Laptop keyboards can wear out fast. Some keyboards wear out from excess use, while others experience calamities such as spilled drinks or dropping the entire laptop. As with other laptop keyboards, Dell has a replacement keyboard if the part becomes damaged or destroyed. The only tool needed is a flathead screwdriver.
Removing the Old Keyboard The keyboard removal for a Dell Latitude laptop is not difficult. All Dell laptops have a strip tab above the keyboard. This strip tab usually includes the covering for the power switch and/or instant Internet switch. This is the first component you must remove from the unit. Removing this strip will allow you to remove the Dell keyboard with relative ease.
Under the Old Keyboard After removing the Dell Latitude keyboard, there are components you must be aware of before installing the new keyboard. To the left of the panel is where the video wire connects to the LCD screen. It is a shielded wire colored black and can be traced to the LCD screen. Make sure this wire stays in place when you are removing or replacing the old keyboard. The wire also leads to the LCD inverter, which is responsible for sending electricity to the LCD screen. Again, be careful not to move this part of the panel.
Cleaning the Panel Laptop keyboards are a magnet for dust. Dust gets inside of the keys and under the keyboard panel. Before you install the new keyboard, take a can of compressed air and blow out dust that accumulates between the keyboard and panel it sits on. If you install a new keyboard without cleaning the panel, your keyboard could develop static or shortage problems quickly. Also, use a grounding clip when working with electronics, especially when installing and cleaning computer components.
Installation of the New Keyboard You should be ready to install your new Dell keyboard. Install the new keyboard by placing the notches of the keyboard at the south end of the unit even with the notches at the north end of the unit. After installing the keyboard, don't forget to install the metal strip that covers the power switch back in its proper place.