Thinkpads Forum

Hello,

My son has a T420s that works beautifully except for one problem: The DVD drive falls out of its slot, even when the lock tab is positioned correctly. I don't have another Ultrabay Slim to test, so I can't tell whether the problem is in the drive or the laptop itself. Has anyone had a similar experience who might be able to point me in the right direction? I'd rather not buy a second drive, only to find out that it falls out also.

Thanks for any help.

I believe I have seen this before on the T420s model, and possibly on the T410 model as well (non "s" if there is/was one).

Note, this is what we have seen/done at work when we come across this - replace the plastic parts that are on the bottom panel that comprise of the "eject mechanism" for the cd drive, and problem solved, so far. There are 2 different plastic parts that comprise of the "eject mechanism," you can replace one, or both. The part I usually replace is the one that has the locking tab on it. Or replace your bottom panel would achieve the same thing, but then your stickers (COA/serial #/etc) are on the old bottom panel at that point.

Hope that helps!

That helps very much. Thank you! Now to find that plastic part somehow...!

Easy Wind covered this issue well. Hopefully there is still warranty which will cover this issue. Onsite warranty would be handy. If not and you can spare a few days without the T420s you could send it to the depot.

Brad

Brad makes a good point about the warranty. You might want to check that out before spending any money.

It's my son's machine, and I didn't have the serial number when I first posted, but now I see that the machine is under warranty for another ten months (I forgot that I bought a renewal warranty), so it will go back to the depot during the Christmas break. Thank you for reminding me of this - and for all the good information.

Great!

The warranty will cover the cd drive falling out symptom, but if you still need rubber feet, warranty will not cover that.

If on site is a warranty option, you may want to pursue that, then when the technician is at your place doing the repairs, tell them you want the old part (the bottom panel, which is what they will swap out), of which you can then get the rubber feet off of that to use elsewhere.

It's depot repair, so that isn't an option, unfortunately. My son doesn't mind the lost feet, but it bothers me (and reduces resale value), so I'm willing to spend a few bucks on those feet if they're ever available...