Toshiba Satellite A85. How to remove laptop memory module.
I had to replace a failed memory module in this Toshiba Satellite A85 laptop. The memory failed the Memtest 86+ test and I ordered a replacement from Toshiba. I have never worked before on this laptop model, and I planed to spend not more then 5-10 minutes for such a simple operation as a memory module replacement. Toshiba doesn’t provide a disassembly guide for this laptop model yet and I didn’t know how memory slots are located. I found only one unpopulated memory slot on the bottom of the laptop, so the second memory slot should be somewhere under the keyboard. Under the keyboard one very ugly surprise was waiting for me. The second memory slot was located under the top cover assembly and there were no way to replace the memory without taking the whole thing apart! There was no opening or a hatch for easy memory access! What a nice design. I had to spend an extra 30-40 minutes to take the laptop apart only for replacing the failed memory module.
May 9th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Thanks to the person that took these photos and provided the instructions for disassembly. I was not looking forward to taking this A85 apart, but when I followed the steps shown, it was a snap. Just be careful. I made a chart of the bottom screws before taking any out and actually placed them on the chart as they were removed.
My problem was the laptop was overheating and shutting down inadvertantly. I could see that the fan was never operating, so I suspected dust or a faulty fan. After openin it, I could see that the connector for the fan to the motherboard was not seated properly and that there was significant amount of dust on/around the fan assembly. I removed the fan and cleaned it and all around and reseated the connector and reinstalled the fan. I then reversed the disassembly process and now the laptop seems to be back in operational condition. The fan is working again and is cooling properly.
Thanks again.
January 1st, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Nellie,
The instructions show hot to strip the laptop down to the motherboard. I don’t know how badly your laptop jack is damaged and if it would be necessary to remove the motherboard. After you remove the top cover you can see and get some limited access to the power jack (top left corner on the step 15). I don’t know if it would be enough for you.
December 27th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
It appears my son has damaged the internal power cord receptacle on an a85..Would your instructions for getting to the memory give me access to check this out ?? I haven’t ever taken apart a laptop before is the power receptacle something that can be repaired…
July 9th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Mrhooie,
How many memory sticks installed in your laptop? Provide some more information. What is the original memory size? Did the laptop recognized the original memory properly?
July 8th, 2006 at 11:51 am
Well, i installed 1gb modules of Kingston Ram – the m100 only now sees 1gb or ram still.
any ideas?
June 28th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Balazs,
You’ll find a link to disassembly guide in the post. It’s a step-by-step guide, nothing complicated.
June 27th, 2006 at 12:17 am
Eric, did you succeed removing the keyboard? If yes, how?
I also want to do it, to install additional memory.
April 4th, 2006 at 7:18 am
I am attempting this tonight. I have to admit, I was rather annoyed because all my other laptops had easily acessable memory and when i was purchasing it, i thought it was accessable. Espacially now with DDR2, I would hope that manufactureres start making it easy to get to the RAM. I will try to take some pics and post how it goes tonight.
March 26th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Hey Regis,
First of all I would like to say that broken plastic parts are not covered under warranty. Just in case.
To remove the keyboard strip from most Toshiba laptops you do not need any special tools. I usually use a small flathead screwdriver or an awl. Carefully lift up one side of the keyboard strip with a sharp object and continue releasing the latches with your fingers. That’s all. On some Toshiba models the keyboard strip is secured by a few screws on the bottom of the laptop. On some models the strip securing screws are located under the battery. I have never worked on this model yet, so it is just a guess. As a precaution, I would remove two screws on the left and right side from the battery (I saw them on the picture) and also I would remove any screws under the battery.
March 24th, 2006 at 7:22 pm
Quick reply!
I’ll look under the keyboard, what tool would you use to remove the keyboard strip? Take a look, it is a pretty new model. It actually looks like the A85. Thanks for your help.
March 24th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Hi Regis,
I have not seen this laptop yet. I just checked the Toshiba tech website and they even do not list parts for this model yet. I guess it is a pretty new model.
I found a detailed specification for M100-ST5111. The detailed specification says that the laptop has 256MB installed in service accessible memory slot and the laptop will accept up to 4096MB of memory. From my experience, if you can find only one memory slot on the bottom, the second slot is located under the keyboard or the system board has onboard memory. Toshiba Satellite M100 must have 2 memory slots, so look under the keyboard.
March 24th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
Hi, do you have any idea where the second memory module is on the Toshiba Satellite M100-JG2? I can only access one of the modules, so much for upgrading the dual-channel RAM. Thanks for your already very helpful site!
Regis