If the keyboard on your laptop has become unusable for any reason, then you can replace it yourself. The operation is not as difficult as it seems. Although each laptop model has its own design features, in general, the process comes down to unscrewing a few screws and disconnecting the ribbon cable.
Necessary
- - keyboard for replacement;
- - Phillips screwdriver;
- - a small, pointed and non-conductive object (toothpick or plastic spatula);
- - instructions for disassembling your laptop model;
- - antistatic wristband.
Instructions
Step 1
Make sure the laptop is completely de-energized. Disconnect the power cable and remove the battery. The main signs of this will be a black screen and the absence of a charging indicator.
Step 2
Examine the cover or cover that sits between the keyboard and the screen; it usually interferes with keyboard access. Check and remove any screws that are visible to remove this part. Some overlays can be hinged to the screen and secured with screws on the back. Before removing the cover, make sure that it is not connected to the laptop with a data cable. This ribbon cable is usually not very long, so be very careful when removing the overlay that holds your laptop keyboard in place. Otherwise, you will have to change this part in addition to the keyboard.
Step 3
When the screws are unscrewed, carefully remove the trim using a thin flat tool if necessary. The cover should be easy to remove. If not, then you may not have removed all the screws. Some of them may be on the underside of the laptop. Once you've removed the cover, set it aside. If it is connected to the laptop with a data cable, try disconnecting it. Then locate and remove the screws holding the keyboard in place.
Step 4
Before you finally take out the keyboard, please note that the back of it has a data cable, which, in turn, is connected to the laptop. This cable is usually short, so be very careful when removing the keyboard. Everything must be done carefully without sudden movements.
Step 5
Gently pull the keyboard up (without damaging the laptop data cable) and remove the cable from the connector. Typically, you first need to open the small latch on the connector. Then pull out the ribbon cable and set the old keyboard aside.
Step 6
Connect the ribbon cable of the new keyboard to the connector, and screw the screws back. Then install the trim and tighten the remaining screws.
Once you're done, turn on your laptop to check if everything is working.
