We all have one—that old, beat-up piece of gear we just can't let go of. For me, it's my HP DV6-6022TX laptop, a machine that's been with me for nearly 15 years. It was a major purchase back when I decided to become a self-proclaimed "clumsy technician," and we've been through countless jobs together. We've built up a real history.
But after so many years, my old friend started showing its age.
Upon booting, it would flash a "System Fan (90B)" error. The cause was obvious: the cooling fan was failing. While some might suggest just cleaning it, my experience told me a full replacement was the only real, long-term solution. It’s a matter of efficiency; the amount of work required for a full disassembly is significant, so it makes no sense not to replace a cheap part while you're in there.
Since this isn't my main computer, I wasn't in a rush. I ordered a compatible fan from AliExpress for a few bucks and waited.
⚠️A Word of Warning: This Isn't for Beginners
Before we go any further, I need to be clear: this is not a simple repair like swapping RAM or an SSD. This job requires an almost complete disassembly of the laptop's main body. If you're not confident in your skills, I strongly advise against attempting this yourself.
The Teardown: My Key Takeaways and Tips
Every laptop model is different, so instead of a universal guide, I’m sharing the key lessons I’ve learned from years of doing this. The entire, detailed process is in the video below.
Tip 1: Document Your Screws
Laptops are filled with a dizzying variety of tiny screws. It is essential to keep track of which screw goes where. If you don't have a photographic memory, I highly recommend filming your disassembly process or taking detailed notes. A single misplaced screw can prevent reassembly or damage the motherboard.
Tip 2: Be Gentle with Connectors
Be extremely careful when disconnecting and reconnecting the small, delicate components. This is especially true for the thin, paper-like Flexible Flat Cables (FFC). Bending or tearing one of these can turn a simple repair into a complete disaster.
The Result: Here's to Another 10 Years?
After the new fan was installed and everything was painstakingly put back together, the moment of truth arrived. I powered it on. The error message was gone. My old friend was back to life.
It may be an old dog, but this laptop has helped me get so much work done over the years. In my line of work, I often just need a simple, rugged machine to connect to CNC controllers in a workshop environment. For that, this old workhorse is more suitable than a brand-new, high-performance laptop. I'd rather not worry about banging up a new, expensive machine.
So, let's go for a bit longer... my friend.
