Comments on: A key fell off the laptop keyboard. Fixing the problem.

By: Kevin D

Kevin D — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:07:12 +0000

Sweet! Thanks a lot, gave me tips on how to fix my tab button that was kind of on a hinge

By: cj2600

cj2600 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:37:54 +0000

Norton,

obviously this has to be done carefully but is there any particular technique which is less likely to break the key retainer?

There is no special technique. I found it’s easier to remove the key if you start lifting up just one side of the key, not the entire key. You can start with wither side.

Putting a key back on: “Put the key cap on the retainer and snap the cap back in place” – again details on the technique are missing.

The key cap has four small plastic locks. When you position the key cap above the retainer and push it down, it should lock on the retainer. I’m not sure how more details you need.

By: Norton

Norton — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:15:28 +0000

Thanks for the great images and info, but the detail I am looking for is missing. 1. Removing a key: “Carefully remove the cap from any other working key so the key retainer stays connected to the keyboard” – obviously this has to be done carefully but is there any particular technique which is less likely to break the key retainer? e.g. use fingernail to lever up the key from the top or right? 2. Putting a key back on: “Put the key cap on the retainer and snap the cap back in place” – again details on the technique are missing.
Adding these details would greatly improve this article. Thanks.

By: cj2600

cj2600 — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:08:50 +0000

@ wilson,

I repair computers, and its just easier to order a new keyboard typically than try to fix them.. thats just my 2 cents.. 15$ will typically pay for a new keyboard.

As a laptop tech I agree with you. It takes less time to replace the keyboard than fix a broken key but… some people have no idea how to replace the keyboard or they just afraid to try it.

By: wilson

wilson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:20:56 +0000

I repair computers, and its just easier to order a new keyboard typically than try to fix them.. thats just my 2 cents.. 15$ will typically pay for a new keyboard.. ive only seen once i order once.. an emachine cost like 40 bucks!

By: cj2600

cj2600 — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:33:15 +0000

@ Catherine,

These is a great help but what can you do if the little metal things at the four corners on the base of the keyboard are missing?

You’ll have to replace the keyboard.
What is your laptop model? Maybe I can point you to the disassembly instructions.

By: liz

liz — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:40:38 +0000

thank you!!! my A and K keys fell off, and your explanation made it easy and fast to repair!

By: Kenya Starflight

Kenya Starflight — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:43:21 +0000

Thank you so much My E and I keys had popped off, and your site saved me an unnecessary trip to my tech support guy…

By: Megahn

Megahn — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:34:53 +0000

THANK U! SOO MUCH!

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:38:43 +0000

These is a great help but what can you do if the little metal things at the four corners on the base of the keyboard are missing?
We have an “f” key that we can’t get to stick in place. Any help
would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.