Screwdrivers must be used to access the HP laptop's motherboard.
Fan plugs on laptops may need to be removed and replaced to keep fans working properly. Laptop fans are critical to providing necessary cooling to your machine. Replacing the CPU fan plug on the HP laptop motherboard 355478-001 isn't a procedure that can only be accomplished by a computer professional. You can accomplish this task within the comfort of your home or office with only basic tools.
Instructions
1. Power down the HP computer and disconnect from the power outlet.
2. Shut the laptop's screen and turn it over. Look at the top of the notebook's underside and identify the long, horizontal outline of the battery. Slide the battery release mechanism just below this outline to disengage and remove the battery for your own safety.
3. Find the six screws underneath the battery. There will be three in a row along the top of the battery enclosure and three in a separate row below this. Remove these all with a Phillips head screwdriver to free up the keyboard.
4. Remove the additional screws you find along the perimeter of the bottom of the HP computer using your Phillips screwdriver.
5. Turn the HP computer back over and open the laptop screen. Examine the top row of keys above the keyboard. The keyboard shield extends into the top of these keys. This shield is the plastic, horizontal piece that lies just under the bottom of the monitor's bezel. Pry under one of the edges with the tip of a flathead screwdriver to pry the shield up and out.
6. Grab the keyboard along its top edge now that the keyboard shield has been removed. Pull up on the keyboard to reveal the keyboard ribbon cable that connects to the green motherboard beneath the keyboard. Pull upward on the connector that holds this ribbon cable about 2 millimeters, then slide the cable out. Pulling up farther on the connector will damage it.
7. Remove the HP computer's keyboard altogether.
8. Remove all the screws on the metal base below the keyboard using your Phillips head screwdriver.
9. Use your fingertips to pry under the edges of the metal cover and slowly pull it out. This will expose the complete motherboard.
10. Look to the top left corner of the HP 355478-001 motherboard for the fan plug connector. The fan cable extends into this connector. Lift up a couple of millimeters on the connector to slide the cable out.
11. Remove the single screw holding the fan plug in place with your Phillips screwdriver, then pull the plug out. Replace it with your new fan plug by reinserting the screw.
12. Follow the procedure in reverse to successfully reassemble your HP laptop computer.
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