IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad T61 Hard Drive Replacement

Introduction

If you want to upgrade your ThinkPad with a brand new SSD to unlock better performance with your laptop, this guide will show you how to access the hard drive slot and to switch out (or insert) a hard drive.

What you need

Step 1 Hard Drive

IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad T61 Hard Drive Replacement, Hard Drive: step 1, image 1 of 1

Turn the computer over so that the back is facing upwards.
Locate the screw in the bottom left-hand corner of the computer.

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Step 2

Using a #0 Phillips screwdriver, remove the 17 mm screw.

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Step 3

Carefully remove the plastic piece covering the hard drive by first pulling up then away from the computer.

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Step 4

Locate the folded black tab within the hard drive port.
With a screwdriver, pull the black tab out of the slot.

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Step 5

Pull gently on the black tab and the metal tray holding the hard drive will slide out.

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Step 6

Remove the plastic coverings on both sides of the hard drive.
Note that there is no hard drive in this picture but the process will remain the same.

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Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. If your pull tab is broken, you will need to find something to use as a pull tab for the new drive. You can get a long piece of tape, and fold the end and stick the rest to the drive.

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