keyboard removal problem

[dalee18]

I recently gave my dad my old T42, since I upgraded to a T61p about a year ago and the T42 was just sitting around. Back when I was using the T42, I would occasionally have a problem where the right half of the keyboard ceased to work on startup. Sometimes after pressing the keys for a while it would start working, or sometimes a few restarts would do it (I couldn't put in my password without the right half of the keyboard so I never made it past the login screen).

When I was using it, the problem never occurred if it didn't happen immediately on startup. However, my dad is in town and has the laptop with him and the problem appears to be happening intermittently while he is using the computer - not just at startup.

I've tried to take out the keyboard to see if the connection is loose or whatnot, both in the past when the problem occurred and again last night. I've never been able to get the keyboard out. I've followed the instructions on the website, and watched the video of keyboard removal instructions as well. I removed the screws, and when I press on the spot indicated in the directions and the video, the keyboard does seem to shift slightly but it will NOT pop up.

I'm at a loss as to what to do about this. Anyone with similar issues and/or a solution?

[mpcook]

I didn't find it easily popping off when I replaced the keyboard on my T43 (which I think is similar). First obviously make sure all the screws are removed. You could gently pry with a very narrow thin screwdriver or something else very thin at the front right and left, just make sure you are very careful not to bend or scratch anything. Do this after you try pushing gently towards the screen. The first time I tried this one of my keys popped off because my finger slipped and hit the key. You should be able to pop the front up with the screwdriver then slide forward. Once you get it one time, it will be easy and obvious how to work it.

Mike

[dalee18]

Thanks, mike. I'll give that a try. The video shows the keyboard magically popping up when the spot below the power button is pushed, so I was hesitant to try and pry it. Not much to lose though - the laptop isn't going to do him much good if he can't type reliably.

[sjthinkpader]

After removing the three screws (15 inch chassis), press down and up on the bar where the power button is located.

15 inch T4x series KB may be hung up on the gray magnesium bar in the back. Remove the battery and see if the black edge of the KB is visible and seated in the slots in the gray bar correctly. If it is not, it will be very hard to get the KB out the normal way. Don't force it out of the KB bezel. Just remove the KB bezel with the KB.

[killer]

Apart from damaging the screw heads, I didn't have any difficulty removing the keyboad from my T43. I did remove the battery before starting the removal process, and I unplugged the power cable too.
Lenovo were brilliant about the screw heads ... they sent me replacements free of charge.

[dalee18]

Apart from damaging the screw heads, I didn't have any difficulty removing the keyboad from my T43. I did remove the battery before starting the removal process, and I unplugged the power cable too.
Lenovo were brilliant about the screw heads ... they sent me replacements free of charge.

I did remove the battery and of course unplugged it as the directions say to. I'll try the suggestions above and report back.

[RealBlackStuff]

You can always try and push a fine screwdriver or thin knife blade between the front of the keyboard and the bezel and push it up that way.