How to Take Apart an IBM Thinkpad
For many ThinkPad owners, the thought of taking about their laptop is very daunting. Turn over any ThinkPad and you will see dozens of screws holding it together. Fortunately, the IBM/Lenovo website has manuals available for every ThinkPad made, so discovering how to take apart your laptop becomes a simple task. The hardware manual will take you step by step in both disassembly and putting the ThinkPad back together again.
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Things You'll Need
- ThinkPad laptop
- Pencil and paper
- Small set of screwdrivers, both Phillips and flat-head
Instructions
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1
Write down the serial number of your ThinkPad on a sheet of paper. The serial number can be found on a label on the bottom of the laptop and will consist of four numbers, a dash and three letters or numbers; e.g., 2373-6ZU.
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2
Navigate to the Lenovo website and click on "Support and Downloads" from the text menu at the top of the screen. A direct link to the Support and Download screen is provided in the Resources section.
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Type the serial number into the text field next to "Enter a Product Number" on the Support page. Click on the "Go" button.
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Click on the text "Users Guides and Manuals" from the options shown on the left side of the page. Allow the page to load.
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Download the Hardware Maintenance Manual for your ThinkPad. It will be a PDF file.
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Print out the manual or print the pages dedicated to disassembly of the laptop.
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Follow the directions to take your ThinkPad apart. Remove the screws in the order given and place them on a flat surface where they will be less likely to roll. Try to lay the screws in the order they were taken out. This will make it easier to locate the correct screw when you reassemble the unit.
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Tips & Warnings
Once you get comfortable taking your ThinkPad apart, making repairs or replacing parts becomes a simple task.
Follow the manual for your model exactly. Each ThinkPad is configured differently, and removing screws without direction could damage the components inside.
Taking your ThinkPad apart during the warranty period will void the warranty on the machine. During the warranty period, have repairs done by a certified IBM/Lenovo technician.
References
Resources
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