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How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12

Introduction

Follow this guide to reset your Framework Laptop 12's Mainboard.

This procedure is irreversible. Make sure you have your BIOS settings documented if you want to restore them afterwards.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

  • The Input Cover is the part that contains the keyboard and trackpad.

What you need

  1. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 1 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 2 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Before you begin repairs, unplug your laptop and shut it down from the operating system. This ensures that the laptop isn't in standby/suspend mode.

    • The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.

    • If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.

    • Make sure your Framework Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T-5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

    Edit

  2. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Set your laptop down: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

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  3. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 1 of 2 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.

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  4. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Flip your laptop over: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

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  5. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Open your laptop: step 5, image 1 of 2 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Open your laptop: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

    Edit

  7. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 1 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 2 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.

    • Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.

    • Magnets hold the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels stuck, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Remove the Input Cover.

    Edit

  8. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Plug the laptop in: step 7, image 1 of 2 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Plug the laptop in: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Plug the laptop into a power source using any USB-C port.

    • The red status LED near the right Expansion Card slots should blink continuously. If this LED isn't blinking, the laptop isn't receiving power correctly—try another USB-C port.

    • Don't proceed unless the LED is blinking.

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  9. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Locate the chassis open switch: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Locate the chassis open switch: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Locate the chassis open switch to the right of the SSD slot.

    • This switch is a sensor that detects if the Top Cover has been removed. It's a small silver block with a black toggle tab.

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  10. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Press the switch: step 9, image 1 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Press the switch: step 9, image 2 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Press the switch: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Use your finger or the flat end of a Framework Screwdriver to press the chassis open switch 10 times:

    • Press and hold the switch down for two seconds.

    • Release the switch and wait for the indicator LED to resume blinking.

    • Repeat the process 10 times total.

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  11. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Disassembly complete: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

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  12. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Input Cover: step 11, image 1 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Input Cover: step 11, image 2 of 3 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Install the Input Cover: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.

    • Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.

    • Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.

    • Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.

    • Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

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  13. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Close and flip your laptop: step 12, image 1 of 2 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Close and flip your laptop: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Close the laptop lid.

    • Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

    Edit

  14. How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Tighten the bottom screws: step 13, image 1 of 2 How to Reset the Mainboard in your Framework Laptop 12, Tighten the bottom screws: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.

    Edit
Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Laptop!

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 01/03/18

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