[REF] Completely Disassemble the HTC Touch

[oseven]

Sorry about the lack of pictures. I'm an iPhone convert so I don't visit this site anymore so I didn't notice they'd gone. But to all those who didn't realise there was a PDF of the guide, I've re-uploaded the pictures from a new source so they're up again.

I've also received a lot of messages from members asking if I would repair their Elf or change the housing etc, so I just wanted to say that yes I am happy to do this (I'm in the UK), so just drop me a PM if you want.

This is a guide to illustrate how to completely disassemble the HTC Touch, including the digitizer

What you need:

T5 Screwdriver
#2 Screwdriver
Plastic opening tools

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02024-1.jpg?t=1250203915

If you want to be on the safe side I’d also recommend using anti static gloves

To start, remove the back cover by pushing it upwards and sliding it off

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02020-1.jpg?t=1250204106 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02018-1.jpg?t=1250204138

Remove the battery and stylus

Using the T5 screwdriver remove the 4 screws at each corner of the main chassis

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC020731.jpg?t=1250204487

[oseven]

Remove the rear speaker at the top of the main chassis by lifting it off

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02023-2-1.jpg?t=1250205089

To remove the front housing, use a plastic tool to get between the front part of the case and the chrome rim. Work it around the edge to release all of the catches

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02025-1.jpg?t=1250205126 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02026-1.jpg?t=1250205161

Now you need to disconnect the front housing from the mainboard by using a plastic tool to gently lift the connection from the mainboard

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02027-1.jpg?t=1250205186

[oseven]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02030-1.jpg?t=1250205244

Next, disconnect the vibration part by lifting the red and black wired connection from the mainboard

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02031-1.jpg?t=1250205295

To remove the mainboard from the chassis, gently pull the USB connection upwards. Once it is just out, pull it clear using the sides – avoid touching it as much as possible

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02037-2.jpg?t=1250205326 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02038-2.jpg?t=1250205355

[oseven]

To remove the camera, simply pull it away from the mainboard in the same way as the front housing separates from the mainboard

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02071-2.jpg?t=1250205420 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02072-2.jpg?t=1250205452

To take the LCD out, you need to first disconnect it. To do so, first remove the yellow tape that lies over the connection

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02040-2.jpg?t=1250205523 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02041-2.jpg?t=1250205554

[oseven]

Next, open the catch holding the ribbon cable in place, and pull it out

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02044.jpg?t=1250205625

You will now be able to pull the LCD out without having the remove the LCD’s metal chassis as the ribbon will pull through the back of it

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02045.jpg?t=1250205649 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02046.jpg?t=1250205675

If you need to remove the LCD’s metal chassis, use the T5 screwdriver to undo the 2 screws beneath it, and it will come off

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02035-1.jpg?t=1250205762

[oseven]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02049.jpg?t=1250205839

To remove the digitizer, you need to first disconnect it from the circuitboard behind the keypad by undoing the catch and pulling it out

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02055.jpg?t=1250205982 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02057.jpg?t=1250206234

Although not necessary, I would advise you to remove the circuitboard behind the keypad before the digitizer incase it is damaged during the process

To do this, simply remove the 2 screws holding it in place using the #2 screwdriver

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02058.jpg?t=1250206331

[oseven]

Then pull the board out by levering it up with the plastic tools. This may take some fiddling but it will come out by gently pulling it while sliding it upwards at the same time

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02059-1.jpg?t=1250206358
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02060-1.jpg?t=1250206380

The keypad will now easily come out

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02061-1.jpg?t=1250206397

To continue with removing the digitizer, push it forwards from behind by pushing on the corners. It is stuck in with a type of glue so it may feel as if it won’t come out but it will

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02062.jpg?t=1250206422

[oseven]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02063.jpg?t=1250206485

The digitizer’s ribbon cable will then slide out of the hole on the front housing

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02064.jpg?t=1250206545

To remove the earpiece speaker from the front housing, simply lever it up using the plastic tool or carefully with a screwdriver

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02065.jpg?t=1250206568 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02067-2.jpg?t=1250206620

[oseven]

The vibration part from the main chassis easily pulls out

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02068-2.jpg?t=1250206677

The on/off button, camera button and the SIM and MicroSD card holder door will easily remove from the main chassis by lifting them out

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02069-2.jpg?t=1250206699

To remove the speaker from the back you simply need to lever it out

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02050.jpg?t=1250206810 http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn165/louiseb388/DSC02051.jpg?t=1250206834

This will hopefully help you to replace the housing on your device, or replace faulty parts

Good luck!

[ayyu3m]

WOW! Just simply WOW! Fantastic guide man. And so much clarity by using the blue background and crystal clear pics. This shud be made a sticky. I have never seen such a thorough and clean and clear cut disassembling guide. You are surely the DISASSEMBLER guru. :D

[l3v5y]

Very useful if I get a Touch!

By the way, I like the IMEI in picture number 3! :)

EDIT: actually, 4 and 5 has an even better shot...

[ayyu3m]

yeah so much clarity. this shud be made a sticky. what you say l3v5y? :D

[l3v5y]

I've made it sticky for now... If anyone disagrees, PM me!

[oseven]

Very useful if I get a Touch!

By the way, I like the IMEI in picture number 3! :)

EDIT: actually, 4 and 5 has an even better shot...

Didn't think of that one. Thanks for the heads up
(But there's no IMEI number in picture 3)

[l3v5y]

Didn't think of that one. Thanks for the heads up
(But there's no IMEI number in picture 3)
Hence the "EDIT" :p

I miscounted the first time...

[MikeChannon]

Nice quality of pics

an alternative guide (pics not so good I think) is here:
HTC Touch (http://www.pdacenter.ru/razborka/razbor_htc_touch/)


Service Manual ( not all in English)
HTC ELF_Touch Service Manual.pdf (http://mikechannon.net/PDF%20Manuals/HTC%20ELF_Touch%20Service%20Manual.pdf)


Other Guides Service Manuals
www.mikechannon.net (http://www.mikechannon.net)

I have added OSeven's brilliantly clear guide to the above site but for ease here is the link:
OSeven's Disassembly Guide - HTC Touch - Elf (http://mikechannon.net/PDF%20Manuals/OSeven's%20Disassembly%20Guide%20to%20the%20HTC%20 Touch%20-%20Elf%20.pdf)


Mike

[oseven]

WOW! Just simply WOW! Fantastic guide man. And so much clarity by using the blue background and crystal clear pics. This shud be made a sticky. I have never seen such a thorough and clean and clear cut disassembling guide. You are surely the DISASSEMBLER guru. :D

;)
I just remember how little information there was when I originally wanted to change my housing so it stopped me doing it until I broke my first Touch and had nothing to lose. I found one guide but it only showed as far as removing the front case...not the digitizer or anything else. But hopefully this will give newbies the confidence to try it because it's really not difficult :)

[l3v5y]

So erm... can I PDF it? The pics alone make it a good 'un. Full credit of course,then I can add it to the collection. There again you could do it, might take me a good while with all those pics and comments.

What dya say? - buy you a pint!
Mike
I think guides like this can only add to things!

I'm bored ATM so I'll turn it into a PDF if no one else can be bothered!

[oseven]

So erm... can I PDF it? The pics alone make it a good 'un. Full credit of course,then I can add it to the collection. There again you could do it, might take me a good while with all those pics and comments.

What dya say? - buy you a pint!
Mike

Go for it ;)
I'm just finishing off something else atm but I'd be happy to do it in a bit, unless l3v5y beats me to it

[l3v5y]

Done!

Took longer than it might have as I can't code and make pdfs at the same time!

[appoos]

superb explanation

[TheChampJT]

Really great guide! I'm glad you posted this, I'm thinking of changing to the black housing, anybody ever do this?

[dharvey4651]

Couldn't have possibly asked for a better tutorial!!! Should I ever get my hands on the Burgundy housing for the CDMA Touch and the HTC Digitizer I will be all over this tutorial.

BOOKMARKED FOR LATER!!!

Thanks again!!

Dan

[TIGman]

So I've never taken a phone apart, but I do have some mechanical inclination, and I was just able to replace my digitizer and LCD thanks to this thread! I also put on an olive green case, definite change from the nasty original champagne color :) A couple things though, when putting it back together (since this was just a disassembly thread), the screwdriver need to remove the LCD assembly is a 1.4mm phillips head, found at your local electronics store, you'll have to reuse the screen/mesh for the earpiece and speaker and also have some decent adhesive around because the digitizer definitely needs some when installing to stay in place. There was also a gasket that I reused that's in between the front housing and mid housing/LCD, it's not present in the pictures, but I thought I'd throw that out there. I appreciate you taking the time to take the pictures, oseven, they helped immensely!

[sw-ch]

Thanks for the pictures!
I changed the Screen in less than 10min.
Everything is working again.
Thank you very much!!!

[enigma1nz]

Excellent and concise guide, good job! :)

[ajithk]

Ignore please.

[l3v5y]

imgboot is down. does someone have these images saved?

There is a PDF that contains all the images/instructions, that's hosted by mikechannon.

here (http://mikechannon.net/PDF%20Manuals/OSeven%27s%20Disassembly%20Guide%20to%20the%20HTC% 20Touch%20-%20Elf%20.pdf)

[t0nil0]

awesome work man

[tuem]

great reference for everybody who needs to replace the easily breakable screen on the touch...

that's exactly what's awaiting the previously mine, now my brother's touch ;)

good job!

[Neoo330]

I can't see any pictures, there is just f#$*@ing imageboot pictures :mad:

[moshinho]

Good morning.

Pictures link's down.

Can the author fix it?

Thanks.

[gronostaj]

If you want pics, download PDF linked by l3v5y

[walcom77]

earpiece and speaker and also have some decent adhesive around because the digitizer definitely needs some when installing to stay in place. There was also a gasket that I reused that's in between the front housing and mid housing/LCD, it's not present in the pictures, but I thought I'd throw that out there. I appreciate you taking the time to take the pictures, oseven, they helped immensely!

what adhesive i can use for touch screen? i have tried attack but after some time occurs partial detachment

[hotrod101]

Great work, Thanks for taking the time to post all of this information, instructions and pictures. I suddenly feel that I know more about my device now that I have read this and confident that should something happen to my device,(once my warranty is up in Dec 2008) I might be able to repair the device myself since I can see how it comes apart and know what is what.

Thanks


Rod

[Solidus_k]

what adhesive i can use for touch screen? i have tried attack but after some time occurs partial detachment

Nice guide I also have this problem could you please tell us what type of adhesive did you use?.
Thanks.

[moshinho]

Thanks to the author for the guide and for fix the pictures link's.

[mr_ding]

Thanks for the picture.

Just replaced my white housing yesterday using your instruction.

[jin8k]

Hello all,

Is there a way to attach a xenon flash from a disposable camera (or any other broken camera) to our beloved elf(in) somehow?

I would like to have my elf with a flash so the pictures come out nice...:D

[lulufly]

Hello guys,

My HTC touch drop on sea water, after that I cleaned it with natural water... On next day I tried to use it.. and it was working great with only one problem it's not charging any more.

do you have any idea what i can do to repair it?

cheers

luis

[Sherrin]

Great stuff dude........!!!! hats off to the time taken out..



The vibration part from the main chassis easily pulls out

http://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc020682.jpg

The on/off button, camera button and the SIM and MicroSD card holder door will easily remove from the main chassis by lifting them out

hhttp://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc020702.jpg

To remove the speaker from the back you simply need to lever it out

http://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc02050.jpg http://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc02051.jpg

This will hopefully help you to replace the housing on your device, or replace faulty parts

Good luck!

[Bang Tango]

Wat a wonderful guides thx a million

[lip3]

i got the same problem, i think my usb port took a voltage peek, all works great even the usb data transfer, but the battery won't reacharge.
they want to change all board what is alot of expensive, any ideias how to repair it?
thanks

[m28m2003]

Very useful! Thank you very much!

[1moreforum]

Thanks so much for this great layout. I found it to be very helpful as I was changing out the housing on my device.

[kedal]

Sorry its okay !

[ApacheURU]

Thanxx for the gide .. very usefull :)

I have a question ...
Where i can find the disk on chip (DOC) .. if someone can show me where it is in a picture .. I'II be very gladd :D je

Thanx in advanceee

[s.chao]

Hello I live in London too, can I take my HTC touch to you and can you change the housing for me? ( I have the housing already) coz I am just worry I might scew it up. and how much do you charge?


many thanks

Szuting

[scorpion66]

Great guide - I bought a HTC Touch Enhanced in White on Orange as it was only £150 on pay as you go BARGAIN but after a while I started to hate the white colour. I read your guide a few times, bought a black housing for £15 from Ebay HongKong inc carriage and now have a Black Touch. If anyone else is thinking of a case change then its not as hard as you would think as you dont have to strip the main middle part down at all, just leave everything in place.
Its a bit fiddly but even being extra carefull it only takes 20 mins max.

[scorpion66]

Just read back a bit and a few people asked what adhesive to use for the digitizer. DONT use any glue or adhesive - use double sided adhesive tape cut in to thin strips which is what HTC use (HTCs is a bit neater as its cut to fit but its the same stuff). If you use glue you run a big risk of overspill getting on the LCD or Digitizer and you dont want to do that!

You can get this tape at any DIY store or in UK most POUND or 99p shops sell it.

[dolbyj]

hi
I have notice that behind the original front part of the housing there is a little strip of Rubber. This rubber stay from the screen and the "touch screen".
Do you think that is useful or not?
In this guide there is an housing without this rubber...

this isn't a original housing but it has the rubber...
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/2884/strisciarb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[a.fontenele]

Man... You simply rock!!!
I hope I don`t need to use this guide so soon... LOL!!!
Simply awesome!!!

[GhostNULL]

Thank you. This helped me get my broken pen out safely and without spending more money than necesary on tools. :)

[Tybalt39]

Thank you so much!

Just replaced the LCD and case (broke the LCD and had the oft-cursed cracks in the white case).

An (almost) no-brainer. Easily accomplished by anyone who will take the time and not force thin bits of plastic...

[ms2405]

Hello,i got problem after when i read that to stop hanging my touch i should put some plastic on the omap processor,and after getting break down to all parts i put actually this plastic and when i put everything back again it can't turn on and the think i got problem was something with ribbon i got problem to put as normal,please help me.

[MJ&M]

Man, thanks a lot for this post! But i have a problem... a friend of mine needs to change the LCD screen but don´t see the images. Where i can find?

Greetings and thanks!

[Scorpia]

The images aren't displaying...

[l3v5y]

Man, thanks a lot for this post! But i have a problem... a friend of mine needs to change the LCD screen but don´t see the images. Where i can find?

Greetings and thanks!

The images aren't displaying...

Try the PDF linked by mikechannon in post 16

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2395745&postcount=16

[x86]

Thanks for the link to the PDF, the OP should re-up the images though, maybe a PM by a Mod?
Thanks though, This will hopefully save my phone!

[x86]

I just pulled apart my Elf using the pdf, but stupid me put a little crack on the front housing cover when seperating with a straight screwdriver, as I had no plastic tool, though i think it would have cracked anyhow as it was really really tight and was very hard to split apart. Anyway, it is tiny and cannot really notice when all is together, though this is an xcuse for a new housing i always wanted, but I have a spare elf i might use for the part... see how cheap housing is.

now i wait for my digitizer... slowly but surely from HK.

[rbcraouf]

dear oseven thx for this tuto but I can't sse the pic

This is a guide to illustrate how to completely disassemble the HTC Touch, including the digitizer

What you need:

T5 Screwdriver
#2 Screwdriver
Plastic opening tools

http://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc02024.jpg

If you want to be on the safe side I’d also recommend using anti static gloves

To start, remove the back cover by pushing it upwards and sliding it off

http://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc020201.jpg http://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc02018.jpg

Remove the battery and stylus

Using the T5 screwdriver remove the 4 screws at each corner of the main chassis

http://imgboot.com/images/louiseb388/dsc0207311.jpg

[Lordfox]

Hi all, i cant view the images pls help!
gz Lordfox

[Ian C]

One of the moderators pointed out back in April that Mike Chanon had created a PDF of oseven's instructions. The link is in post 16:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...5&postcount=16

You may like to visit http://www.mikechannon.net/ anyway - he has accumulated an awsome collection of reference material.

[MultiM@n]

Ehm... Where are the images?!

[oseven]

Ehm... Where are the images?!

The 'images' were located with your genitals. Hence the inability to see them.

:rolleyes:

For all others I've re-uploaded the pictures from a new source so they're back up for you.

Thanks,
oseven

[vengence_angels]

hi everyone..

i would like to know if i can remove the camera by following the guide here..

meaning i stop at the step where i remove the camera and then re-assemble the phone..
will the phone work as usual after that?

[warriorvibhu]

A real good job i would say dude....:)

[billa vimal]

i got the same problem, i think my usb port took a voltage peek, all works great even the usb data transfer, but the battery won't reacharge.
they want to change all board what is alot of expensive, any ideias how to repair it?
thanks

same here.. can some one pls help...!!?:(:(:(

[Outlaw.99]

Excellant....I was looking to change covers and had an extra Sprint one laying around....


Edit: Changed out covers simple and easy with this guide... Nice... Prefer the feel of the Sprint cover to the slick Verizon one...Also looks good as an oreo cookie if you wanna mix...

[javi45]

Thanks a lot!

[dulip]

Fantastic !!

Amazing .. clarity! ..
Thanks a ton !!

agree to the first post .. must be an Dis/Assembling Guru ! :)

Thank you !

[geminihc]

anyone have any tips on seperating the front casing from the middle chrome thing? i'm using a flat thin plastic tool but i'm using quite abit of strength and bending the front casing quite abit but still they wont seperate.

i dont want to break anything .. any tips to seperate this part?

thanks,

[geminihc]

ok, finaly got it to open without cracking anything :) just need alot of patience, control of strength and a thin plastic. the first notch is the absolute hardest, after that, it is easy to seperate.

BUT after replacing everything, one problem i did run into is that now my power button is very stiff and doesnt make the "click" plastic sound. i have to press very hard to turn the screen on and off

where did i screw up...?

[kan555]

Used OSeven's guide to replace my digitized screen. Guide is great and very helpful. Wouldn't be able to do it without it. My Touch is brand new again. Thank you for the wonderful guide. Took me 40 mins total to replace it.

[j.smith]

Used OSeven's guide to replace my digitized screen.

Out of curiosity, what did you use to stick your new digitizer in? Did it come with just double sided sticky tape, or some glue on it? I'm going to be replacing the shell and I'm just curious how people have been sticking their digitizer back in if it's originally held in with some glue (which would be useless once it's taken apart).

[rajatsingh78]

fantastic guide!!

Can anyone please recommend a glue/adhesive that should be used to stick the digitizer to the front housing ?

[nnph]

man, I've read this back when it was first posted. After that I've ditched my phone for some stupid thing called Nokia. Now I'm back with a new elf and I need to change the screen. This will come in handy !!!!

For those asking for something for the digitizer, it was mentioned before. Someone said that double sided adhesive tape is the best choice and the most OEM like. I personally agree !!

[rajatsingh78]

man, I've read this back when it was first posted. After that I've ditched my phone for some stupid thing called Nokia. Now I'm back with a new elf and I need to change the screen. This will come in handy !!!!

For those asking for something for the digitizer "Just read the f***** thread", it was mentioned before. Someone said that double sided adhesive tape is the best choice and the most OEM like. I personally agree !!

Learn to act like an educated person, if you are. If not, provide me your email ID and I would give you tips on how you can be a bit decent on a public forum

[nnph]

@rajatsingh78 man you are right. Sorry for that, it was late and got carried away!
Anyway, do you agree that one should read the whole thread before posting the same question for the n'th time!?

Best of luck!

[rajatsingh78]

@rajatsingh78 man you are right. Sorry for that, it was late and got carried away!
Anyway, do you agree that one should read the whole thread before posting the same question for the n'th time!?

Best of luck!
yes I completely agree that one should read before asking questions, I don't know about others but in my case I was asking about "a glue/adhesive" and was towards a specific brand.

[ironjon]

Good job!

Thanks

[TH3KiD]

can we do a hardreset from somewhere in it? cuz my hard reset from keys combination isnt working and i am stuck at the windows mobilse screen

[cmsasr]

Thanks a lot bro, it helped me to replace my touch's housing.

Cheers

[lenzexe]

what adhesive is used for bonding touchscreen? I bought new case and touchscreen .....:confused:

[captainstu72]

what adhesive is used for bonding touchscreen? I bought new case and touchscreen .....:confused:
lenzexe, doe syour replacement case have an adhesive pre applied with a peel sticker covering it? This is what mine have had so far.

[yoddie]

Hi guys,

I lost the tiny piece of plastic that holds the connection between the wire of the digitizer and the circuit board.

Now of course my digitizer won't respond :( Do you know the piece number or where I could get such a tiny catch?

Thanks!

[captainstu72]

the little clip thingy? I hate those things.

You could find a new board for that part on ebay - or, you can just try with some electrical tape and get it working that way - not ideal but would hold through until you source the input board.

[yoddie]

Yeah, exactly that little clip thingy :(

It's so easy to lose, especially on black/blue/green carpet at work...

I couldn't find just the board on ebay, I could only find whole phones for like $20, which is a bit too much just for a stupid plastic connector :(

Any idea where I could find just this board? I tried searching for a model number, but I can't find anything...

[captainstu72]

Presuming you are in the US due to you using $'s. I possible have one laying around somewhere in my house (the board) but I wouldn't want to risk sending a tiny board on international shipping. If you're in the UK give me a shout though and I will if I do have one laying around in my house.

I think the part numbers are listed in the HTC Service Manual for the elf - you may get lucky searching for one from there.

[kt_samuel]

WOW.....amazingly narrated....cud you please post the pictures of processor assembly also

[AksuA]

What kind of glu have you used to glu new digitizer?

[captainstu72]

depending on how you remove the other one. it may still be sticky enough to us ethe original glue if enough is left - alternatively a fine double sided tape would work too.