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Broken Key - Dell Latitude D820 - HELP !
:emotion-6:On my Dell Latitude D820 a Shift key had the top come off. I don't see any broken parts but I can't get it to stay on.
I read some general instructions on line but that didn't work for me.
How do I get the key back on to stay?
Once it comes off, do I need to replace it?
Can I replace the key and not the whole keyboard?
I asked a repair place and they said they would replace the keyboard $65 parts and $75 labor, Ugh! Is that what I have to do?
HELP! :emotion-6:
Alan
husky0894
1.6K Posts
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November 10th, 2008 18:00
You will need to replace the keyboard. Your shop is expensive - the keyboard costs about $30 and can be replaced easily in about ten minutes.
http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=3746
alanjones10
6 Posts
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November 10th, 2008 19:00
I have never replaced a keyboard in a laptop. Is it something I should try myself or get someone who has done it?
TheRealFireblad
4.6K Posts
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November 12th, 2008 02:00
I assume from everything you've said, your laptop is no longer covered by warranty?
I had to have a Dell technician out to replace the keyboard on my XPS M1730 just two or three weeks ago, and it took him less than two minutes!
Of course he's a qualified technician, and removal of the keyboard will be slightly different in different model laptops.
Nonetheless... the fact it took him less than two minutes, suggests it would probably be a fairly quick and easy job to do for most anybody?
My laptop is still fairly new though (April 2008), and I paid for a 4 year warranty - which is why I chose to call tech support, rather than do it myself.
But I'd be very confident if I ever did have to do it myself.
Anyways... I'd suggest you have a read of the following 'Keyboard' section of the D820 Service Manual, which explains/shows how to remove the keyboard.
You'll also need to follow this guide - for removing the Hinge Cover ;)
kmelmore
6 Posts
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November 17th, 2008 13:00
I just replaced my Inspiron 1300 keyboard and really messed it up (addressed in another post). However, you should be able to do it if you've ever done any computer repairs or upgrades before. First, Dell will probably sell you a replacement keyboard at a reasonable price. Mine was delivered in 2 days after my order was placed. Second, read the online service manual, mentioned in the post above. Then you want to follow the usual precautions about making sure your work area is clean and static-free, and follow the instructions in the manual about unplugging the computer and removing the battery before doing anything else. You get to the keyboard from the top, by removing the hinge cover. I did not have the tool they specified to remove it, but I used a very small, very flat screwdriver. After removing the hinge cover, you will have to remove a couple of screws, then gently lift out the old keyboard. It will be connected to the motherboard. Take a look at your replacement keyboard--if it is like mine, the end of the cable is naked and slips into a connector on the motherboard. If you flip the black part of the connector up by 90 degrees, the old cable should slide right out and the new one should slide in. (I managed to break this part through sheer stupidity--I don't think you'll have the same problem as long as you don't try to force it.) Make sure the cable is completely seated and flip the black piece down flat. Then, starting with the part of the keyboard nearest you, slide the keyboard into place. Replace the screws and the hinge cover. You have just replaced the keyboard! Good luck.
kirkd
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5.2K Posts
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November 17th, 2008 16:00
You can buy individual key caps on e-Bay. They have several parts, and perhaps something was lost or broken. I doubt anything on the keyboard was broken.
CompGuy2009
2 Posts
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November 19th, 2008 18:00
How do you order the new keyboard?
alanjones10
6 Posts
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November 19th, 2008 19:00
The first reply from husky0894 gave a link where we can order it from. After that site gave me the precise name I did a google search and found multiple places selling it.
I haven't ordered one yet, but I plan to. Then I plan to follow the instrucints in the service manual to replace it myself.
CompGuy2009
2 Posts
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November 19th, 2008 19:00
That's the problem. I don't have a Latitude D820. I have a Dell Vostro 1000 and I can't find replacement parts anywhere. The Parts-People site gives me Inspiron parts and neither the Vostro or Inspiron parts gives me a keyboard. eBay, maybe?
alanjones10
6 Posts
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November 19th, 2008 21:00
Several models of Dell laptops have the same parts. THe service manual for the Vostro 1000 is also for the Latitude 131L.
I think also for the Inspiron 131L. I am not that familiar with the Vostro line. See these Vostro 1000 replacements.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DELL-630m-1501-E1501-M90-Vostro-1000-Keyboard-PN:JC939_W0QQitemZ110308976404QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20081107?IMSfp=TL081107118003r8043
alanjones10
6 Posts
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November 19th, 2008 21:00
Did you know that the service manual for the Vostro 1000 is also for the Latitude 131L ?
Their parts should be the same.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos1000/EN/sm_en/keyboard.htm#wp1128638
Here is your keyboard for sale on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/DELL-Latitude-131L-&--Vostro-1000-Keyboard-**-NEW-**_W0QQitemZ140282099917QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20081115?IMSfp=TL081115101010r18123
alanjones10
6 Posts
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November 19th, 2008 21:00
Sorry, I am saying these things in bits and pieces, Search for the part Dell Laptop Keyboard NC929 .
kmelmore
6 Posts
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November 20th, 2008 03:00
You can also try buying directly from Dell. The Inspiron 1300 keyboard cost me $53; that included shipping.
razorx16190
1 Message
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December 22nd, 2008 21:00
How do i buy directly from Dell? Can i find it online, or do i have to call them?
kmelmore
6 Posts
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December 23rd, 2008 17:00
I couldn't find it online. I had to call Customer Service.