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HP Stream 14-CB174WM Wi-Fi Card Replacement

Daniel Pickett and 2 other contributors

Last updated on Jun 18, 2024

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25 - 40 minutes

Moderate

Introduction

Go to step 1 ↓

If the Wi-Fi on your laptop is not working, it can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily tasks, especially in today's interconnected world. One of the common reasons for this issue could be a faulty or damaged Wi-Fi card. The Wi-Fi card, also known as a wireless network adapter, is the component responsible for connecting your laptop to wireless networks. Over time, due to various reasons like physical damage, overheating, or wear and tear, the Wi-Fi card may fail or malfunction. Additionally, to remove the motherboard of the laptop, the Wi-Fi card must be removed first.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to safely remove your laptop's Wi-Fi card. All you will need for this process is a Phillips #1 screwdriver and a plastic prying tool.

What you need

Tools

1. Step 1 Lower Case
  Use an opening pick to gently pry up the edge of the rubber foot.
  
  Grab the lifted edge of the foot and gently pull it away.
  
  Repeat for the other rubber foot.
  
  The oils on your skin can damage the adhesive on the rubber feet. Try not to touch the adhesive part of the feet with your hands.
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2. Step 2
  Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the eight 6.6 mm screws that secure the lower case.
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3. Step 3
  Insert an opening pick in the seam between the lower case and chassis.
  
  Slide the opening pick around the perimeter, prying every couple of centimeters as you go.
  
  You will hear "snaps" of the lower case retaining clips releasing.
  
  Continue prying around the entire perimeter until the lower case fully releases.
  
  Lift off the lower case.
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1. Step 4 Battery
  Remove the following Phillips screws that secure the battery:
  
  Three 2.9 mm
  
  Two 6.8 mm
  
  Be sure to keep different screw types separate from one another throughout the battery removal process.
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3. Step 5
  Use your fingers or the point of a spudger to slowly “wiggle” the battery connector directly out of its socket.
  
  Do not pull on the wires.
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4. Step 6
  Gently unseat the battery connector wire out from under the two plastic tabs.
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5. Step 7
  Lift the battery up and out of the laptop.
  
  The battery should lift out with very little effort. If the battery cannot easily be lifted out of the laptop chassis, check to see if you missed any screws.
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1. Step 8 Wi-Fi Card
  Locate the Wi-Fi card module near the top of the laptop.
  
  It is right above the large copper heat sink.
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3. Step 9
  Use a plastic opening tool to gently lift and detach the two Wi-Fi card antenna cables.
  
  Each wire features numbered tags (1 and 2) corresponding to identical numbers printed on the card. These numbers indicate the designated ports on the wifi card where each wire should be plugged in.
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4. Step 10
  Remove the single screw that secures the Wi-Fi card using a Phillips screwdriver.
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5. Step 11
  Pull the card directly out of its socket.
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