HP 100 / 200LX: Disassembly for Repairs and Upgrades

The HP 200LX is an MS-DOS Palmtop PC from the early 90's.
This tutorial will show you how to safely disassemble and reassemble the bottom shell of your HP 100 or 200LX system to gain access to the motherboard for repairs and upgrades.
The HP 200LX palmtop is an IBM PC/XT compatible MS-DOS system with a 16-bit 80186 CPU and CGA graphics system-on-a-chip, a serial port and a 16-bit PCMCIA expansion slot containing a 2GB CompactFlash card for main storage.
If you have any technical questions, or are interested in obtaining upgrades such as double-speed crystals and/or memory upgrade headers and boards, please contact me in the comments and I can help you obtain what you need.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

I hope you like my HP 100LX & 200LX Palmtop based content on my brand new channel. Please help the channel grow by clicking the like button and consider subscribing and hitting the bell icon to get alerts of new videos with demonstrations, tutorials and let's play sessions on these wonderfully nostalgic pocket computers... If you have any technical questions about the hardware, software and configuration of what you see in these videos, feel free to ask me here in the comments section!

[@zik]

It's great to see all the caps are tantalum, HP really thought of longevity of these devices.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Yes, as long as you keep your batteries out of your system so they can't leak and destroy your mainboard, and package/store the palmtop in a cool dry place, I am convinced these boards will last for at least another few decades...

[@av8bvma513]

I have had an HP200LX since November, 1996. Bought brand new in Auckland, New Zealand for $1695.00 NZD It is still working perfectly. For several years when running a boutique wine shop, I had (and still have) a Lotus 123 spreadsheet that I wrote to track every facet of the business. Stock levels, ordering, wholesale and retail sales, overheads, costs, profits and staff wages. I used to print these to an HP Laserjet II. The only change over the decades is that now I use the fabulous Panasonic Eneloop batteries, which have a self-discharge rate approaching zero! I also recently bought a brand new, boxed, shrink wrapped, HP200LX that was an unwanted gift and had been in a wardrobe since purchased. A lovely experience, opening the box and admiring the Huge User Manual and the nice little alloy plate for engraving in it's tiny little plastic bag. As of 2022, I have a Twenty-Six year old palmtop working 100% for the entire time of ownership, and a 2nd machine as backup!

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Cool :) I live in Waipu, about 1,5 hours north of Auckland :) If you ever need any spare parts or upgrades, let me know, I have dozens of machines and many upgrades/spare parts... You're right about the eneloop batteries, I use them in some palmtops and they are the best AA battery currently on the market, they last the longest between recharges too... These palmtops were made to last and I'm sure if stored properly they will still work fine another decade or more from now... Check out my other videos, the most popular one is the 200LX webserver video, which is still running %100 :)

[@ctcards2636]

I never opened my 200LX. But i have a lot of experience taking apart and rebuilding the 300LX, 320LX, 360LX and 620LX and 660LX. I still use to this day my 360LX for word processing. I think HP had one of the best hinge designs with the 3xx models and the 6xx models. You can retighten the hinge pretty much without opening the entire unit. My 360LX has been going strong for sometime now. Id love to get a 200LX again, but as ive gotten older i need a backlight and the keypad on the 200LX stinks compared to my 360LX. Of all the palmtops ive owned and still own, the 360LX is my favorite. :-) But thanj you for this video for sure, i love these palmtops. Also if anyone has video cable ribbon cable for Casio A-10 or A11 units, let me know. I have 3 units that need a new video cable.

[@ishotjrdotcom]

Amazing video! The DoubleSpeed and memory upgrades always seemed like some kind of magic, but now I'm ready to try this on one of my machines! Really excellent work, thank you so much!! 🏆

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Have fun checking for that memory board header :)

[@HPPalmtopTube]

SO did you manage to install the crystal and does it work ??? If so, do you like the double speed ? It's really cool right, everything is just sooo much faster! :)

[@lorumipsum1129]

I was able too buy a new old stock 200 lx about two years ago. Haven't had too do repairs yet, not even too the screen. I use it for budget and appoints, and the occasional dos game

[@beckettparker2395]

pause at 12:18 for the perfect overhead view of the motherboard

[@johnjon1823]

Very nice to see how it is done and to learn that the electronics hold up (don't leak). I used mine for years and was sad they didn't really offer newer versions, but it was and is an amazing little device. Thanks for sharing and best wishes! I am going to dig out all the ones I have and make sure to check batteries and the like and to keep the documentation etc. Battery life was excellent on those.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, yes, HP really made the motherboard of these machines in such a way that they will probably still work in 10-15 years from now... It's best to always remove ALL batteries (including the backup coin cell) from any machines you're not using as the stuff that leaks from batteries really ends up destroying your machine inside...

[@dariodraiman6339]

Great video! I have 3 of these, my main and 2 backups I bought second hand just in case in the earlies 2000. I repaired the hinge crack a couple of times and made the crystal upgrade. A few months ago I went to open the box where I kept them and 2 of them have damaged screens. Apparently the chemical in the LCD screen turn black leaving kind of a large black stain, and the polarized film must be replaced. Have you ever repair one of these?

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, Not the screen... I do have a few machine with broken motherboards and damage to the underside of the palmtop (usually due to leaking batteries), but the LCD panels are still good. I could sell you one or two working LCD panels, you just screw them onto the base and connect the flat cable to the motherboard. Let me know if you're interested...

[@dariodraiman6339]

@@HPPalmtopTube Thanks for your response. I would also need to reconstruct the right hinge, which literally dissolved completely when I opened after being stored all these years. Are you aware of 3D print designs for these? How much are the LCD panels?

[@nickydoes]

This is a perfect disassembly video. You're careful to go slowly and explain each pitfall. I have a nearly perfect 200LX 2MB. The hinge has no cracks, and the clamshell release is unbroken. It's very nice, and has worn well. It *was* nearly perfect. Recently, it fell from a low table onto carpeting. I thought it would be fine. It turned on immediately. A short while later, the screen doesn't work properly. The issue was unusual. At first, it showed four rectangles of different colors. I thought it would need a backup and hard reset. Now, it shows vertical lines only. I disassembled it for the first time ever, and cleaned the display and keyboard contacts with a cotton swab and 90+% IPA. When I reassembled it, nothing has changed. I only have the one device so I cannot parts swap to find the cause of the problem. Any advice for me on how to proceed?

[@mindluge]

i have an HP 100LX that i took out of my storage to find the screen ruined with an oval sort of burnlike pattern. the system still seems to work, but is the best source for a new screen finding a damaged unit with a working screen? would really appreciate any recommendations or links you might be able to offer. thanks for your great video.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Are you willing to pay USD $100 for a new screen?

[@mindluge]

​@HPPalmtopTube honestly, no

[@HPPalmtopTube]

@@mindluge Then there is nothing you can do... Burnt out LCD screens are irreparable... You could sell it for parts on ebay...

[@Cloudschatze]

Excellent video. Thank-you for making and sharing this!

[@av8bvma513]

06:50 It appears the battery power contacts on the main board have some corrosion.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Yeah, The palmtop I used in the video was a "lesser condition" random one I took from my pile of used machines, when buying them on ebay, the chances of corroded battery contacts is quite common as a lot of people seem to have left their AA batteries in their palmtops since they last used them decades ago so corrosion is quite common...

[@VK2FVAX]

Can you please do a video on how to replace the polariser? Mine has gone black. :(

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, I currently don't have a unit with a broken screen, and I'm not going to open the LCD assembly of a good working unit as it's very hard and the chances of getting it back together again so it works %100 and looks good are small for a beginner in this specific area (100/200LX LCD panels). The screen border is glued on and I don't want to start scraping at a perfectly working unit to make a video that only a handful of viewers will actually need... There's a video here on KZbin that shows the complete disassembly process, maybe watch that one to see how it's done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2GxpKJ-bruYaKs

[@VK2FVAX]

@@HPPalmtopTube Definitely don't touch a working one. If you come across a dead one. Goodness never kill a living one! Mine developed a massive black dot in the middle ..but still appears to work.

[@deepalves]

Thanks for sharing the video. I have a 200LX, but the software is in German. I've already saved the ROM Dump, but I'd like to try to get a ROM in an English version. Cheers.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

These aren't available anywhere. Your only option would be to get an English working motherboard, and then unsolder the rom and resolder it to your motherboard. But that would be dumb, it's way easier to just use the english motherboard entirely instead... I can sell you a working 200LX with a damaged LCD screen (burnt in) for a low price that you can get the motherboard out of if you want.

[@deepalves]

@@HPPalmtopTube Hi, thanks for responding. What is the price you sell it to me? and how much is shipping. I'm from Portugal. With an old board I can remove the ROM, program it and solder it. How do I send my email?

[@HPPalmtopTube]

@@deepalves please contact me on: terrence dot vergauwen at gmail dot com

[@deepalves]

​@@HPPalmtopTubeHi, I have already sent the email

[@virajdhananjayadinuviraj]

Thanks for the video. Really enjoyed it. I have just found one in good condition but the system language in Latin . Do you know how to change the system language on this computer ? Thanks.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, The integrated software is in ROM, and it's soldered to the motherboard... I've never seen a ROM for sale anywhere, so I don't think you'll be able to change it... I'd recommend buying a 2nd one, in bad shape, with a broken screen or hinges or whatever, but a working motherboard. Then, just transplant the working motherboard into your 200LX and you'll have an English machine... (You might have the wrong labels printed on the keys of your keyboard, I'm not sure what keyboard layout they use...) Maybe try to find that parts machine with the damaged LCD or something that still has a good english layout keyboard and transplant that aswell :)

[@jaymonroe8050]

I have one of the 200lx and it won't power up. I have replaced the AA batteries, but still no power. Am I doing something wrong?

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, Most likely there's something wrong on the motherboard. Open it up (check my opening video) and have a look, maybe there's corrosion on the motherboard due to leaving batteries in the machine for a long time. Since separate motherboards are hard to get (near impossible), I'd just watch ebay for a working unit but with a damaged screen (lines missing or burnt out), but it still boots and you can see some text etc... Buy that one for cheap and swap the motherboards...

[@cursedfox4942]

How can I use the pcmcia for other stuff if it’s taken by compact flash

[@HPPalmtopTube]

You can't, there's one PCMCIA slot on the palmtop, so it's either storage or something else like a network card etc...

[@cursedfox4942]

@@HPPalmtopTube oh wow well I’m trying yo find the chips for a ram upgrade so I can avoid that to install things internally they’ve done up to 128mb now I just need to figure out if you can use more ram so you can get out of real mode

[@HPPalmtopTube]

@@cursedfox4942 Hi, I don't have any more memory upgrades, they are very rare and I'm not aware of anyone that is currently selling them publically. If you ever figure out how to make them, please let me know as I would be very interested... I've heard of 128MB, but never more than that, so I'm not sure if you can go higher than 128MB...

[@cursedfox4942]

@@HPPalmtopTube I will indeed I have to remake the cad files probably use jlpcb if I want to use new parts there will be a lot more too it although there are some compatible micron chips still selling. Probably need a driver to allocate more of the 128mb to ram instead of c drive but I’ll totally letcha know when I get it done

[@jr4062]

QUESTION: can the hinge be lubricated, and can a language be changed on an international unit? Thanks for your help.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, I've never lubricated any palmtop hinges before as I've never had a need to, so I can't answer that question. However, it might be possible and you could try it... Regarding the language, it can't be changed as the system's OS and productivity apps are all baked into a ROM chip on the motherboard. This ROM chip can't be easily removed/replaced as it's soldered onto the motherboard SMD style. You could try, if you have the experience and equipement for fine SMD soldering, but the problem is that nobody sells the ROM chips anywhere. You could salvage one from a damaged unit for sale for parts on ebay, or, buy a new motherboard and simply replace the motherboard, which would be the cheapest and far easiest way to do it, and how I would do it. There's a shop that sells 200LX motherboards, with different types available (standard, double-speed overclocked, additional RAM memory etc...) Can't remember the name, but you should be able to find it with a google search...

[@chewks]

Please advise where I can get a replacement screen? Mine is all wrinkled and unusable. Thanks.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Contact these guys, they sell parts and I know they sell screens too, as i've bought one a year or so ago from them: www.palmtoppaper.com/contacts.asp

[@arturmjunior1]

Hey, great tutorial! I got one today, but its display is in very bad status. I would like to open the display cover. Do you have any idea how to do this? I could already remove the bezel that covers it in front and found four screws under it. I removed them and could separate to top bezel above display, but where the cover connects to the base (keyboard, cpu...) I can't open it.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, There is a full disassembly video of a 200LX with the disassembly of the screen too here on youtube by another creator. It's not an easy procedure though and it's easy to accidentally damage your screen... Just search for it with "HP 200LX disassembly"...

[@jr4062]

Hello. What do you recommend for repair if a hinge pops off?

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, I've never had a unit with a hinge failure so I could'nt say... I would start by opening the unit and identifying the damaged parts, then make a post on the DOS Palmtops forum on the HPC:factor forums (just google for it). There's some people there who can sell you the parts you need...

[@jr4062]

@@HPPalmtopTube thanks for your help. I found 2 plastic pieces, glued the one that cracked the cover back to the cover and just placed the other one over the spring. The cap sticks out a quarter of an inch, but stays in place and the computer opens and closes easier than before other than gravity pushing it closed near the end closing anyways, and thanks for the reply.

[@sandycheeks7865]

Hey there! I am a collector of old laptops and palmtops and just got my hands on a few HP200LX machines. Mainly 2mb ones. I’m interested in both doing the crystal clock speed upgrade and wondered if you know where I can find any ram daughter boards? Thanks

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, Send me an email at terrence dot vergauwen at gmail dot com and I can get you a crystal, but unfortunately I've no RAM boards left. They are getting increasingly rare and I don't know of anyone that has any available at this moment...

[@haoli6628]

I replaced the LCD polarizer of a 200LX and was foolish enough to remove the retarder layer below the polarizer. Now I have a clean but yellowish and darker screen. I purchased a 1/4 wavelength retarder film and placed it below the polarizer; nothing changed. I have another 200LX pending to replace the polarizer; from your experience, what can I do to keep the LCD color? I would appreciate any suggestions!

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, Unfortunately, I have almost no experience taking apart and fixing the LCD screens, as it's easier to damage them than to repair them while trying. It's just too fragile uses glue to fix the top layer around the screen etc... My hands are too shaky and innacurate to perform this, so I can't give you any help in this area... Maybe post on a forum somewhere? there are some links to forums on www.palmtoptube.com (howto's and links page)

[@andresavila2251]

Maybe you can help me. I have several HP 200LX that have the same problem, they where upgraded, in memory and double speed. The problem is that the letters are blurred, can not be read. What can I do to fix it. I will appreciate your help.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hey, Can you send me a clear, high resolution photo of the issues via email ? my email is terrence dot vergauwen at gmail dot com

[@joeyscleaninglady2877]

the most common leakeage are from alkaline aa batteries- if you live then in for long enough they will deteriorate and leak onto the mother board and destroy components

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Yup, I've got several cheap/broken 200LX units I picked up on ebay for cheap with motherboards completely destroyed by a pair of AA alkaline batteries left inside the unit since the 90's. I buy them to salvage them for parts (screen, case, etc...)

[@amalahama]

Hi! Where can i find the crystal for the double speed upgrade? and is there a tutorial available? thanks

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, contact me on terrence dot vergauwen at gmail dot com for a crystal, I have several of them and could sell you one... There's no tutorial, but I can describe the process to you in an email, it's VERY easy to solder in the new crystal, all you need is a basic soldering kit.

[@regenceaudio]

Where can I get the header and a 2MB expansion board? Thanks!

[@HPPalmtopTube]

contact me at terrence dot vergauwen at gmail dot com and I can got you some...

[@regenceaudio]

Is there any application that will do a full 200LX backup to CF and that can easily restore it? If there is a backup solution, can you share it on a video? Thanks ;)

[@HPPalmtopTube]

You don't need to use any special software... All you have to do is copy the contents of your C: drive (or other drive) to your CF card. Just use the built-in applications' file manager. Go to the root of your C: drive (or other drive you want to backup), and select all the items in the root of the C: drive using the menu select/tag functionality. then copy everything to your CF card (or a subdirectory on your CF card). All files will be copied. If you ever reset your palmtop and your C: drive is emtpy, just do the reverse and copy everything back to the root of the C: drive, and you've got everything %100 restored.

[@systemchris]

does anyone do repairs and upgrades still?

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, I think there is still a company that does repairs, can't remember the name, I suggest you use google to find it...

[@conireland]

Hello ,Have been running a buisiness since early 90s and have several not running,anyone in Europe doing repairs out there ?

[@MrNetworx]

Hi, really good video, thank you first. I have 100LX device and it doesn't power by ac adapter, I know the correct polarity and modified the adapter cable, I think previous owner of the device used wrong polarity adapter and this caused the problem. Device runs good with battery, I want to fix it but I don't know where to start on motherboard. Anybody lived something similar ? Thanks in advance for your advices and sharing knowledge. Have a good day all.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

Hi, I've never had this happen to me so I can't tell you what to do exactly, but maybe open it up and check that the thin wires on the barrel DC input connector's receptable are properly connected to the receptacle and the motherboard, and, once connected to a wall adapter, use a voltmeter to check if the voltage is on the pins on the motherboard. Also, check if any capacitors or other components are properly connected/soldered onto the motherboard, by following the traces from the pins where the DC input goes onto the motherboard... If this does'nt help, I'm afraid the DC input power circuitry on your palmtop's motherboard is damaged, and might need fixing or replacing.

[@MrNetworx]

@@HPPalmtopTube I sent a mail for motherboard photos, we can talk and if we solve it we can share here.

[@HPPalmtopTube]

@@MrNetworx Yup, i'll reply to your email... cheers :)

[@zerkalka]

А чего речки то дрожат? По йор инглиш прононс-у сразу понял ху ар ю бай нэшнэлити ) На самом деле спасибо за ролики - некоторые оказались весьма полезны. А в чем соль выдавать себя не за того кто ты есть?

[@HPPalmtopTube]

I'm sorry but you'll have to write your questions in english... I don't speak Russian... :(