How to Replace the Keyboard in Laptops

When using your laptop on a regular basis, its rather easy to break the somewhat flimsy keys on many laptops. Often times its easier and faster to find a keyboard for your laptop on your own rather than going through the model manufacturer. If you find yourself with a damaged keyboard, its fairly simple to do so.

What You'll Need:

• Replacement keyboard that fits your model laptop


• T-8 screwdriver (star shaped)


• Small Phillips head screwdriver


• Small, pointy, non-conductive item such a a plastic pick or toothpick


• Correct RAM for your model laptop


• ESD wrist strap

1. Make sure that the laptop is turned off. Unplug it from the wall and remove the battery.


2. Turn the laptop over. Depending on your model laptop, there may be an icon that indicated where the screws are located that are attached to the keyboard. If not, you'll need to locate them on your own or look on the Internet for help.


3. Take out the screws using a T-8 or Phillips screwdriver


4. Flip the laptop back over and open it up. Look and see if the keyboard is tucked under any plastic pieces. If it is, you'll need to find if these pieces are screwed into anything and if they are unfasten them also. If there aren't, remove the clamps.


5. Take out the plastic pieces very carefully using a toothpick or plastic pick.


6. Unscrew the screws that are found at the top and remove the keyboard from top to bottom.


7. With the same toothpick, raise the plastic connectors that connect the data cable in place.


8. Remove the data cable and the entire keyboard should easily come unfasten.


9. Take the new keyboard from the plastic and slip the data cable back in the middle of the plastic connectors on the system board. Ensure that it is secure before moving to the next step.


10. Using a pick, press the plastic connectors back into place and ensure that they are holding the data cable in place.


11. Slide the keyboard into place starting from the top. Ensure that the screw holes and clamps both line up.


12. Reattach the keyboard in place.


13. Reattach any plastic pieces or screws that you had to remove.


14. Put the battery back in and power on the laptop. Ensure that the keyboard is working properly.