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.
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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September 13th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
hi friend i need a urgent help
im having a sony vaio VGN-FE41E laptop ,n the problem is that im living in a small island of spain n here v dont have any good laptop repair center so i thought may b u can help me. the problem in my laptop is the screen it loose from the right side of the laptop so when ever i open or close my laptop it wont open or close properly i think its just the screw which is gone lose but i need instruction to open the laptop as iv paid 1200eur for it so i dont want to do some thing wrong
if u can help ill b greatfull to u
thanx 4 ur time
kevin
September 13th, 2008 at 7:09 am
Re: my prior entry below–
In the meantime, I wedged the keyboard’s cable-strip into the connector using a business card cut to size. So far it’s working great (I typed this using that keyboard), but I would like to do it right if at all possible.
Thanks,
Mark
September 13th, 2008 at 6:12 am
I broke the little plastic, keyboard-to-motherboard, lock-down connector on the Toshiba. Wish I had read your page before (you warn above that it’s fragile).
Any idea where to research/purchase them online?
Thanks,
Mark
September 11th, 2008 at 1:50 am
thanks very much guys,i had learn some troubleshooting tips about some loptops, hope to learn some more
August 30th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Hi Folks!
Just wanted to share my new experience.
If your Windows XP denies to run due to an error related to missing HAL.DLL, invalid Boot.ini or any other important system boot files you can repair this by using the XP installation CD. Simply boot from your XP Setup CD and enter the Recovery Console. Then run “attrib -H -R -S” on the C:\Boot.ini file and delete it. Run “Bootcfg /Rebuild” and then Fixboot
Regards,
Carl
August 29th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Thats SO funny I only have TWO laptops and BOTH of them are in this tutorial!
thanks!
-hero
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
IT’s always challenging and scary to replace your first laptop keyboard, but once you have gone through the process of doing just that with more than a couple then its may just become a routine.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Jana,
I couldn’t find a replacement keyboard either even on eBay. Are you sure AD2000 is the correct model name?
July 26th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Hi, I’m trying to reformat my Asus AD2000 – but having trouble because my keyboard is apparently stuffed. Asus Service Centre Melbourne said it was only the keyboard, but now Asus Service Centre Sydney (moved recently) now say its the keyboard controller on the motherboard. But I am using a USB keyboard fine – so shouldn’t the keyboard controller on M/B still be fine?
Anyways, all I want is to be able to reformat at least to lift the game of my tired old laptop – as I have scoured the globe (it feels like) but cannot find a replacement keyboard anywhere and Asus (gee they are helpful! not) say that they don’t or won’t stock the keyboard controller/motherboard – they advise just buy a new laptop. Can you offer any advice for someone in this situation? Cheers, Jana
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
playmax,
Check the connection between the keyboard cable and the motherboard. Make sure the cable is properly connected, reseat the cable.