Lap top keyboard replacement.. How easy or hard?

[C.Ann]

Seems like every day I have more and more keys sticking - have done every kind of cleaning I can - and I'm about "done"..

I have a Dell Inspiron E1505 lap top - purchased in 2006 - and no longer under warranty, so there's no concern with voiding the warranty if something doesn't go right..

A replacement keyboard for this model (brand new) is not that expensive at all on Amazon.com..

I would not be attempting the replacement - my Dson-in-law would - who is very talented in doing most anything.. However, in looking over my lap top this morning, I don't even see where/how the keyboard comes off..

Has anyone done this? Did it turn out okay? I can't really afford to buy a new lap top - so obviously this venture makes me a bit anxious..

Anyone?

Thanks!

 

[schmitty]

You can just plug in a keyboard and it will work and I wouldn't imagine it would be to difficult.

 

[C.Ann]

You can just plug in a keyboard and it will work and I wouldn't imagine it would be to difficult.

Huh? How? Where?

 

[GreatDaneMom]

You can just plug in a keyboard and it will work and I wouldn't imagine it would be to difficult.

On a laptop?

 

[dawson5]

In a USB slot I think.

C. Ann have you looked at youtube?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbAzHtFYNrk

That was the first one that came up, look on the side, there are more.

 

[C.Ann]

On a laptop?

That's my question as well..

 

[C.Ann]

In a USB slot I think.

C. Ann have you looked at youtube?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbAzHtFYNrk

That was the first one that came up, look on the side, there are more.

Thank you SO much!!!!! Gosh - I could do that myself!!! Looks like I'll be ordering a new keyboard after I check around for the best price..

You're a lifesaver!!

 

[DrCavin]

You could buy a regular USB keyboard & plug it in. Granted it really isnt as nice as using the built-in keyboard. Some laptops are a pain in the *rse to remove/replace the keyboard, others arent too bad.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My husband replaced mine easily.

I couldn't tell you how he did it, but as long as you can find the replacement part, someone who knows computers shouldn't have any trouble at all.

We considered just plugging in a peripheral keyboard, but that kind of defeats the purpose of a laptop. IF you elect that option--it is just a keyboard that would "plug" into your computer like an external mouse via a USB port. Your relative would know how to do that, too.

 

[FireDancer]

Huh? How? Where?

Just plug a USB laptop into an open USB port. If it is an older laptop you might also have a PS/2 connection (pictures below).

Replacing a keyboard on most laptops isn't impossibly hard but if you haven't taken one apart before it can be intimating. It really depends on the form factor of the laptop. Some simply require removing a ring around the keyboard while others require taking a lot more of it apart.

PS/2:

USB:

 

[dawson5]

Thank you SO much!!!!! Gosh - I could do that myself!!! Looks like I'll be ordering a new keyboard after I check around for the best price..

You're a lifesaver!!

No problem. Try newegg for the keyboard. Look at your screws also, you might need a tiny set or a special set. I know they sell small kits for around $15-20 and are meant specifically for working on pc's.

 

[C.Ann]

Just plug a USB laptop into an open USB port. If it is an older laptop you might even have a PS/2 connection (pictures below).

Replacing a keyboard on most laptops isn't impossibly hard but if you haven't taken one apart before it can be intimating. It really depends on the form factor of the laptop. Some simply require removing a ring around the keyboard while others require taking a lot more of it apart.

PS/2:

USB:

Thanks - but the you-tube showed my exact scenario - same lap top - and it appears to be easy enough that even I could do it - providing I have the strength in my hands (I have issues with them).. If not, there's not a doubt in my mind that DD's DH can do it in no time flat..

 

[C.Ann]

No problem. Try newegg for the keyboard. Look at your screws also, you might need a tiny set or a special set. I know they sell small kits for around $15-20 and are meant specifically for working on pc's.

Will do.. Thanks again..

My Dson-in-law has every size/set of screwdrivers known to mankind - LOL - so I'll just give him a heads up when I get the keyboard so he can bring the right set up here to the lake..

 

[golfgal]

I just had to replace the screen on my Dell Latitude--well, my DS18 replaced it for me. In order to do THAT you had to remove the keyboard, which was quite easy. The Latitude wouldn't be all that different. The external keyboard, you can buy one anywhere electronics are sold-Walmart, Target, etc.--are actually a nice option because I think they are easier to type on. You might also want to get a USB expander port thing-where you can plug in several items-printer, keyboard, mouse-because the Dell's don't have a lot of extra USB ports.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I have a dell also and they are easy to do... I am about to order my 4th replacement

I get mine from ebay for about $12

 

[The.Epcot.Man]

if you opt for a usb keyboard, I'd recommend going wireless. I did it for my mom and hooked up the laptop to her 50" HD TV. Much easier for her to work with.

 

[golfgal]

if you opt for a usb keyboard, I'd recommend going wireless. I did it for my mom and hooked up the laptop to her 50" HD TV. Much easier for her to work with.

This would help with your vision issues to CAnn