3 How To Repair Dell Laptop Keyboard Keys

How To Repair Dell Laptop Keyboard Keys - Dell laptop keys are some of the most frustrating keys to work with. However, it is possible to fix many problems at home. Most professional repairs involve replacing the entire keyboard, so it's worth taking a few minutes to explore possible alternatives. If your laptop is still under warranty, contact Dell Customer Support for a possible free or discounted repair.

• Repairing a loose key

1. Turn off your computer. Disconnect it too. Repairing a keyboard isn't dangerous, but it's always a good idea to take these precautions before repairing a computer.

2. Remove the keycap. Most loose keys should come out easily, with a little wiggling to dislodge them from the retaining clip. If necessary, lever out the key cap at the corners with a slotted screwdriver.

3. Check the attachment points on the key. The base of the keycap should have up to four attachment points that attach the key to the bottom of the keyboard. Look closely for signs of a broken fastener. Depending on what you see, continue with one of the following steps.

If unsure, remove a feature key of the same size by gently prying out each corner with a screwdriver. Compare the attachment points on the two keys.

4. Replace a broken key cap. If the attachment points are broken, you will need a new key. Purchase one online, making sure it matches your laptop model and the location of the attachment points. To put in the new key, hook one attachment point onto the keyboard, then rub your finger over the key until you hear two loud snaps, one at each end of the key.

Alternatively, remove a key of the same size that you rarely use. Place it in the former key's position.

5. Attach the metal bar to large keys. The spacebar and ⇧ Shiftkeys are held flat by a metal bar. If this bar isn't flat, you may need to reattach it to the small plastic hooks on the keyboard. The rod should run along the bottom of the key, with the short arms of the rod running up the left and right sides and onto the hooks. Once the bar is back in place, press the keycap over it and test it.

Once the bar is out of place, it often has minor problems or tends to slip again. Consider buying a replacement keyboard for your laptop or having it repaired at a computer repair store.

If you install a replacement for one of these keys, the replacement will come with its own bar. First remove the old rod by gently prying it up with a flat head screwdriver.

6. Look for other problems. Loose keys are almost always caused by damage to the keycap itself or the metal rod of large keys. If you're sure the keycap is in good condition, see the stuck keys section below. This covers damage due to spills, broken retaining clips or a damaged membrane.

• Fixing a stuck or non-working key

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power outlet. This reduces the chance of damage to you and your computer.

2. Pry out the key with a screwdriver. Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the stuck key. Start by lifting each corner of the key, hearing and feeling it click into place as it comes loose. Repeat with each corner until the key is removed after two to four clicks.

Use only light pressure. If the button doesn't pop out, try a different corner.

To remove larger keys like the Shift key and Spacebar, pry from the top of the key (the side closest to the laptop screen).

3. Look for dirt or small objects. These can cause the key to get stuck. Remove small items with tweezers. Remove loose dust or pet hair with compressed air or a gentle vacuum hose attachment.

4. Clean up spills. If you spill materials on the keyboard, use a lint-free cloth to wipe away the residue. Dampen the cloth with some rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the sticky area. Drain the keycap until the rubbing alcohol has completely evaporated and the area is dry.

5. Examine the retaining clip. The retaining clip, usually made of white plastic, consists of two thin, square objects that are hooked together. These should be firmly connected to the keyboard and to each other. If not, remove the clip by gently prying out the corners with a screwdriver. Below are detailed replacement instructions.

6. Check the silicone rubber membrane. This nipple-shaped membrane sits under the center of the wrench. Confirm it's upright and try pushing it down with a very gentle touch from a clean, soft object. If it gets stuck in the down position instead of bouncing back up, it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Do not touch it with a dirty or sharp object. This part of the keyboard is easily damaged.

Clean with a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. Pat with extreme care and wait for it to dry.

7. Glue on a new membrane. Before you begin, realize that this is a risky solution and could ruin the key if you use too much glue. For a more reliable repair, take the keyboard to a computer repair professional to replace the entire keyboard. If you decide to try this yourself, here's how to do it:

Very carefully remove a membrane from a button you are not using by prying it off with a sharp knife. It's very easy to damage the diaphragm this way, but this is usually your only source for replacement diaphragms.

Use a toothpick to pick a dab of strong glue, e.g. B. silicone adhesive to give on a piece of paper.

Pick up the membrane with tweezers and lower it onto the sheet of paper, then transfer it to the keyboard.

Leave for at least 30 minutes or according to the instructions on the adhesive label.

Put the holder and the keycap back on it and let it rest for another 20 minutes before using it.

• Reinstalling the retaining clip

1. Examine the pieces for breaks. The retaining clip consists of two parts. The larger square or U shape fits the keyboard base and keycap. The smaller piece with a circular hole in the center fits over a small tab on the keyboard base. The two pieces fit together with two small tabs, one on each side of the smaller piece. If any of these parts are missing or broken, order a replacement key or retaining clip for your exact keyboard model. If both parts appear intact, continue to the next step.

Before ordering a replacement key, make sure it includes a retaining clip. These are also sold as "hinges."

Alternatively, carefully detach a clip from a key you don't use as often, and reattach it to the broken key.

On some models, the tabs are separate pieces. If they fall out, you can slot them back in with a pair of tweezers.

2. Examine a nearby key. Even on the same keyboard, different retaining clips may be arranged in different ways. Lift an adjacent key cap the same size as the key you're replacing, by levering up the corners. Examine the exposed retaining clip as you repair the key. This will make it much easier to figure out how each piece slots in.

3. Match the larger piece to the keyboard. On some models, you may need to pinch the sides of the larger piece to fit the slots on the keyboard base. Do this before assembling the two parts. Once you've secured it to the keyboard base, you should be able to lift the piece up a short distance.

Only one side of this piece attaches to the keyboard.

4. Insert the smaller piece into the keyboard. Hold the smaller piece concave side down - or feel the piece until you find a groove and hold that side down. Lower it onto the tabs on the keyboard base until they snap into the groove on the retaining clip.

5. Join the two parts together. Locate the two pins on the side of the smaller clip. Gently press these into the sides of the larger clip until the two pieces are secured.

If you use too much force here, your retaining clip will break.

6. Reattach the cap. Hook the keycap back over the retaining clip. Press down until you hear two clicks and the key is firmly seated.