How to Repair an IBM Thinkpad 600X

The IBM ThinkPad 600 series is considered the workhorse of the IBM ThinkPad line of laptop computers. The ThinkPad 600X is no exception, and although it is considered a retired model, it still sells well in the used marketplace. One reason is that parts are still available and they are easy to repair. IBM provides the maintenance manual on its website. It explains step by step how to make any type of repair to the machine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 600X Hardware Maintenance Manual
• Spare parts
• Small set of jeweler's screwdrivers
• Tweezers

1. Download the Hardware Maintenance Manual for the 600X from the IBM website. The link for the manual is listed in the Resources.

2. Find the spare parts you need. EBay.com is a terrific source for quality new and used ThinkPad parts. IBM/Lenovo still stocks some parts for the 600X, but in most cases, finding aftermarket parts is more cost effective.

3. Follow the instructions in the Hardware Maintenance Manual to open your 600X. Keep each set of screws, for example, case screws, separate from each other to help you when it comes time to put the machine back together as each component has different sized screws.

4. Follow the instructions to remove the nonworking part of the machine.

5. Place the new part into the laptop and reassemble the computer case.

6. Power on the machine to ensure that everything is now working normally.

Tips & Warnings

• A set of jeweler's screwdrivers helps in the removal of the small screws that hold the laptop together. A pair of tweezers assists in moving the screw from the laptop to the table or work area. Many sellers have nonworking 600X laptops for sale on eBay for very little money. If you can determine what doesn't work on their machine, for example, the CMOS battery, you can often use one of these machines as a parts machine for your own. Likewise, bare-bone models are available without memory, hard drives or CD drives. These are reasonably priced and can serve as a parts machine for your laptop.

References

• IBM Website
• Lenovo Website

Resources

• ThinkPad 600X Hardware Maintenance Manual