How to Repair a Broken Key on a Laptop Computer Keyboard

If you have a laptop computer, you may have already figured out how easily the keys can pop off the keyboard. If you take it for repair, your computer may have to be sent out for repairs. Don't go to those lengths when you can easily repair the key yourself. It can take a little bit of manipulation to get the key on the keyboard, but it is much better than having to pay to have it done and to be without your laptop for a long period of time.
How to repair a broken key on your laptop keyboard:

Step One- Look at the bottom of the broken key. You will see too parts. Each part under the key is moveable. If both pieces aren't under the key, look at the keyboard where the key came off. The second piece may still be on the keyboard. Get the second piece off the keyboard by gently pulling it upward.

Step Two- Attach the loose piece to the underside of the key that needs repaired. You can do this by simply snapping it into place where the prongs are at the top of the key. Both pieces should not be attached to the key itself and be moveable.

Step Three- Move the outer piece so that it is as far open as you can get it. Push and hold the inner piece close to the key. Place the outer piece at the top of the keyboard where the missing key is. Slide the outer piece onto the hooks in the keyboard and gently pull forward. The top of the piece should now be attached to the keyboard.

Step Four- Press down on the front of the key so that it moves towards the keyboard. The key should snap into place. There is a chance that the key could be too tight on the keyboard. If so, remove the key by reversing the actions and try again.

It may take a few minutes the first time that you try to repair a key on a keyboard the first time. Before you know it, you will be a pro at it and you will never have to take your computer to get a key replaced again on your laptop computer. Don't just set the key aside and lose it either. It can be very difficult to type properly when you have a missing key on your laptop keyboard and eventually it will stop working if you don't repair the problem.

How to Fix an HP Laptop Keyboard

As laptop computers become a bigger part of people's lives, they are exposed to potential damage through transport, wear and tear, and extreme temperatures. Most laptops will need to be repaired at least once in their usable lives, and
keyboards are one of the more commonly replaced components. Laptop keys become unresponsive or letters become worn away, or spills cause them to fail altogether. However, laptop keyboard are inexpensive and easy to replace.

1.Turn off the laptop and remove the battery. Open the laptop lid and locate the plastic cover at the rear of the keyboard. Turn over the laptop and remove any screws holding the rear cover in place. Return the laptop to the upright position, and use a small flat screwdriver to gently pry up the rear cover. Pull the cover gently from front to back to release any retaining snaps.

2.Locate and remove the four screws holding the keyboard in place. Gently lift the rear of the keyboard to expose the ribbon cable underneath. Release the ribbon cable by carefully prying the brown retainer away from the cable. Pull the cable out of the connector.

3.Place the new keyboard near the laptop palm rest so that the ribbon cable will reach the connector. Insert the cable in to the connector and pry the retainer closed. Replace the keyboard in the recess and reinstall the screws.

4.Gently press one end of the plastic cover back in place at the back of the laptop. Press gently to snap the end of the cover down, then work slowly across the rest of the cover pressing it in place until it is completely seated.

5.Reinsert the battery and turn on the laptop. Verify the new keyboard's operation by typing in Word Pad or a comparable word processing program. Use each key to verify operation. Remove the keyboard and re-seat the ribbon cable if any keys are unresponsive.

Tips to Protect a Laptop Keyboard

Are you looking for instructions on how to protect a laptop keyboard? If so, this article might be of help. The article shares a few helpful tips and precautions that can help keep a laptop keyboard looking good and operating at its best.

Protecting a Laptop Keyboard

Liquids can be a health hazard for laptop keyboards and can cause irreparable damage to your most valued possession. Although persistently advised to avoid keeping all forms of provisions and beverages at a close proximity to your laptop, some users have a habit of not paying any attention to such crucial information. Depending on the constituents of the proposed fluid a simple spill can become your worst nightmare as your system and keyboard will most likely not function or act like its former self. There are however certain solutionsto protecting that cherished laptop keyboard from being exposed to liquid spills and having other substances fall on it... Buy a laptop keyboard cover (which is covered in the next section of the article).

We are all well aware of the fact that without a keyboard, a laptop is just a screen with lots of words on it. They keyboard allows computerusers to type and move around on the screen. Therefore, the keyboard is an essential part of a good working laptop. To protect a laptop keyboard, the most important thing for computer users to do is, avoid the temptation of eating or drinking around a laptop (see precaution #2). Computer users can prevent liquid spills by ensuring their working space has no liquids that can spill over and on to the keyboard.

Advice: If a liquid spill occurs, immediately shutdown the laptop, unplug it and wipe off any visible spill from the keyboard as well as all other laptop components. Wait for the remaining liquid to dry. If the keyboard is damaged, bring it in for repair. A PC tech may be able to fix what was damaged. If not, another option would be find a compatible replacement (an external keyboard). The worst scenario would be needing to buy a new laptop with keyboard functions.

Here are a few precautions to help computer users understand the fundamental protection techniques of a laptop's keyboard:

1. Avoid placing too much pressure on the keyboard caps as they may get damaged or break after extensive abuse.
2. Avoid placing liquids (like water or soda) and food near thekeyboardas it may spill over or fall on to the laptop's keyboard, which could permanently damage it.
3. Avoid buying a laptop cover that is not capable of protecting the entire keyboard (i.e., all keys, touch pad and wrist area).

Advice: The most sensitive part of a laptop keyboard may be the touch pad, so again refrain from placing any unnecessary pressure on the laptop’s keyboard surface.

Tip: The best way to protect a laptop keyboard is to ensure no liquid spills, food, or dust gets in between the key caps. It is also a good idea for computer users to refrain from applying too much pressure on the key caps when they use it (for typing, gaming, navigating, and so on).