laptop keypad

kduffy101

how easy/hard is it to replace the keypad on a laptop?
thanks

Oscar_The_Grouch

Hi there

The keypad on a laptop is secured by one screw on the bottom of the machine (usually marked with a keypad symbol and usually located near where the centre of the keyboard would be). Around the edge of the keyboard, you will either see a wire frame that's shaped to secure the keyboard in place, or some movable clips. Undo the screw first, then all the clips/frame. This should allow you to gently lift the keyboard up about an inch. Don't pull it too far.

Underneath, the keypad is connected to the motherboard with a ribon cable. You need to unclip this, being careful not to put too much strain on the board. This should allow you to remove the keyboard completely and follow the reverse of these steps (connect cable, clip in place and do the screw up) to put the new keyboard in.

In some models, you need to remove part of the upper frame to get the keyboard out but it's all relatively simple.

Browntoa

if you mean a single key then its not always possible on laptops, otherwise as above (assuming you can find one, been trying to source a replacement for a laptop thats still sold by Compaq but even their own site shows the keyboard as not available )

cybergibbons

I presume you mean the keyboard? What laptop is it?

It can vary from literally popping some clips off (my first laptop from 10 years ago or so was like this), to having to remove a panel and some screws (older Acers often like this), to completely taking the laptop to pieces (my HP Elitebook requires everything taking out to get the keyboard out).

I think the instructions in the post above are too generic. I've worked on several laptops where people have had a go at replacing components and they've managed to break the entire thing.

kduffy101

its a hp550 laptop.
2 keys are missing,also 1 of the we squares is missing.

cybergibbons

They are nice and simple to replace - instructions here p.50 onwards. Only complication is the Torx screws - a flat head exactly the right width will do the job probably.

http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c01627018/c01627018.pdf

nettttie

I am waiting for my lenovo keyboard!! (another thread!) but there are some good vid's on youtube.

Hammyman

kduffy101 wrote: »

its a hp550 laptop.
2 keys are missing,also 1 of the we squares is missing.

Buy the keys off Ebay. Typically they're around £3 each. You should get the key, the hinge mechanism and the little rubber nipple that sits on the keyboard membrane.

kduffy101

ok ive got the 2 screws out,but im struggling to slide keyboard forward(fig 1).ive gently tried a flat screwdriver at the top of it but i cant find any gaps.....

kduffy101

right ive managed to get to the keyboard,but its not moving,it seems like its stuck with glue or a screw somewhere,
any ideas???

kduffy101

its ok ive done it.lets hope its easy to put back. lol.
thanks