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65883
June 2nd, 2013 10:00
Vostro 2420: Cannot remove keyboard.
I bought my wife a Vostro 2420 and. while she likes it, it is incredibly slow and sluggish when booting up and booting programs. I've removed all the bloatware, etc but it is still a digital sloth. I decided to do a fresh OS install with a faster hard drive (birthday!), but for the life of me, I cannot get the keyboard off. I've watched videos, followed the instruction manual here, but it's as if the sucker is glued down. If I try to pry it up at the spots circled in the instructions, it seems as if just the plastic between the keys wants to come up, but the keys don't move. Also, when I pry, it looks as if the keyboard is held down along the side edges as well as the top and bottom.
HELP!.
ejn63
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June 2nd, 2013 14:00
There is a good video here on how to do it for a different model with a similar style keyboard (it doesn't look like your model has the lower screws that hold the keyboard in, but if you can't release the keyboard after undoing the four snap hooks, it might.
jdbrechtel
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August 3rd, 2015 15:00
An old thread but I couldn't find any newer ones related in a quick search - I apologize if I missed any.
At my job I sometimes have to deal with memory upgrades and taking apart/re-assembling computers and laptops.
I first tried to do this on a Vostro 2420 a while ago and the keyboard was being incredibly stubborn and it was creeping me out that I was going to damage the laptop if this kept up.
I had to do this on two Vostro 2420's actually, and the keyboards were latched on very hard. I find though that on laptops where you have to temporarily dislodge the keyboard, use a good skinny flathead tool (I got the job done with ones that you can typically adjust/tighten eyeglasses with), and don't be afraid to be aggressive with it. It will take some persistence, but it will pry open if you stick with it.
Just be careful that you get completely under the keyboard with the tool you are using and get the entire keyboard piece, and not risk accidentally breaking or getting actual keys loose. If you can pry under the keyboard, as long as you are not over the top reckless, the risk of damaging other parts of the laptop (memory, hard drive, etc.), is extremely low.
Once you are able to install memory, re-installing the keyboard back on isn't difficult. You'll hear a lot of clicks/snaps when you try to re-attach, just make sure it is completely on again.