How Do I Remove My IBM T43 Notebook Computer's KeyBoard?

[Jonathan]

I want to upgrade my new IBM Thinkpad T43 1875 9DU Notebook Computer's 256 MB to 2 GB of Memory.

I wanted to upgrade the RAM with two approved DDR-2 Memory Modules from Crucial Technology, so I inserted the first one Module in the empty Memory Bay which is underneath the Computer after I had removed the Battery and the Memory Cover Plate.

I then removed the three Keyboard Mounting Screws from underneath the Computer. This model of Computer has three and not the four screws that hold the Keyboard in place.

I watched the IBM Video and printed out the Documentation on how to install the secondary RAM Upgrade which is underneath the Keyboard.

I cannot remove the Keyboard even though I am pressing back and down with my thumb or finger on the tab location which is in front at a slight angle in front of the power button.

The Keyboard will not move at all at the upwards angle which would then allow me to remove the cable connector and then remove the Keyboard.

I called the IBM Technical Support and they referenced the same Documentation and Video that I did.

What am I doing wrong and how do I safely remove the Keyboard so I can install the seconf Memory Upgrade which is underneath the Keyboard?

Thank You.

Jonathan

[mgenin]

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-51447

that link should do the trick

[GomJabbar]

Well, I have a T-42, and I'm not going to remove the keyboard just to see how it's done. After viewing the video and looking at the instructions, and studying the keyboard, I would suggest using mostly a rearward (toward the display) pressure against the ledge or vertical rise portion, by the power button. If you push rearward just against that edge with the tip of your thumb, making use of your thumbnail, you should be able to push somewhat forcefully. The video shows a slight downward movement, but I would try and not press downward very much. I wish you well.

PS: Double check that you removed the correct screws - the ones with the keyboard icon next to them. There are other screws nearby, and it wouldn't be too hard to remove the wrong one by mistake. Look at the icons carefully.

[emorphien]

Haha, I know how you feel. I was worried I'd break something. I just pushed back on the black tab with the volume, access ibm and power buttons with my thumb between the F8 and F9 keys. It took some work but that popped it loose and then I could lift up the front end of the keyboard.

Putting it back was equally irritating. I didn't watch any videos, I just figured out what to do from the part replacement manual thinger.

[ThinkPad]

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-51447

that link should do the trick

Great link

[CaptainMorgan]

Haha, I know how you feel. I was worried I'd break something. I just pushed back on the black tab with the volume, access ibm and power buttons with my thumb between the F8 and F9 keys. It took some work but that popped it loose and then I could lift up the front end of the keyboard.

Putting it back was equally irritating. I didn't watch any videos, I just figured out what to do from the part replacement manual thinger.

Pretty easy stuff, I took it apart today to install a Gig and it did take some force on the black bar at the top. What was tough was actually getting the memory in as there was a plastic and orange strip containing conductors overlapping my memory area - real pain as I had to slightly bend the plastic and I was worried about breaking the strip. Eventually got in, but what a pain with that strip being there. I looked at the video and there's no strip like I had in mine in the vid.. Keyboard just lifts up nicel and puts back without a problem. When screwing back in I actually put a screw in a non-screw slot thinking that was the correct slot for it - I kept drilling it in with my screwdriver and wondering why the hell it wasn't catching..

[Inky]

Hey, thanks for that great link! In the same spirit, here are two more...

Just in case anyone missed it, besides the movie there's also an online document. This is the link:

Detailed keyboard removal and installation instructions.

On the same page as that online document there's also this link for a printable version. You may find it useful to print it out because then you can look at it while you are removing or installing the keyboard. Here it is: Printable version

-Inky

[mikers456]

Keyboard removal (T42).

I just did this today, so I kindof have some additional hints.

Follow the directions on the IBM website (links above). They are okay. A little ambigious.

Get the screws out, take out the battery.

The way the keyboard sits, there are two or three plastic tabs that sit in slots on the frame of the notebook at the top (around the power and Access IBM keys). These come out by sliding the keyboard forward towards the touchpad/mouse buttons (it moves about 1/8 inch - 1/4 inch). Note that on a T42, the top set of mouse buttons come out with the keyboard, but the touchpad and lower set of buttons stay.

First push the keyboard forward (towards the screen hinges), then you can lift up the bottom of the keyboard (around the left CTRL/ALT and Space bar) metal edge. You can use some small plastic credit card corner to get under it.

The keyboard lifts up from the CTRL/ALT/SPACEBAR first, then, once you get at it from the bottom, slide it towards you out of the slots (towards you). Be careful not to break or bend the plastic tabs around the power and Acess IBM keys, these hold the top of the keyboard inside the case.