatible with any HP 15 Laptop PC whose model number starts with 15-fc.

This procedure requires removing the battery to disconnect it. Use care to avoid bending, twisting, or puncturing it—a charged lithium-ion battery can be very dangerous if accidentally punctured. If your battery looks puffy or swollen, take extra precautions.

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    • Shut down the laptop.

    • Unplug the charger and any other cables from the laptop.

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    • Close the laptop and flip it over so the rubber feet are facing up. Place the laptop on a soft surface to avoid damaging the top cover.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the bottom cover.

    • Two 6.8 mm‑long screws near the rear of the laptop.

    • Two 4.8 mm‑long screws near the front of the laptop.

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    • The clips attached to the bottom cover are fragile. Use caution when releasing them.

    • Insert an opening pick under the bottom cover at the rear of the laptop.

    • Twist the pick until one or more clips release.

    • Repeat this procedure along the rear edge until you release all the clips.

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    • The bottom cover is fragile. Use caution when bending it.

    • Place your fingers under the part of the bottom cover you've raised, near a corner.

    • Use your fingers to gently pry up the corner of the bottom cover.

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    • Insert an opening pick under the edge of the bottom cover next to the corner you've raised.

    • Pry up the back cover clips along the edge.

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    • Use an opening pick to repeat the procedure from the previous step to pry up the remaining sides of the bottom cover.

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    • Remove the bottom cover.

    • Some clips may re-engage when you're releasing other sides. If the bottom cover doesn't lift off easily, use the opening pick to release any remaining clips.

    • During reassembly, lay the bottom cover on the laptop so the sides of the cover align with the sides of the laptop. Then, gently press on the sides until you hear the clips click. If the clips don't engage easily, adjust the cover and try again.

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    • Do not put too much stress on the wire, as that can harm your laptop's audio quality.

    • Use a spudger or your fingers to lift the tape that adheres the speaker wires to the metal trackpad bracket.

    • Try not to fold the tape so it can be reused during reassembly.

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    • Use a spudger or your fingers to remove the speaker wires from the routing clips along the edge of the battery.

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    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five 4.3 mm‑long screws securing the battery.

    • During reassembly, press firmly on the battery connector to ensure a strong connection.

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    • Do not grab the battery at the ends because this battery is flexible. Instead, grab the battery one inch from each end to better support the middle.

    • Use two hands to grip the battery about one inch from each end.

    • Lift the front of the battery (the side closest to you) until the battery is free of its alignment pegs.

    • Pull the battery towards you to release it from its connector.

    • Don't continue to use a damaged battery, as doing so is a potential safety hazard. If in doubt, replace it with a new battery.

    • During reassembly, insert the battery onto its connector at a slight downward angle before pressing it flat to the frame.

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    • The right hinge is on the left side since the laptop is upside down

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 5.6 mm‑long screws securing the right hinge.

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    • Lift the left hinge to 90º so it's pointing upward.

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    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift up the black locking tab on the USB board ZIF connector.

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    • Use tweezers or your fingers to grip the blue pull tab marked "DB."

    • Pull the ribbon cable away from its connector to disconnect it.

    • When reconnecting this cable, make sure the locking tab is fully open (up). The cable should slide in with minimal force. If you feel resistance, check that the locking tab is fully open and the cable is aligned, then try again.

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    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the USB board.

    • One 3.1 mm‑long screw

    • One 4.3 mm‑long screw

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    • Use your fingers to lift the right side of the USB board clear of the alignment post.

    • Remove the USB board by pulling it away from the side of the laptop.

    • During reassembly, insert the left side of the USB board into the opening in the side of the laptop first, then lower the right side onto the alignment pins.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler. Depending on your region, used HP devices and parts can be returned for reuse or recycling through the HP Planet Partners program.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Pennington

Member since: 09/09/23

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