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IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement

Introduction

An IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi card allows the device to connect to a wireless network. If your Wi-Fi card is broken or needs to be replaced, this guide will show you how.

What you need

  1. IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Bottom cover: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the twenty screws on the underside of the T42.

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  2. IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Rear screws: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the four Phillips screws located on either side of the rear of the T42 (there are two on each end.)

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  3. IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Keyboard and Trackpad: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Flip the laptop over and open the screen to access the keyboard and trackpad.

    • The keyboard and trackpad are connected to the motherboard. Before removing the keyboard and trackpad, disconnect both components from the motherboard, as shown in the following step.

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

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  5. IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • 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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  6. IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Wi-Fi Card: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • To remove Wi-Fi card, first disconnect both display wires on the top right.

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  7. IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Then slide both of the metal pieces holding it down outwards, and it will pop up.

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  8. IBM ThinkPad T42 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Carefully pull it out.

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Conclusion

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

3 other people completed this guide.

Author

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Kevin Rehm

Member since: 04/19/10

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Team

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

CPSU-JOHANN-S10S29G76

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2 Guide Comments

Get the HMM for the laptop! On a few of these, I have had to just pull out the internal wi-fi card, and use a USB wi-fi adapter.

Martin Campbell - Reply Share

The only screws that need to be removed are the ones that are numbered 1-4 on the bottom of the case. Best to remove the screws with #4 next to them, then remove the keyboard and then remove 1-3 and then the palm rest. Removing the ones on the rear is unnecessary.

John Casey - Reply Share

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