How to Upgrade Memory on a ThinkPad T42

Any type of upgrade to a computer may seem daunting to consumers, but IBM has made upgrading the memory of a ThinkPad T42 so simple that a child could do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Small Phillips head screwdriver
• Correct memory chip

1. Determine the proper size and speed of the memory you want to add. This can be found in the BIOS (basic input-output system, or what you see when you turn your computer on) or by hitting the Access IBM button at the top of your machine.
2. Purchase the memory chip from a reliable source. NewEgg.com has some of the best prices for new chips, but bargains can be found on eBay.
3. Unplug the laptop and turn the machine over on a flat surface. In the center, just below the docking port, you will see a rectangle cover held by a screw. Remove the screw and lift off the cover.
4. Touch a metal part of the exposed laptop frame to discharge any static electricity in your hands.
5. Remove the memory from its wrapper.
6. Line up the memory, matching the slot in the chip with the bar in the memory holder. Slide the chip into place.
7. Replace the memory cover and screw.
8. Reboot the computer. The ThinkPad will find the new memory automatically. Once your OS has booted fully, check System Information to make sure that the new amount of memory is showing.

Tips & Warnings

• The right memory for the ThinkPad T42 series of computers is PC2700 DDR SDRAM 200-pin non-parity SoDIMM. It runs at 333 MHZ.
• PC2100 is supported at 266MHz, which means that both chips will run at the slower speed.
• Never force memory sticks into the slot. This could damage both your memory and your machine.

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