These instructions will help you to remove and replace keyboards on various laptops. I will not be able to cover all models but you’ll get the idea. Steps for removing and replacing the keyboard are similar for most laptops.
If your keyboard is missing a key, it’s not necessary to replace the whole keyboard. You can fix it using this guide: how to fix keys on a laptop keyboard.
Warning!
- if your laptop is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, do not open the case or you can loose the warranty.
- always remove the battery and unplug the AC adapter before you open the laptop case.
- if you damage the keyboard connector on the motherboard you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard.
- proceed on your own risk.
Sony laptop
I took these pictures from a Sony Vaio PCG-K33 (model PCG-9S1L) notebook. Should be similar for some other Sony notebooks too.
Insert a small flathead screwdriver under the keyboard bezel and carefully lift it up. Continue releasing plastic latches and removing the keyboard bezel with your fingers.
Be careful, on some models the bezel might be connected to the motherboard as it shown on the picture above. If you accidentally pulled the cable, connect it back. It is not necessary to disconnect the keyboard bezel from the motherboard in order to remove and replace the keyboard, just put it aside so you can access the keyboard screws.
Remove three (or more) screws from the top of the keyboard. Carefully lift up the keyboard from the laptop case.
The keyboard connects to the motherboard via a flat ribbon cable. Before you pull the cable from the connector, you’ll have to unlock the connector.
The image above illustrates how to unlock the keyboard connector. Carefully move the connector lock 2-3 millimeters up and after that pull the keyboard cable. To install the keyboard, follow the above mentioned steps in the reverse order.
Toshiba laptop
The following pictures were taken from a Toshiba Satellite A135 laptop. The keyboard removal instructions will be almost the same for most modern Toshiba laptops.
The keyboard bezel removal procedure is similar to the above mentioned Sony Vaio laptop. Lift it up with a small screwdriver and remove using fingers. On most Toshiba laptops the keyboard bezel doesn’t have any circuit board underneath, it’s just a piece of plastic and you don’t have to worry about cables.
After the bezel is removed you get an access to the keyboard screws. Remove two (or more) screws. Release the plastic latch pointed with the red arrow and lift up the keyboard. Carefully put the keyboard aside so you can access the connector underneath the keyboard. Do not forget that the keyboard is still connected to the motherboard.
Before you remove the keyboard, you’ll have to open the connector and release the flat ribbon cable.
Here’s a closeup picture of the keyboard connector on the motherboard. Be careful, this type of connector is fragile. On the left image the connector is closed. On the right image the connector is opened. Unlock the connector by moving the lock up as it shown on the right image and after that release the ribbon cable. Remove and replace the keyboard. For assembly instructions follow all the steps in the reverse order.
UPDATE. What can you do if the keyboard connector was damaged?
If you are looking for laptop disassembly instructions, check out laptop service manuals.
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February 4th, 2013 at 5:07 am
@ terrychancellor,
I think this is a mistake. I’m not selling any keyboards on this site.
January 15th, 2013 at 1:28 am
this is a new keyboard ordered from you guys 4 keys wnot work old keyboard works changeing back and forth the b key bracket is brohe on old board ineed rma for return exchange
October 18th, 2012 at 8:57 am
I have a Toshiba L355D laptop. I am trying to remove the bezel in order to replace the inverter and I cannot get the bottom of the bezel detached. Is there any way to do this without taking the entire top of the laptop apart? Thanks for any suggestions.
June 29th, 2012 at 7:54 am
@ meek-meek,
Most likely this is hardware related failure.
It’s hard to tell what is causing the problem. Could be one of the following:
1. Bad connection between the keyboard and motherboard.
2. Keyboard failed.
3. Motherboard failed.
First, I would try reconnecting the keyboard cable on the motherboard. If it doesn’t help, try replacing the keyboard. If replacing the keyboard doesn’t fix the issue either, most likely there is a problem with the motherboard (probably failed keyboard controller). In this case the laptop not worth fixing because the whole motherboard has to be replaced.
June 29th, 2012 at 6:11 am
i’v just reformat my lop top but when i open my lop top again there are some keys that are not functioning., at fist it was just the keys (qwert)they are replaced by (12345) then after i restart my lop top it turns out to be the more keys are not functioning. can you help me resolve this problem pls…
January 11th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
@ julia,
First of all, you stop using the laptop right away. Unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery.
After that you disassemble the laptop for further investigation.
Take a look at this post: http://www.laptoprepair101.com.....uid-spill/
January 8th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
wat if someone spills water on the whole computer and the whole keyboard does not work
December 9th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Thanks for the instructions. I used them on a compaq F700 and it worked great.
November 12th, 2011 at 9:14 am
@ GrimNir,
It’s possible the keyboard is secured by hidden spring loaded latches on the top.
As an example you can use this guide: http://www.insidemylaptop.com/.....33-laptop/
Also, remove all screws from the bottom of the laptop. It’s possible some of them securing the keyboard.
Hope it helps.
November 12th, 2011 at 8:26 am
Hi Great post, I’ve used the instructions on other laptops. However I now have to remove the keyboard from a zoomstorm notebook freedom 10-270. There isn’t an obvious bit above to pry away. The notepad was dropped and the keyboard came out. rather than bring it to me straight away he tried to just shove the keyboard back on and now the keyboard doesn’t work. I’m wary of damaging it further by prising the keyboard off again and would like some advice on how to remove it please.