Key Fallen Off

johnjrllee,

A Key Falls Off the Keyboard on a Laptop

If the computer is under warranty, contact Dell.

Rick

my warranty has ended

johnjrllee,

If you can't reseat the keycap, then you can replace the keyboard. I think one can be purchased at Dell Parts-People.com, INC - Parts and Service for Dell Laptop Notebooks - Home

Reseat the keycap.

It is possible for the keycap on the internal keyboard to get stuck or come
off in the course of using a portable computer. To put the keycap back on the
portable, perform the following steps:

1. Determine how the keycap connects to the portable system.
   • Underneath the keycap is a rubber plunger and a plastic scissor spring. (see
     Figure 1 and Figure 2)

   Figure 1: Bottom of Keycap, Scissor, and Plunger on a Portable Internal Keyboard

   Figure 2: Portable Internal
   Keyboard with the Scissor in the Raised Position

   • One style of portable keyboard also includes a scissor support bar. (see
     Figure 3)
     
     
     Figure
     3: Optional Support on Portable Keyboard

2. Carefully line up the keycap on top of the plastic scissor and press down.
   (see Figure 4)
   
   
   Figure
   4: Lining up a Keycap and Pressing Down

   	Note:
   	You might need to wiggle your finger back and forth for the keycap to snap down on the scissor spring. There are two "snaps," one at the top and one at the bottom of the key.

3. If there is a scissor support bar and it has come loose, clip the lower part
   of the bar on first under the bottom scissor rail, then snap the upper part over
   the top scissor rail before lining up the keycap to reattach it. (Figure
   5)
   
   
   Figure
   5: Clipping the Support Bar Under the Bottom Rail

Rick