How to Drain Static Electricity From Your Lenovo ThinkPad

Static electricity poses a risk to low-voltage electronics, potentially causing interference and damage. If you're encountering issues with your Lenovo ThinkPad, such as random glitches, unresponsive keyboard or trackpad inputs, or slow loading times, this guide can help you safely* restore your laptop to optimal performance. It's also applicable to other laptops featuring removable back shells and batteries.

*When you use this guide, you do so at your own risk. You are responsible for any damages and warranty violations that occur. Please double check that you are not violating any warranty terms by messing with your computer's internal components before following this guide.

Supplies

You will need a 1/16-inch flat-head screwdriver or bit. I recommend using an electric screwdriver if you don't already have one.

Step 1: Getting Ready

Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the charger. Additionally, remove any peripherals connected to the USB ports to minimize the risk of accidental damage to internal and external components.

Step 2: Unscrew the Back Shell

Carefully turn your laptop upside down and begin removing the screws securing the back shell, as shown in the image.

Step 3: Remove the Back Shell

Gently detach the back shell. If it's tightly secured, cautiously insert a screwdriver or thin wedge into an open gap and carefully pry it open along the edges to avoid damaging your device. You can easily damage the back shell if you are too hasty with this step, so be careful.

Step 4: Locate the Battery

With the back shell removed, you'll have access to the neatly organized circuitry. Locate the battery (circled in red). It's often encased in black wrapping.

Step 5: Remove the Battery From the Frame

Unscrew the battery from the frame to make it easier to remove its connector wires from the circuit board.

Step 6: Remove the Connector Wires From the PCB

Once the battery is unscrewed, disconnect its wires from the circuit board by pulling on the tab as shown in the accompanying image. If you are struggling to remove it, lightly wiggle it as you pull the tab. Once removed, set the battery to the side ensuring that you don't misplace the screws.

Step 7: Open and Drain

Open your laptop (with the top facing down on the table) and hold down the power button for one minute to discharge any residual static from the system.

Step 8: Reconnection

Close the laptop, reconnect the battery's wire to the circuit board, and reattach the battery to its frame. If you are having difficulty with this step, consult the images from steps 6 and 5 and do the exact opposite as the steps say.

Step 9: Reconstruction

Carefully place the back shell over the internal components, ensuring its securely in place, and tighten the screws.

Step 10: Check to See If Your Issue Is Resolved

If your computer is functioning normally again, congratulations on solving the issue! However, if the issue persists, consider consulting a professional for further diagnosis and assistance.