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bchap90210
2 Posts
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11737
November 14th, 2003 09:00
Space Bar Broken
The button for my space bar has come off. I can see under it that one of the sides that fastens the space bar down has come off. It is still able to clamp back on, but it is not 100%. I could easily just put the space bar back on, but the rubber piece underneath the key that hits against the actual switch that triggers the space bar action has come loose. I dont know if it came on glued or if you guys use epoxy or whatever. So I'm wanting to repair this cheaply as if I had the right parts and some basic info I could fix this myself. There are no other problems with the system...just a space bar that has come undone. No one has been able to help me so far. I could not understand your tech support people as they are from India. The only answer I got is that it would cost $269 base charge, plus extra expenses. This is too much money for basically a five minute job. I would like to hear other solutions and prices. I would also like an answer from someone in the know...as every response I have received has been extremely canned.
Thanks,
Beau
service tag: 5MH6021
bchap90210
2 Posts
1650
0
Posted November 14th, 2003 15:00
Okay, that is absolutely no help. Do you guys have anyone in your company that can just give me simple guidance on a spacebar coming off...that is all I need. This is at most a $20 repair...I just want to know how to get it done.
@bchap90210 wrote:
Okay, that is absolutely no help. Do you guys have anyone in your company that can just give me simple guidance on a spacebar coming off...that is all I need. This is at most a $20 repair...I just want to know how to get it done.
bchap90210,
Dell does not sell individual keys, just complete keyboards. You can read documentation on how to rplace the keyboard on your system by following these directions:
- Browse to Dell's support page. Login using the service tag on your system.
- Click the Product Documentation link below your system and service tag.
- Click the Removing and Replacing Parts link.
- Click the Keyboard link.
There are instructions for individual keys in my post above.
Did you say $269? US dollars? Check ebay for used keyboards.
Since I can't see your space bar and keyboard, I'm not sure of its exact problem. But it sounds like the hinge mechanism holding the spacebar to the supports underneath have come loose. The supports are thin horizontal metal bars. The hinge mechanism slides under these metal bars. It's easy to dislodge the keys if you apply lateral pressure while pressing the keys down.
Separate the hinge mechanism from the spacebar (should pop off). Place the hinge back onto the support. Then pop the spacebar back onto the hinge at the appropriate spots. (I have never replaced the spacebar...but have replaced other keys...but it should be the same).
DELL-BobT
3125 Posts
1650
0
Posted November 14th, 2003 11:00
beau,
Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
The only suggestion I have for you is to look at item #5 in the Keyboard / Pointing Devices FAQ.