Poorly Laptop

oopsadaisydoddle

Hi,

Just looking for a bit of advice if possible.

We have an acer laptop (not sure of the model right now but can get if needed). Unfortunately our 2 yr old has managed to get hold of it and has pulled 2 thirds of the keys off. He also got a bit excitable with the lid and pulled it up and down a few times which has caused a problem with the screen - it only actually comes on if the laptop lid is half shut and if you try and put it back, it goes blank which seems like it might be something loose inside??

I'm not very technical so apologies if my description is a bit basic but wondering if anyone could offer advice as to whether these issues might be fixable and also whether that would be more cost effective than replacing the laptop.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

prowla

It is possible to get replacement keyboards and fit them, but it can be a bit problematic and what are apparently similar models may have different parts.

Screens can be a bit more tricky, and there are some quite delicate wires there.

I would think that it would only be viable to repair if you could do it, as otherwise the labour to source and fit the parts would probably be too high.

If you do decide to replace it, you could probably keep its hard disk and put it into an external enclosure (that is a very easy job), and if you offer the laptop on freegle there is bound to be somebody who would want it for spares/repair.

Figment

If you still have the keys (and they're not covered in raspberry jam!) you might be able to replace them - a bit tricky but they should just snap onto the hinge bit. Otherwise you should be able to get a replacement keyboard from ebay - but heed the warning above about different components on similar looking machines.

The screen problem is likely to be the ribbon cable then connects the LCD to the main board. About an hour to dismantle, remove and refit a replacement which can usually be found on ebay.

Googling "replace screen on [make model of laptop]" should turn up countless Youtube videos showing you how to take the bevel off to get at it.

oopsadaisydoddle

Thanks for the responses. This is actually the second time the keys have been removed...unfortunately he did it once before. I know, I'd probably be better off spending some money on a pair of eyes for the back of my head!

DH is very good at using the computer and doing all sorts of things with it but I'm not sure he'd be very good at the dismantling and assembling so it may be the better option to replace. He said something about putting some parts in to a new one if we decided to go down that route, we have a blu ray drive on this one that apparently can be transferred.

If we do replace, it will be stored out of sight and reach of those raspberry jam (how did you know?!) fingers!

Thanks again for replying.

Figment

As long as they are not broken those keys could fetch around £1 each on ebay if anyone is looking for replacement keys for the same model laptop.

Replacing that cable is fairly straightforward. About half-dozen screws, carefully prising the bezel off (a plastic plectrum is an ideal tool for this) and a couple of plugs. Trickiest bit is being careful not to dislodge any of the other cables inside the laptop.


Is the blu ray internal or external?

It had to be either raspberry jam, nutella or peanut butter!

oopsadaisydoddle

It's internal which I suppose if he can move that (which he seems confident about), then maybe he can do the repair! Might as we have a go, nothing to lose!

robmar0se

My guess is the cable either has worked loose as above or has broken as a result of all the hammering it received, Without knowing the model, I would expect it not to cost more than £30 to fix, plus the cable if required. Some keyboards complete for some models can be had for less than £20.

Unless it is over 3 years old I would think it worthwhile to fix. Can give you more definitive answer if you post the make and model.

oopsadaisydoddle

robmar0se wrote: »

My guess is the cable either has worked loose as above or has broken as a result of all the hammering it received, Without knowing the model, I would expect it not to cost more than £30 to fix, plus the cable if required. Some keyboards complete for some models can be had for less than £20.

Unless it is over 3 years old I would think it worthwhile to fix. Can give you more definitive answer if you post the make and model.

Thanks for the reply - I've had a look and it's an Acer Aspire 6920 - hope that's the right info! Think we will have had it 4 yrs in October.

robmar0se

To check and/or replace the screen cable, needs two operations:

1. the first procedure is partly the same as replacing the keyboard. the plug/socket for the screen cable is under the facia between the keyboard and the hinges. I quote this from another website for replacing the keyboard

is not difficult but you will need a screwdriver and some careful prising off of various bits, so a bit of bravery with your laptop is also required.
First thing is remove the power plug AND the battery.
where the battery is there are several screws that hold the keyboard in place,
remove and keep safe, remember where they go as one or two are different lengths and thread sizes. The hard (and bravery required) bit is prising off the top cover just under where the screen is, use a flat bladed small screw driver and very gently lever off the cover. The easiest way is to open the screen as far as it will go and put the screwdriver in along the top of the hinge cover and lever upwards, this will pop the cover off at both ends and the gently pull the cover off, using the screwdriver to pinpoint the pressure where the clips are. Don't scrape the screwdriver inside as there circuit boards underneath and you don't want t damage them. There are a few small screws that hold the keyboard in place (on some models it is just spring clips that hold it in) and the keyboard will lift up. Under the keyboard is a data ribbon, this is help in place by a pressure clamp, some lift and others slide just a few millimetres, remove the cable.
Installing your new keyboard is the opposite of removal, data ribbon, press the Kb into place (or replace screws), put the cover on, put the screws in where the battery tray is, put the battery in and fire it up.
If this all sounds to technical or you are just not prepared to tackle your laptop with a screwdriver then get a technician to do it for you.

NB where it says use a flat screwdriver to prise the facia off, I use a plastic placket, or similar (thumbnails are handy!)

Secondly to access the cable for the LCD screen, you will need to remove the rubber buttons to access the retaining screws, undo those, and use the placket to gently prise away the screen bezel. The screen is held in place by 2 or 3 screws on the side of the hinge arms. Fold the screen forward, perhaps resting on something to protect the face being damaged. The cable has 2/3 plugs, (i) into the inverter (ii) flat into top of the screen, and (ii) optionally the camera cable.

Remove the plug under the keyboard facia, and clean, and reinsert firmly. Make sure the plug/sockets on the screen are properly inserted (also making sure the cables into & out of the inverter are home - the inverter is below the screen, between the hinges). Roll the screen back. Taking care insert the power adapter back in so that the laptop has power, locate the power-on switch & gently turn on, let it power up. Does the screen show in all angles, if not does wiggling the screen cable change matters? If you can't get a consistent stable screen, then go for one of the many advertised on ebay - as most are used parts go for the guy that guarantees it working.

Good luck

oopsadaisydoddle

robmar0se wrote: »

To check and/or replace the screen cable, needs two operations:

1. the first procedure is partly the same as replacing the keyboard. the plug/socket for the screen cable is under the facia between the keyboard and the hinges. I quote this from another website for replacing the keyboard

NB where it says use a flat screwdriver to prise the facia off, I use a plastic placket, or similar (thumbnails are handy!)

Secondly to access the cable for the LCD screen, you will need to remove the rubber buttons to access the retaining screws, undo those, and use the placket to gently prise away the screen bezel. The screen is held in place by 2 or 3 screws on the side of the hinge arms. Fold the screen forward, perhaps resting on something to protect the face being damaged. The cable has 2/3 plugs, (i) into the inverter (ii) flat into top of the screen, and (ii) optionally the camera cable.

Remove the plug under the keyboard facia, and clean, and reinsert firmly. Make sure the plug/sockets on the screen are properly inserted (also making sure the cables into & out of the inverter are home - the inverter is below the screen, between the hinges). Roll the screen back. Taking care insert the power adapter back in so that the laptop has power, locate the power-on switch & gently turn on, let it power up. Does the screen show in all angles, if not does wiggling the screen cable change matters? If you can't get a consistent stable screen, then go for one of the many advertised on ebay - as most are used parts go for the guy that guarantees it working.

Good luck

Thanks very much for taking the time to post this. Will pass it on to DH and see how we get on.