How to upgrade the ram in a T60, T60p, T61 or T61p
![t61p ram 1 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%201%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-250x187.jpg)
I've had to do this for several of these laptops now so I thought I'd just make a picture tutorial to explain. It's been pretty much the same for all models T60 and greater. What we've been doing is upgrading machines with either 1 or 2GB up to 4GB. The memory is located under the touchpad on the front panel, which is removable via long screws on the bottom. All you need is a philips head precision screwdriver and your new ram, which must be compatible with the machine. ![t61p ram 8 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%208%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
Start by flipping the laptop over. Find the holes that have a little etched memory-chip icon beside them. Some are for more than just the ram, but there will be 5 that have the memory-chip beside them and they will be towards the front of the laptop (away from the battery).
![t61p ram 6 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%206%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
Unscrew the screws using the precision driver and put them aside. Some may not come out easily but once you flip the laptop back over they'll fall so make sure to do it over a secure area so you don't lose them.
![t61p ram 7 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%207%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
Flip the laptop back to it's normal orientation and open the lid. You should be able to grab the front panel and lift it up by the corners.
![t61p ram 9 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%209%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
![t61p ram 10 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%2010%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
Flip the lid up but be careful not to pull too hard on the ribbon cable connecting the touchpad. Right underneath you will see the ram that is currently installed.
![t61p ram 11 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%2011%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
Pull outwards - away from the ram module on the little metal tabs holding it in. It shouldn't require a lot of effort and the ram will pop up if you've done it right.
![t61p ram 12 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%2012%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
It should slide easily out. Reverse the steps to install the new ram. Here is the new ram installed in my T61p:
![t61p ram 13 [1024x768].JPG](http://www.rbgrn.net/blog/2008/05/26/t61p%20ram%2013%20%5B1024x768%5D-thumb-380x285.jpg)
After that is done, make sure to boot the laptop up to see that all is working correctly and your ram is found. Remember - if you're running a 32bit OS, you'll only get to use around 3GB of RAM. You must run a 64bit OS to use all 4GB.
The front panel will clip back down with a little gentle rocking action and the screws should go back in to be thumb-tight.
Stumble It!
Hi Mr. Green,
I upgraded my Lenovo T61 from 2GB to 3 GB RAM via your picture tutorial.
After the 3GB upgrade, I made sure to boot the laptop up and saw 3GB confirmed by Control Panel-System. However, it also shows that my Vista OS is 32bit instead of 64.
So, I am pleading that someone could make a picture tutorial sequel to truly achieve 4 GB upgrade.
Thanks,
JD
JD,
You must install the 64 bit version of vista from the start if you wish to run a 64 bit OS. I do not believe there is a way to upgrade the 32 bit version to 64.