Open up Envy 133 and replace HDD

Hi,

I recently purchased the following SSD (http://www.renice-tech.com/product.asp?classid=93&id=108) to swap into my Envy 133. I was wondering if anyone had any instructions on how to open up and swap the HDD? I tried unscrewing the screws at the base and the ones under the battery but when trying to separate it seems there may be a glue substance holding the chassis together. Am I supposed to pull that apart or am I doing something wrong?

Also, if I am to pull in spite of the glue substance can I replace it with something else if I have to pull it apart?

If someone has done this or can point to a step by step (with pics) that would be great.

Any assistance or advice would be helpful.

Thanks,
- Sumo

I cannot help you -- hopefully ET or PO will stop by.

Please remove your battery before attempting anything on your laptop

The best advise I can give you is DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING.

The first step to dissembling most any laptop is to remove the keyboard. There are always screws under it that hold the unit togeather. This should be true for the envy 133 as well.

Look at the top edge of the keyboard. There may be spring clips that need to be pushed back to release the keyboard (As with the clevo laptops) or a removable panel that hides screws. (This is what most hp laptops have, ie dvX000 series, N5xxx series etc)

The second thing that is going to need to be removed is the screen. (Just remove it as an entire unit, Unplug it and unscrew the hinges from the base)

Now you should be able to remove the palm rest. (be careful of the touchpad ribbon)

At this point you should be left with the base plastics and motherboard. You should see the hard drive.

Unfortunately I have never worked on a 133 so I can not provide step by step disassembly instructions.

I believe PhotoOtaku has an envy 133, maybe he would be so kind as to add his thoughts.

Hi ET,

Thanks for the thorough response and advice - it is much appreciated. Will let you guys know how it goes.

Would you happen to know if the Envy 133 MB can read a 4GB slot of RAM or not. If it can I'd love to upgrade since I'm opening the system anyway. If it can, any specs I need to follow?

Thanks again

Hi guys,

Just to let you know I successfully installed the following drive (http://www.renice-tech.com/product.asp?classid=93&id=108) on my Envy 133 and it works great! The system is much faster and application load time is much faster! Only wish the RAM can be upgraded but as far as this upgrade goes it extends the life of a laptop that I love and I still don't think I can find one out there that comes close in design appeal.

Thanks for answering all my questions!

Cheers,
- Sumo

I am glad it worked out for you.

Hi sumo
it is great that it worked out for you. i have been thinking of doing the same for ages but I was to scared to brick my beautiful envy 133. Would you please share more details about the procedure? And, also, are all the 1.8 pata zif drives compatible with envy 133?
Thanks very much.