Removing locked docking station

[spacer]

I bought a lenova thinkpad T60 which came with a locked docking
station and no key. Does anyone know how to remove the docking
station? thanx

[rkawakami]

Simple, though costly approach, is to order a key. This assumes that the label identifying the lock code is still attached to the dock. If it is, go here to order a key:

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/researc ... CGN-3KMKVR

When you've identified your dock, click on the itxchange.com link.

It might be possible to thread some fishing line / dental floss between the laptop and the base, around the arms that hold the laptop to the base and pull on them. I don't know if this will work while the lock is engaged or not, but it could be worth a try.

edit: I think I need to (possibly) clarify the direction you need to pull. I believe that the arms have to be pulled towards the back of the dock in order to release. I don't have one with me at the moment so this is just my guess. Or, you could take RBS' advice and have at it with a drill .

edit2: I just had some time to track a few photos down and it looks like I was initially wrong. The 42W4626 docking station has the latches facing backward so in order to release the laptop, you'll have to pull them forward. I'll shut up now .

ref: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161158871768 (close-up of 4th photo; latches are to either side of the connector)

[RealBlackStuff]

If all else fails (or is too expensive), get a drill and point it into the keyhole, then drill only about 1/2" deep with a 6mm drill, moving the bit around a bit in the drilled hole as you get in.
With a screwdriver you should now be able to wiggle the lock open.
The dock will remain usable, just not lockable any longer.

Make sure to tape up the sides of the laptop and dock with e.g. masking tape, to prevent metal bits from getting inside.

[mpcook]

I had the same problem with a T500 and was able to force the lock open with an old key that came from some random Thinkpad dock of another era. It opened the lock but disabled it. Not a problem since I never really want to lock these things anyway (in case I lose the key). This tells me you could probably force it open with almost anything that might fit into the lock (screw driver, a random small key, etc.). Just do it carefully.

[farmall]

No way to remove the bottom of the dock? I was just considering doing that to my T61 dock but I found the keys.

[rkawakami]

Hmm.. okay, just re-visited this problem. Found my 2504 docking station. When it's in the locked position, you can't move the latches that secure the laptop to the dock. Don't know if you can get to the locking mechanism by removing the screws from the bottom but as it's supposed to be a security system, I'd have to think that it won't be that easy to circumvent.

Additional information provided in my PM.

[spacer]

thanx for all the suggestions. I tried removing screws but it did not work
I am going to try using a drill.

[emeraldgirl08]

Ah the good ol' drill. Not only used for painful dental visits

@spacer. A bit off-topic but just to let you know the drill can also be used to remove stripped screws as well. I made my first attempt removing stripped Wifi card screws from an x61s a couple of days ago. Was a little nerve-wracking but it worked

[jcvjcvjcvjcv]

Eh... I thought these docks could be unlocked by sticking something in through the side vents?

I'm pretty sure it's somewhere in this 4:23 video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFLiyzZ ... redirect=1

There is even an "inside" view in there

[spacer]

I will check out the video. I decided to go with the drilling method. I drilled and messed around with the
tumblers but it would not open. I ended up drilling out the whole lock - casing and all. It still won't open.
Maybe I do not know how to open a docking station. There is a small button with the number 1 by it and a
big button with the number 2 by it. What should I do now that the lock is gone to open it?

[Franasia]

I'm aware this thread is rather old but still, I found this video
trying to help a family member who lost the Mini Dock key:

http://youtu.be/PFLiyzZ_FyQ

It may help others in the future.

Happy New Year to all!

[Grimm]

Adding this in case it can help anyone. I have a ThinkPad Pro Dock that was locked with no key. I ended up getting it to unlock using a small nail file from a pocket nail clipper. It slid all the way in the lock real easy and I just wiggled and jiggled it while applying a little force to turn it and without much effort (less than a minute) I got the lock to open. Better than spending $20 plus shipping on a replacement key.