Popping out and Reseating Z61m Key on Keyboard

[circuslife]

Hi!

I'm seeking help.

I recently noticed that my Alt-Key (lower left hand corner) on my Thinkpad Z61m seems to be a tad stiffer and less springy compared to other keys on the keyboard. I realized that one solution to this is to pop out and reseat the key as the spring inside might have been misaligned.

I'm just wondering: How safe is it to pop out a key from a Z-series Thinkpad's keyboard? Do you think reseating the key is the solution to my problem? If so, how do you suggest I go about popping the key out?

I love my Z61m and wouldn't want anything bad to happen to it.

Thank you so much!

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

i do it all the time, when stuffs fall under it...... like bits of dusts and some rocks.... just gently pull the key up on either the top edge or bottom edge, and then you can pull the rest free.... or alternatively pull the whole key up gently then it should just pop off. 

[circuslife]

Hi Lead_org!

Thank you so much for the quick reply!

I have to admit I'm having second thoughts about popping it out -- it just seems so delicate and I might break something inside the key or on the keyboard itself.

Please let me know how safe it is to do this. Are Z61m keyboards designed for easy "popping" of keys?

Thanks!

Mark 

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

if you don't do it forcibly then it should NOT be a problem, i do it all the time.... don't worry nothing will happen to your keyboard. 

[circuslife]

Hi Lead_org!

You know what, I tried to pull it out, and just before it came off, I got scared it might break it and held back again.

So what I did, I just pressed really hard on the key as you would when reseating it and rather magically, it fixed the stiffness of the key. *scratches head* I don't know if this is a permanent solution. I might be tempted to pluck it out again soon.

Thanks for the help!

Mark 

[MarkATL]

Mark,

If you unit has warranty coverage, you could also consider getting your keyboard replaced. If you don't have warranty, here are the part number (FRU numbers for you keyboard).

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-64263

To replace your keyboard, the instructions can be found here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-61295

You'll see the removal and installation videos as well as the step-by-step instructions.

In the Phils, you can contact tech support at this number:

1800-1601-0033 (Local number only) 8:30AM - 5PM

You can also find service providers and business partners on this site:

http://bplocator.lenovo.com

Hope this helps

[circuslife]

MarkATL, Thank you so much 

[MarkATL]

Sure no problem. Glad to assist. Ingat po.

Mark