some screw won't open on my laptop after repair from hp

[vti_786]

hi guys, i had a laptop repaired from HP recently and after receiving it back 2 of the screws on the bottom don't open anymore, basically i think the thread on screw hole seems to have worn away and the screws just spin when i try to open.

do you think hp will own upto it and fix the problem for me?

how would i tell them how i found out the screws don't open, what if they ask me why i am opening it up?

before you ask, i wanted to open the laptop so i could adjust the heatsink on the gpu, basically its a common fault on the compaq dv series laptops.

[MadduckUK]

hi guys, i had a laptop repaired from HP recently and after receiving it back 2 of the screws on the bottom don't open anymore, basically i think the thread on screw hole seems to have worn away and the screws just spin when i try to open.

do you think hp will own upto it and fix the problem for me?

how would i tell them how i found out the screws don't open, what if they ask me why i am opening it up?

before you ask, i wanted to open the laptop so i could adjust the heatsink on the gpu, basically its a common fault on the compaq dv series laptops.

sounds like they have installed a child lock tbh

[vti_786]

sounds like they have installed a child lock tbh

what do you mean, how would they open it up in the future when it breaks down again?

[watercooled]

They might have stripped the threads by over-tightening it.

[vti_786]

They might have stripped the threads by over-tightening it.

yes thats what i thought, but what should i do, i can't say i wanted to open it up my self, and thats how i found out.

[Champman99]

You could always try the JML screw extractor

http://www.jmldirect.com/product.asp...gecurrency=GBP

[oolon]

You could always try the JML screw extractor

http://www.jmldirect.com/product.asp...gecurrency=GBP

That would not work on a threaded screw, however putting a small amount of superglue on the end of your screwdriver give you enough grip to pull it. For best effect work from under it, stand the laptop on the edge of a table or better a workmate will get gravity to help also sometimes squashing the case slightly can pop them out. I am assuming the screw is quite deep recessed, if it is not levering with a flat screwdriver while turning with another one can work. I don't think HP will like you opening it so tell them about the screws isn't going to be a good idea. They believe in "no user servicable parts". Out of interest why do you want to open it up?

[peterb]

sounds like they have installed a child lock tbh

Not particularly helpful to a new guy posting with a genuine question.

<snip--- Out of interest why do you want to open it up?

He mentioned in the oroginal post that us was to adjust the heatsink - but that raises the question of "Why do you think the heatsink needs adjusting in the first place?"

If it is still under warranty, I'd be tempted to leave it well alone - and if it is still not working properly, send it back to HP. Once the warranty period is up, ypu can do what you like with it - including the super glue tip above.

[vti_786]

the laptop is working fine, but these models have a common fault and that is when the gpu is stressed it oveheats quite a lot, so much so that the solder holding the gpu to the motherboard melts and the gpu moves out of position, hence the replacement of the motherboard from HP.

the reason for the above is because there is a manufacturers fault with the heatsink not sitting flush with the gpu, they used a heatpad between the heatsink and gpu, which after a few months use, shrinks and creates a 2mm gap between the heatsink and gpu, hence the overheating.

there is not much warranty left and i know it will outlast the warranty, but then why risk it for the future, the cure for this is to replace the heatpad with copper shims so the gpu sits flush with the heatsink.

hope that clears it up

thanks for the suggestions of how to get the screw out but i would rather HP deal with it so i don't have any trouble in opening it in the future.

He mentioned in the oroginal post that us was to adjust the heatsink - but that raises the question of "Why do you think the heatsink needs adjusting in the first place?"

If it is still under warranty, I'd be tempted to leave it well alone - and if it is still not working properly, send it back to HP. Once the warranty period is up, ypu can do what you like with it - including the super glue tip above.

[peterb]

If you have a number for the HP service centre you could ring them up - you could say that the screw looked loose and when you tried to tighten it up etc etc - but I have to say that it sounds a flimsy excuse. It is annoying, but I can't see any real way out of the problem. If the screws aren't actually doing anything useful, do the two halves of the case fit properly? If not, that couold be a reason to send it back after the repair.

[vti_786]

If you have a number for the HP service centre you could ring them up - you could say that the screw looked loose and when you tried to tighten it up etc etc - but I have to say that it sounds a flimsy excuse. It is annoying, but I can't see any real way out of the problem. If the screws aren't actually doing anything useful, do the two halves of the case fit properly? If not, that couold be a reason to send it back after the repair.

the case fits properly as the other screws hold it in place fine, one of the screws is for the keyboard, i think i will call hp and see what they say or do, i just wanted to ask if there was a better way to do things. Its not even the case of managing to get the screws out and getting new screws as the screw hole threads are damaged, so will have the same problem with the new screws.

anyway, would like to thanks everyone for their time and advise

[MadduckUK]

Not particularly helpful to a new guy posting with a genuine question.

sorry mr. look at me iv got a hammer for an avatar