Keyboard problems--Inspiron 600m

Question

Will someone PLEASE explain to me why Dell is making laptops that have keys that are impossible to replace.    My left Ctrl key popped off.  I have searched the entire Dell website and the only advice that I can find is to be careful, the keys are difficult and time-consuming to replace.  I have spent nearly 3 days trying to replace one key while I am awaiting a $35 dollar replacement keyboard because of ONE key.  Has anyone had success replacing these keys--I have an Inspiron 600m?    After reading the directions to replace my entire keyboard, I am concerned because it sounds like keys from the NEW keyboard can pop off during installation.  I have built desktops from scratch, and cannot believe that I cannot figure out how to replace one key.  :smileysad:   Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.   THANK YOU!

BigBrother · Answer

msimon01,

Keytops on laptop keyboards are very different than on desktop keyboards. I some cases, a keybop can be put back on, but most often, it pops right back off. The best solution is to replace the keyboard.

Steve

msimon01 · Answer

Thank you for your very much for your post.     I guess that I should start stockpiling replacement keyboards just in case this happens, again.  Based on previous posts, this is not an isolated event.  As laptops are intended for portability, I will look like a pack rat if I drag three spare keyboards around the country during travel to prepare for the just-in-case situations.    Although the replacement process is reported as time-consuming and difficult, it would be nice if Dell could post the instructions so that we could at least try to fix the problem.  If I were out of town/country and my keys started falling off I would really appreciate a temporary fix.    I sure wish that Dell's laptop manufacturers could solve this problem.  I have associates with other brands of laptops and they simply pop their keys back on.    Perhaps I can sell the key parts on eBay to finance my new keyboards:smileywink:   Again, thanks for taking the time to reply.

BigBrother · Answer

msimon01,

You are quite welcome. The keyboard replacement process is not terribly difficult. Of course, if your system is under service contract, it is extremely easy to do -- a technician will do it for you.

The instructions for replacing a keyboard can be found at this link:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins600m/en/sm/keyboard.htm#1111863

Steve

Message Edited by BigBrother on 07-04-2005 03:04 PM

Michael Kelley · Answer

Actually, you CAN replace a key (keycap) on a Dell laptop keyboard. I have an Inspiron 9300, a key recently popped off and I followed the instructions in the Dell service manual, available online.

The important point is that you must first pop the "scissor key" (after separating it from the keycap if it wasn't separate already) back onto the keyboard, and then you can replace the keycap by placing it correctly and pushing hard enough for it to snap back onto the scissor key.

The Dell instructions include photos - they don't correspond to a 9300, but were close enough ...

Here is the URL for those instructions:

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

slacker730 · Answer

Thanks for that link! I followed their instructions for the key on my D500 that a kid pulled out. The scissor got ben a tiny bit so the key's angle is a little off, but the key is still totally functional. I wouldn't recommend pulling keys out for cleaning purposes, but this was much better than replacing the whole keyboard.

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Keyboard problems--Inspiron 600m

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