Physically impossible to remove R52 keyboard

[JaYp146]

I've followed the directions to a T from here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-53172

And here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-53384

Reason I need to remove it is because I want to install a second 1GB DIMM in the slot located under the keyboard.

What I did after shutting down the system and removing the battery:

1. Removed the three screws with the icons as per the instructions (15" model, so I only needed to remove three). I triple checked to make sure the icons matched.
2. Attempted, in vain, to push the proper spot between the F8 and F9 keys towards the back of the Thinkpad. Keyboard didn't budge. Best I could do was remove the plastic piece covering the blue IBM button, volume controls, and power button, and that was after I got a nail under the plastic bezel.

Now mind you I'm a classically trained violinst with very strong hands. I'm also in decent shape for my size, so please, no weakling jokes.

Is there something I'm missing here? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Is the only course of action to remove take apart the entire Thinkpad and go from there?

[rkawakami]

If pushing the button bezel doesn't seem to budge the keyboard towards the back of the laptop, then I'd say you could insert something thin and sturdy (nail file?) between the "bottom" (front) edge of the keyboard and the keyboard bezel (i.e., next to one of the ALT keys) and push/pry/twist the selected tool until you get enough space to lift the edge of the keyboard up and away from the base.

edit: Here's a copy of the Hardware Maintenance Manual which also has the same instructions:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-54932

[RealBlackStuff]

Unless someone glued (?) the keyboard in, try this:
insert a very fine screwdriver (or even a thin knife blade) between the Alt keys and the palm rest (keyboard bezel).
Pull the screwdriver/blade gently towards you. The keyboard should slide just enough towards the back, that it 'pops' free at the front. You should now be able to lift the keyboard front up.

[JaYp146]

Sounds good, thanks very much for the quick responses! I'll give the screwdriver solution a shot.

EDIT - worked just fine. However a new problem has arisen, will make a separate thread for it.

[underclocker]

I've come across this issue on 15" T42/T43/R50/R51/R52's, too. Basically, they seem stuck, sometimes from minor liquid spills. What does work is removing the entire keyboard and palmrest/bezel assembly all together. Just remove the keyboard scews all the palmrest/bezel screws. Then you'll be able to lift up the entire assembly and slide your fingers under the keyboard and push up.

Trying to use a thin screwdriver is the correct first step, but be careful, it is easy to scratch, dent and scratch the keyboard and palmrest assembly.

(The battery should be removed during any attempt to remove a keyboard, when installed it prevents the keyboard from sliding back and freeing the keyboard notches that rest under the palmrest.)