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General discussion

can I replace my laptop keybord

Jul 31, 2004 12:21PM PDT

After my son spilled his juice on my keyboard it has not worked properly. Can I find a replacement and how hard it is to change. It is a Dell Latitude D600.

Discussion is locked

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Re: can I replace my laptop keybord
Jul 31, 2004 12:36PM PDT

I've replaced dozens. It's all been a simple affair and I'll share that once the keyboard is lifted up, a ribbon connection is still on the mainboard. Look closely and with a small wood stick or if you are extremely care a small flathead screwdriver, slide up a plastic retainer and the flat cable is easily removed.

Reverse this process to install. Put the ribbon connector in, slide the plastic retainer back down and snap the keyboard back into place.

The most I've paid for the keyboard is 150. Lowest has been 75. It varies with the laptop.

Bob

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Re: can I replace my laptop keybord
Jul 31, 2004 12:39PM PDT

does it matter where i get the keyboard as long as it is compatible?

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Re: can I replace my laptop keybord
Jul 31, 2004 12:43PM PDT

"does it matter where i get the keyboard as long as it is compatible?"

I can't answer that. Maybe I don't understand your question.

Bob

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Re: can I replace my laptop keybord
Jul 31, 2004 12:50PM PDT

As far as I can tell (searching Dell.com) they do not offer replacement keyboards. The only other place I have found so far is over the internet. I guess, can they be trusted to be reliable products?

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Ahh!
Jul 31, 2004 9:32PM PDT

I bet you looked on their web site for spare parts. You won't find such there. You get to call in and speak to them.

As to "can they be trusted to be reliable products?" in reference to some unknown vendor, I can't answer that one either.

Bob

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Re: can I replace my laptop keybord
Aug 1, 2004 4:14AM PDT

Most notebooks can have their keyboard removed and replaced if you know what you are doing.

However, if you spilled liquid into the notebook keyboard, how you you know you didn't damage the motherboard below it also or some other component ?

If you can plug in an external keyboard using the USB connection and it works fine then you may be able to do this. You might be able to find what you want at e-bay cheapest or you could order the part from Dell.

If you go to notebookforums.com and ask the question in the Dell section about how to remove and replace the keyboard someone can likely assist you that has a Dell.