Laptop Keyboard Replacement

When your laptop keyboard stops working, the utility of the device gets seriously compromised. There is a facility for a graphic keyboard provided by most operating systems that you could rely upon, but it is only temporary. Usually when a laptop keyboard stops working, there is no option but to replace it.

Before you go ahead, be warned that laptop repair can be an extremely delicate job and unless you have prior experience in working with electronic gadgets, it is not recommended that you go ahead on your own. Sure it can save you a lot of money on the replacement cost, but you may end up paying a lot more later if you mess things up. I only provide generic instructions on replacing laptop keyboards in this article.

One thing to remember is that once you open up the laptop for keyboard replacement, the warranty provided by the manufacturer stands void. Personally, I suggest that you go ahead with replacement on your own only if you are in a really desperate situation and there is no way you can get it repaired from the manufacturer.

Replacing a Laptop Keyboard

First of all you will need a replacement for your laptop keyboard. Make sure that the new keyboard is the right one for your laptop model. You will need a star shaped T-8 screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver for the job.

Switch off the laptop and remove the AC power connection and the laptop battery. With the battery removed, you do not have to worry about any electrostatic shocks while working. In most laptops, you need to remove the keyboard bezel first before you can remove the old keyboard. The bezel is just above the keyboard and can be removed quite easily using screwdrivers and removing two to three screws.

Removing the bezel will expose the fastener attachments that attach the keyboard with the computer. The keyboard has two attachments at the top and a data cable connection at the bottom which handles two way data transmission from the motherboard to the keyboard and vice versa. To remove the keyboard, you need to remove both these connections.

Using a screwdriver, remove the top keyboard fastening attachments. The screws you remove are the main attachments of the keyboard with the laptop system board. Make sure that you do not lose the screws.

After the fastening screws are removed, it is time to disconnect the data cable attachment of the keyboard which will sever all the remaining attachments of the laptop keyboard with the laptop computer motherboard. To remove this cable, you have to just carefully pull it out from the socket to which it is attached. Then you can lift out the entire keyboard out of the laptop. This will expose the insides of the laptop.

Now you can go ahead and replace the old keyboard with the new one. Place it inside with the right orientation and make sure that the keyboard attachment holes coincide with the fastening holes of the laptop. Attach the data cable and also fix the upper screws. Once that is done, all that remains is attaching the keyboard bezel back in place. Put the laptop battery back in place and switch it on to check keyboard functionality. If everything has gone according to plan, you should be ready to type away! Search for replacement instructions which are specific to your model and go ahead carefully.