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IBM ThinkPad T42 Keyboard and Trackpad Replacement

Written By: Austin Kidd (and 5 other contributors)
  • Comments: 3
  • Favorites: 1
  • Completions: 2

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

4

Time Required

10 - 15 minutes

Sections

2

Flags

4

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Tools

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Parts

No parts required.

  1. Step 1 Bottom Cover

    Unscrew the 20 Phillips screws on the underside of the T42.

    • Unscrew the 20 Phillips screws on the underside of the T42.

      • For ease of reassembly, keep your screws organized.

    Edit

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  2. Step 2 Rear Screws

    Unscrew the 2 Phillips screws on both sides of the T42's rear.

    • Unscrew the 2 Phillips screws on both sides of the T42's rear.

    Edit

    leave these four screws alone. No need to remove them.

    fredwb - Reply

    Of course you need to remove them you Dingbat! They are the main anchors of the screen hinges, Doh!

    wbcam -

    There are tiny numbers showing the lengths of the screws. 1-2-3-4 where 1 is the shortest.

    The dark red circles are not very easy to see. How about white ones?

    mattikaki - Reply

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  4. Step 3 Keyboard/Trackpad Removal

    • Flip the laptop over and open the screen.

      • The bezel and keyboard will be loose, be careful.

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  5. Step 4 Disconnecting Ribbon Cables

    • Carefully maneuver the palm rest away from the keyboard, as both the keyboard and palm rest/trackpad will come off together.

      • Remember, both the keyboard and trackpad have connectors to the motherboard. Disconnect these before completely removing either component.

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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

2 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 5 other contributors

Austin Kidd

Member since: 04/21/2010

236 Reputation

3 Guides authored

Badges: 11

+8 more badges

Team

Cal Poly, Team 29-76, Johann Spring 2010 Member of Cal Poly, Team 29-76, Johann Spring 2010

CPSU-JOHANN-S10S29G76

4 Members

30 Guides authored

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