IBM Thinkpad T61 Keyboard Replacement

ID: 14435

Description: This guide is for those who need to remove the...

Steps:

  1. Ensure the laptop has been properly shut down and unplugged.
  2. Turn the computer over so that you can see the battery release tab located near the top of the Thinkpad.
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  4. Use your finger to slide the release tab to the unlocked symbol.
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  6. Hold the tab in the unlocked position and push the battery away from the computer to remove it.
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  8. Slide the new battery in until it clicks.
  9. Ensure that the release tab is in the locked position.
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  11. Use the PH1 bit screwdriver, remove five 17.0mm screws on the back of the computer.
  12. These screws have a keyboard symbol next to them.
  13. Make sure you keep the screws together and do not misplace any of them
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  15. Turn the computer over so the keyboard is facing upwards, and open the Thinkpad.
  16. Release the panel by lifting up on the outside edges just below the keyboard.
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  18. Gently pull the panel away from the computer.
  19. BE CAREFUL! The panel is still attached by the touchpad's data cable.
  20. Detach the connecter by pulling up on the white tab.
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  22. Using your fingers, lift the front edge of the keyboard until you can see the wire connecting it.
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  24. Gently pull up on the connecter to disconnect the keyboard.
  25. The keyboard will no longer be attached and can now be fully removed.
  26. Take the replacement keyboard and push the new connector tab back into place.
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  28. Line up keyboard and place back into the position, make sure it is lined up with the back first.
  29. Lower the rest of the keyboard back into place so it lies flat against the computer's shell.
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  31. Push in white tab to reconnect the touch pad panel.
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  33. Push in touch pad panel back into place by lining it up starting from the bottom and pushing it down until it fits back into place.
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  35. Close laptop.
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  37. Flip the laptop over so that the side with the screws is facing up.
  38. Put back all the screws, make sure they are in tightly.
  39. The new keyboard is now in securely.
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