A couple months ago my coffee met my netbook keyboard. It was not a pleasant meeting as I immediately lost the ability to use the back button and my cursor would randomly move. Some of my letters would stick causing me GREAT frustration as I wrote my blog posts. One day I had had enough and started pulling “unnecessary” keys off my keyboard, hoping to end the incessant moving of my cursor. This helped but then I lost the use of those keys.
I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to have my computer serviced and I knew that would not be very budget friendly. But you gotta do what you gotta do, right?!
Enter a moment of brilliance. Why not see if I could replace the keyboard only? A quick youtube search showed me how simple it was to replace just the keyboard. And get this…it only cost $10.99 for the replacement keyboard!!! $10.99 people!!! Isn’t that CRAZY??
Ok, so here’s how My Better Half did it…
First off, he disconnected the computer from its power source and removed the battery.
My netbook had a few little buttons along them top and side of the keyboard that needed pressed for the keyboard to release. My Better half used a razor blade as his only tool for this project.
Once those buttons are pressed, you can start gently pulling up the keyboard.
The keyboard is only connected by the data cable.
There is a tab on each side of the data cable connector that must be pulled out to unplug it. Then the whole keyboard can be removed.
Now all you do is take your new keyboard and carefully plug it back in…in reverse of the way you took it out.
Then gently pop the keyboard back into place. We heard it click, confirming it was in place.
Then replace your battery and give it a try.
I really am blown away by this easy, inexpensive fix. If your keyboard has seen better days, this might certainly be an option. A couple minute of searching the internet to see if this is an option for your computer could save you big bucks!
Just a little disclaimer, I am not a computer expert, nor am I equipped to offer technical advice. I’m just planting the idea seed! Check it out…it may work for you too!!
We did something similar- except my son pulled about half the keys of my DH’s laptop off… About 10 we could not reattach because the little plastic brackets that hold the key onto the keyboard base were broken… 🙁 We found a new keyboard on eBay for $18 and got the local computer place to put it in for us (we aren’t as brave!) for $25. A lot cheaper than the $60 to buy 10 new keys on eBay and LOTS cheaper than the $100 that another place wanted to replace the keyboard (labor and parts). 🙂
Wow, great tip – I never imagined you could do that. Thanks for the tutorial too !
🙂
C
I had no idea! Thanks for the step by step! Next time crumbs block the keys, I’m gonna remember this!
Coincidentally , I just today received a wireless keyboard on freecycle because my 18 month old decided to pick off 30+ keys on my keyboard while I as doing laundry. I got all but some of the function keys back on and then he did it again! This time he broke some of the hinges. One place was selling them for $5 dollars each! I had no idea that you could replace the entire keyboard. I would much rather have a new keyboard then the wireless but for now this will do. Thanks for sharing!
I would like to invite you to link up with us at the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week if you’d like to attend.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/10/clever-chicks-blog-hop-5-happy-hen.html
I hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Kathy
The Chicken Chick
So glad that you got it fixed on a budget.
Melissa
http://www.lovebugliving.com
THANKS for this great step by step tutorial! What a clever, inexpensive fix!
I agree with the ladies above, never would have even considered it. Now I feel armed and ready should disaster strike my keyboard. Thanks so much for sharing. Visiting from Be Not Weary today 🙂
How clever!
I’m popping over from one of the parties!
//mia
Wow! I’m impressed! My keyboard is NASTY!
I didn’t know you could purchase that. While I’m hoping I’ll never need to, this is great to know.
I never knew you could do this, I did enjoy popping the buttons off my old laptop last year, hubby wasn’t too impressed though, this would have been a much better idea!
My keyboard seems a magnet for crumbs, disgusting really, ewww!
Thanks so much for this great tip! Thanks to you I just replaced the keyboard on my full size laptop! My cats had removed and eaten three of the keys and I had been limping along for almost a year, never realizing it was so easy. Now I have a fully functional (and much cleaner) laptop!!
As someone in the IT field, I would have no major objection to a general user performing this repair. My one major concern however, is that there is no mention made whatsoever in this tutorial about proper grounding, which is essential, and a safe and proper workspace.
I truly love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you build
this site yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my own blog and would like to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named.
Appreciate it!