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HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement

Introduction

The SSD is where a computer stores information, including the operating system. If your hard drive is damaged, it can cause a variety of problems including crashes and (in Windows computers) the infamous blue screen.

This guide will run you through how to open your HP 14-SMB Chromebook, disconnect the battery and take out the hard drive.

What you need

  1. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the eleven Phillips screws securing the lower case.

    • Remove the two rubber stoppers, then remove the two Phillips screws hidden underneath.

    Edit

  2. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Flip the laptop over and open the lid.

    • Insert an opening pick into the seam between the keyboard assembly and chassis.

    • Slide the pick along the edge to release the plastic clips, then use an opening tool to pry around the entire perimeter until the keyboard assembly fully releases.

    Edit

  3. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Do not pull the keyboard assembly fully away from the laptop yet; it is still connected by fragile ribbon cables.

    • Lift the keyboard perpendicular to the laptop.

    • Flip up each of the two black ZIF locking flaps that secure the keyboard and trackpad ribbon cables to their motherboard sockets.

    • Disconnect the keyboard and trackpad ribbon cables.

    • Remove the keyboard.

    Edit

  4. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Use your fingernail or the flat end of a spudger to gently disconnect the battery connector from its motherboard connector.

    Edit

  6. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the three screws that secure the battery.

    Edit

  7. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the battery up and out of the chassis.

    • Take care not to scratch or damage the battery. Lithium-Ion batteries can be dangerous if punctured.

    Edit

  8. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement, SSD: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the three Phillips screws that secure the motherboard.

    Edit

  9. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingernails or the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the speaker and fan connectors from their motherboard sockets.

    • Flip up the black ZIF locking flaps of any ribbon cables connected to the motherboard.

    • Disconnect the ribbon cables.

    • Use your fingernails to disconnect the white connector on the underside of the motherboard.

    Edit

  10. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Disconnect the two wireless card antenna cables.

    • Pull the wireless card directly out of its motherboard port.

    Edit

  11. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Pull the motherboard a few millimeters to the right to unseat the ports from the chassis.

    • Turn the motherboard over.

    • Remove the single Phillips screw that secures the SSD.

    • The SSD will flip up a few millimeters after removing the screw. This is normal.

    Edit

  12. HP Chromebook 14-SMB SSD Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Pull the SSD directly out of its motherboard port.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

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Cole Simpson

Member since: 02/19/25

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Sam Houston State, Team 17-3, Thornton Spring 2025 Member of Sam Houston State, Team 17-3, Thornton Spring 2025

SHSU-THORNTON-S25S17G3

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