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left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 09:02 AM Sep 2018

How to remove ethernet cable stuck in hp laptop

I've plugged and unplugged this cable a dozen times without difficulty since replacing an older cable,
but this morning it will not come out.

The 'release tab' (?) pushes down, but the plug is firmly lodged in the socket.

I looked googled online and YouTube.

The #1 suggestion is to insert a small (eyeglass) screwdriver or the end of a twist tie,
and then pull firmly.

I have neither.
Any other ideas?

Someone suggested taking it to Best Buy for repair.
What would that cost, and would they have to keep it for some time?

Thanks

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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How to remove ethernet cable stuck in hp laptop (Original Post) left-of-center2012 Sep 2018 OP
The only part that locks in is the release tab... PoliticAverse Sep 2018 #1
Try a sewing needle or a pin. Something smaller in gauge than a paper clip. NT mahatmakanejeeves Sep 2018 #3
Go buy the eye glass kit INdemo Sep 2018 #2
Sometimes the tab sticks canetoad Sep 2018 #4
Any thoughts on removing the back of my HP laptop regarding this ... left-of-center2012 Sep 2018 #5
I doubt whether that will be any help canetoad Sep 2018 #6
Try pushing the plug in and pushing the tab down at the same time before pulling it out nt Xipe Totec Sep 2018 #7
If you take it to Best Buy ... lpbk2713 Sep 2018 #8
Hm! roscoeroscoe Sep 2018 #9
push it in and shake it a little left-of-center2012 Sep 2018 #10

PoliticAverse

(26,366 posts)
1. The only part that locks in is the release tab...
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 09:15 AM
Sep 2018

so we can conclude it probably isn't going down for some reason.

Examine another cable end so you understand how the tab locks.

Get a bright light and try to figure out why it isn't moving down.

Got anything else small and pretty flat? Paperclip bent out? Toothpick? Nail file? Hair pin?

The goal would be to push the stuck lock tab down while gently pulling on the cable.



INdemo

(7,020 posts)
2. Go buy the eye glass kit
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 09:25 AM
Sep 2018

Or. Go to Walmart in Electronics and get a can of
Electric contact spray then turn off computer Spray around the plug in and it should loosen so u can remove it

canetoad

(18,180 posts)
4. Sometimes the tab sticks
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 12:18 PM
Sep 2018

A small pair of pliers, carefully use them to both depress the tab and extract the plug simultaneously.

canetoad

(18,180 posts)
6. I doubt whether that will be any help
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 12:42 PM
Sep 2018

Most laptops, it's not a simple matter of removing 'the back'. There are plates screwed down over some components; battery, hard drive/s, memory modules. None of them give you access directly to the motherboard.

lpbk2713

(43,201 posts)
8. If you take it to Best Buy ...
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 12:44 PM
Sep 2018



They'll tell you you need Windows reinstalled on a new hard drive.
And they will keep it two weeks.


(Only a slight exaggeration.)

roscoeroscoe

(1,633 posts)
9. Hm!
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 01:08 PM
Sep 2018

Are you trying to do this reaching around the back without pulling the PC out? I think you have to get a clear view of the back, and why not, vacuum everything real good.

Anytime you're dealing with a sticky cat-5 plug, you may want to kind of push it in and shake it a little. You should be able to push the tab down with a little screw driver.

Let us know if that works for you!

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
10. push it in and shake it a little
Tue Sep 18, 2018, 01:10 PM
Sep 2018

Didn't work
going to buy an eyeglass screwdriver.

i tried a small nail file, etc.

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