IBM Laptop Cover Removal
IBM produced a line of laptops under the "ThinkPad" brand name up until 2005, when Lenovo acquired the company's Personal Computing Division. Lenovo kept the ThinkPad name and continued to include the IBM logo on its laptops. The company continues to provide support for all of the models in the ThinkPad line, including instructions on how to disassemble the machines for maintenance.
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Preparation
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Before you begin disassembling your laptop, you must first shut down the device and remove the battery from the base. Different models store the battery in different locations, but they are all secured in place by a sliding latch located on the underside of the computer. Disconnect the laptop's AC adapter and any other cables that you may have connected to the device's interface or network ports. Find a Phillips screwdriver and a plastic pry tool to use during the disassembly process.
Memory Module
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The memory module cover is located on the underside of the computer and is held in place by one to two screws. These screws do not detach from the cover completely; you merely need to loosen them enough for the cover to come free of the base. Once you have removed the cover, you will have access to the laptop's memory module, which is held in place by a pair of metal or plastic clips. Some models also include a second memory module, located underneath the laptop's keyboard.
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Hard Drive
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On older models of ThinkPad, the hard drive unit is designed to slide out the side of the laptop's base once a retaining screw is removed. Later models store the hard drive in its own bay, underneath a removable cover. As with the memory module cover, the hard drive cover is held in place by one to two screws. Once you have removed the cover, grip the pull tab protruding from the hard drive assembly. Pull the tab to the side to detach the hard drive from its connector, then remove the assembly from the base.
Motherboard
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To gain access to the laptop's motherboard, you will have to remove the keyboard and, in some cases, the keyboard bezel assembly. Begin by removing the memory modules and hard drive from the laptop, then inspect the underside of the device and remove the two keyboard retaining screws; these screws may be marked by a diagram of a keyboard. Next, open the display and lift the keyboard upwards slightly. Disconnect the cable leading from the keyboard to the motherboard, then pull the keyboard free and set it aside. If you find it necessary to remove the keyboard bezel assembly, remove the remaining screws installed on the underside of the laptop and pry the assembly upwards.
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