Thinkpad Woes.

I recently got myself a “new to me” Thinkpad Laptop. Of course, since I am a geek so I had to install the latest Puppy Linux on it and see how it ran. It ran fine of course except for a few tweaks I just had to have. Software was no problem but I really wanted to have the ability to suspend the machine to low power mode. It wasn't really important since it boots in under 30 seconds but it was a challenge.

Long story short, I broke a very important tiny piece on the computer while playing detective. Silly me decided to push the lid switch down with a car key to see what the code would be that was set by this. It worked the first couple times but not being quite so careful, I pushed it sideways carelessly and snap.

Well, this really wouldn't be the end of the world if it didn't shut the backlight for the screen off when the lid closed. The problem was that when it broke, it jammed the switch in the off position, making the laptop think the lid was always closed. Just like a kid with a new toy, I played with it till I broke it. I always say, (You broke it, You fix it.") so that is what I did.

I set up a makeshift emergency room in the garage with bright surgical lighting, a sturdy table and a white top to make sure no tiny parts could get away. I downloaded the service manual on other laptop and put on my 1.5x reading glasses. Tools in place, I began to take the laptop apart.

I had a good idea that I was going to have to disassemble a good portion of the machine to get to the piece I had broken but I really didn't know just how much. Hard drive, Ram, Battery, Backup Battery, Cdrom, Keyboard. then it got interesting. 32 screws later and a good size pile of pieces parts I was holding the culprit in my hand. Sure enough, it was not a replaceable part.

I had up until now thought it would be a simple fix until I saw that the plastic was broken away from the spring steel piece which pushed the actual switch a few inches away. (See photos) Super glue? No it might melt the plastic. A tiny drill bit and a tinier screw? Even if I had one I think my fingers would be too big to perform that delicate surgery. Nope, it would be hot glue. Who knows how long the repair will last. So far so good though.

I learned several lessons from this though. Most of which I already knew like, use the right tool for the job and computers can be delicate items. These were more reminders of things we forget all to often. What I did learn is that even though I thought the tiny pieces were way beyond what I thought I could deal with, I still have the whereabouts to tackle a job like this and come out on top. So what did that teach me?

If it is already broken, you have a good chance at fixing it. Funny. I am not afraid of taking laptops apart anymore either.... as long as I have a good emergency room to work in. It is amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.