Replace netbook keys

[balsamicdragon.livejournal.com]

My cat jumped up on my netbook the other day and managed to claw out two of the keys :( I have the keys, they are not broken, but I can't seem to get them to go back on. Anyone know a local computer repair person who can fix this? I would really rather not have to order a whole new keyboard.

Thanks!

Comments

[littlecitynames.livejournal.com]

Ordering a new keyboard and replacing it yourself might actually be cheaper than getting it fixed! It was for me (although that was with a Dell laptop rather than a netbook).

[kosai.livejournal.com]

If you can't get the keys back on, perhaps part of the plastic hinge that holds them in place has snapped off/broken. If that's true, I'd expect it to be cheaper to order a new keyboard than to involve skilled labor.

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

I don't know how netbook keyboards are put together, so I'm no help there. Normal keyboards just pop back in after a bit of pushing hard.

I'm curious which cat is in the doghouse? Miles or Loki?

[tracelina.livejournal.com]

Depending on the netbook, you might be able to find a tutorial for how to put the keys back on yourself. I've done this before with laptop keys and it worked just fine.

You could also take it to AngelTronics, but don't leave it there--have them fix the keys in front of you. It shouldn't take very long.

[cowhockey.livejournal.com]

Google your laptop name and model number with replacement keyboard. You should be able to order one and they come with instructions. This is a lot cheaper than paying someone else to do it.

[ywwg.myopenid.com (from livejournal.com)]

A lot of notebook keyboards can't be repaired when the keys come off. You'll probably have to get a new keyboard.

[squirrelitude]

I've removed and replaced keys quite a bit on chiclet keyboards, so I could tell you at a glance whether the keys can be put back on. The most likely problem is that the tiny plastic hook at the end of a hinge leg has snapped off. In the past I have sacrificed a different key of the same form factor to replace the hinge -- this might be an option for you. You might also post the make/model of the computer and see if anyone has a junker you could salvage key hinges off of.