Laptop Heatsink

what chemicals and methods would I use to remove a cpu heatsink in a laptop?

I am replacing the motherboard in my sister’s IBM thinkpad T42. The manufacturer used a combination heat transfer and adhesive compound
between the Heat Sink and the Cpu and video chipset. How do I loosen this stuff to prevent damage when I unscrew the heat sink from its chassis mounts? There’s a Fry’s electronics that sells all manner of chemicals but I’m not sure what I can use that won’t damage the ICs.

Heat the compound with a hair dryer, then coat a razor blade with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover and hack at the gunk as you’re pulling off/unscrewing the heatsink.

Unboxing Fan/heatsink for HP laptop (DV6500CTO)