This chapter provides instructions on how to install or replace hardware for your computer.
• Static electricity prevention
• Disabling the built-in battery
• Installing or replacing the SIM card
• Replacing the base cover assembly
• Replacing the hard disk drive or solid-state drive
• Replacing a memory module
• Replacing a wireless LAN card
Static electricity prevention
Static electricity, although harmless to you, can seriously damage computer components and options.
Improper handling of static-sensitive parts can cause damage to the part. When you unpack an option or a CRU, do not open the static-protective package containing the part until the instructions direct you to install it.
When you handle options or CRUs, or perform any work inside the computer, take the following precautions to avoid static-electricity damage:
• Limit your movement. Movement can cause static electricity to build up around you.
• Always handle components carefully. Handle adapters, memory modules, and other circuit boards by the edges. Never touch exposed circuitry.
• Prevent others from touching components.
• When you install a static-sensitive option or CRU, touch the static-protective package containing the part to a metal expansion-slot cover or other unpainted metal surface on the computer for at least two seconds. This reduces static electricity in the package and your body.
• When possible, remove the static-sensitive part from the static-protective packaging and install the part without setting it down. When this is not possible, place the static-protective packaging on a smooth, level surface and place the part on it.
• Do not place the part on the computer cover or other metal surface.
Disabling the built-in battery
Before replacing any CRU, ensure that you have disabled the built-in battery by doing the following:
1. Turn off your computer and disconnect the ac power adapter and all cables from the computer.
2. Turn on your computer. Press F1 to enter ThinkPad Setup when the ThinkPad logo appears.
3. Select Config ➙ Power. The Power submenu is displayed.
4. Select Disable Built-in Battery.
5. Click Yes in the Setup Warning window, then the computer will be turned off automatically. Wait three to five minutes to let the computer cool.
Installing or replacing the SIM card
Note: This topic applies only to computer models that have a wireless WAN card installed.
Before you start, print these instructions.
SIM card is a small plastic card with an Integrated Circuit (IC) chip mounted on one side of the card.
If your computer supports wireless WAN connections, your computer might require a SIM card to establish wireless WAN connections. Depending on the country or region of delivery, you might need to purchase a SIM card or a SIM card might be part of the shipping contents that come with your computer.
To install or replace the SIM card, do the following:
1. Disable the built-in batteries. SeeDisabling the built-in battery.
2. Close the computer display, and turn the computer over.
3. Locate the SIM card door at the right side of the computer from the bottom view. Gently pivot the SIM card door upwards and press it towards the right side.
To install the SIM card, go to step 5. If you are replacing a SIM card, please continue.
4. Push the SIM card inward 1, and then release it. The SIM card ejects. Gently slide the SIM card out of the SIM card slot 2.
5. Insert the new SIM card firmly into the SIM card slot.
6. Close the SIM card door until it snaps into position.
Replacing the base cover assembly
Before you start, print these instructions.
To replace the base cover assembly, do the following:
1. Disable the built-in battery. See Disabling the built-in battery.
2. Close the computer display, and turn the computer over.
3. Remove the six screws 1, then loosen the remaining three screws 2, and then remove the base cover assembly 3.
Note: Follow the corresponding direction as shown in the following illustration to remove each screw.
4. Install the new base cover assembly 1, then tighten the three screws 2, and then install the six screws 3.
Note: Follow the corresponding direction as shown in the following illustration to install each screw.
5. Turn the computer over again. Connect the ac power adapter and all cables.
Replacing the hard disk drive or solid-state drive
Before you start, print these instructions.
Attention: The hard disk drive or solid state drive is very sensitive. Incorrect handling can cause damage and permanent loss of data. Observe the following guidelines:
• Replace the hard disk drive or solid-state drive only if you upgrade it or have it repaired. The connectors and slot of the hard disk drive or solid-state drive are not designed for frequent changes, or drive swapping.
• Do not drop the hard disk or solid-state drive or subject it to physical shocks. Put the hard disk drive or solid-state drive on a material, such as soft cloth, that absorbs any physical shocks.
• Do not apply pressure to the cover of the hard disk drive or solid-state drive.
• Do not touch the connector.
• Before removing the hard disk drive or solid-state drive, make a backup copy of all the information on it, and then turn the computer off.
• Never remove the hard disk drive or solid-state drive while the computer is operating, in sleep mode, or in hibernation mode.
To replace the hard disk drive or solid-state drive, do the following:
Note: Depending on the model, your hard disk drive or solid-state drive might look slightly different from the illustrations in this topic.
1. Disable the built-in battery. See Disabling the built-in battery.
2. Close the computer display, and turn the computer over.
3. Remove the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
4. Remove the screws that secure the hard disk drive or solid-state drive 1. Then slide the hard disk drive or solid-state drive as shown 2 to release it from the connector and the hook a.
5. Remove the hard disk drive or solid-state drive by lifting the tab.
6. Place the new hard disk drive or solid-state drive into the drive bay.
7. Slide the hard disk drive or solid-state drive horizontally and firmly into the connector 1. Ensure that the hard disk drive or solid-state drive is correctly seated in the bay and secured by the hook a. Then reinstall the screws 2.
8. Reinstall the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
9. Turn the computer over again. Connect the ac power adapter and all cables.
Replacing a memory module
Before you start, print these instructions.
Increasing memory capacity is an effective way to make programs run faster. You can increase memory capacity by replacing or adding a memory module.
Note: The operating speed of the memory module has dependency on the system configuration. In some conditions, the memory module in your computer might not be able to operate at the maximum speed.
Attention: Before handling a memory module, touch a metal table or a grounded metal object. This action reduces any static electricity from your body. Static electricity could damage the memory module.
To replace a memory module, do the following:
1. Disable the built-in battery. See Disabling the built-in battery.
2. Close the computer display, and turn over the computer.
3. Remove the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
4. Open the latches on both sides of the memory slot at the same time 1, and then remove the memory module 2. Save the removed memory module for future use.
5. Place the notched end of the new memory module toward the contact edge side of the memory slot and insert the memory module into the slot 1 at an angle of about 20 degrees. Pivot the memory module downward until it snaps into place 2. Ensure that the memory module is firmly installed in the slot and cannot be moved easily.
Attention:
• Do not touch the contact edge of the memory module. Otherwise the memory module might be damaged.
• If only one memory module is installed into your computer, ensure that you install the memory module into the slot in the following illustration. Otherwise your computer cannot work normally.
6. Reinstall the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
7. Turn over the computer and connect the ac power adapter and all cables.
Replacing a wireless LAN card
Before you start, print these instructions.
DANGER
During electrical storms, do not connect the cable to or disconnect it from the telephone outlet on the wall.
DANGER
Electric current from power, telephone, and communication cables is hazardous. To avoid shock hazard, disconnect the cables before opening the cover of this slot.
Attention: Before you start installing a wireless LAN card, touch a metal table or a grounded metal object.
This action reduces any static electricity from your body. The static electricity could damage the card.
To replace the wireless LAN card, do the following:
1. Disable the built-in battery. See Disabling the built-in battery.
2. Close the computer display, and turn the computer over.
3. Remove the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
4. If a tool for removing connectors is included in the package with the new card, use the tool to disconnect the cables from the card. If no such tool is included, disconnect the cables by picking up the connectors with your fingers and gently unplugging them.
5. Remove the screw 1. The card pops up. Remove the card 2.
6. Align the contact edge of the new card with the corresponding socket 1. Pivot the card until you can snap it into place. Secure the card with the screw 2.
7. Connect the antenna cables to the new card.
8. Reinstall the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
9. Turn the computer over again. Connect the ac power adapter and all cables.
Replacing a wireless WAN card
Before you start, print these instructions.
DANGER
During electrical storms, do not connect the cable to or disconnect it from the telephone outlet on the wall.
DANGER
Electric current from power, telephone, and communication cables is hazardous. To avoid shock hazard, disconnect the cables before opening the cover of this slot.
Attention: Before you start installing a wireless WAN card, touch a metal table or a grounded metal object.
This action reduces any static electricity from your body. The static electricity could damage the wireless WAN card.
To replace the wireless WAN card, do the following:
1. Disable the built-in battery. See Disabling the built-in battery.
2. Close the computer display, and turn the computer over.
3. Remove the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
4. If a tool for removing connectors is included in the package with the new card, use the tool to disconnect the cables from the card. If no such tool is included, disconnect the cables by picking up the connectors with your fingers and gently unplugging them.
5. Remove the screw 1. The wireless WAN card pops up. Remove the WAN card 2.
6. Align the contact edge of the new WAN card with the corresponding socket 1. Pivot the WAN card until you can snap it into place. Secure the WAN card with the screw 2.
7. Connect the antenna cables to the new WAN card.
8. Reinstall the base cover assembly. See Replacing the base cover assembly.
9. Turn the computer over again. Connect the ac power adapter and all cables.