How to Replace Keys on a Dell Latitude C610 Laptop

Those with a computer know that sometimes a key pops out of place. This is especially true with a laptop computer, such as the Dell Latitude C610. With frequent use or hard pounding of the keyboard, the keys can fall off the keyboard and they even fall off if you get a nail caught under the key. These keys can be replaced as long as you hold onto the original or find a replacement key.

Things You'll Need

• Key
• O-clip

Instructions

1. Take a look at the laptop keyboard and see if the O-shaped clip that holds the key is still on the keyboard. This sits directly on the keyboard, beneath the key. If it is missing you will need to find a replacement and if it is still on the keyboard, you need to remove it by pulling it off.

2. Slide the tabs of the U-shaped piece down and slide the O-shaped clip into the middle of the piece. The U-shaped piece clips into the keyboard and the O-shaped piece holds the bottom of the key. The larger O-clip should sit on an angle, with part of it raised up.

3. Adjust the O-clip until you hear it click. This indicates that it is properly situated in the other piece and that they are locked together.

4. Position the key directly above the two pieces and press on it until it clicks onto the proper spot. This gives you a functioning key, but you still need to put it back onto the laptop.

5. Examine the area of the keyboard where the key was located before and look for the small holes that indicate the clip. Slip the edges of the clip into those holes and press down firmly until you hear it click. The key should now be working properly. You can repeat the steps as necessary for each additional key.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also follow these steps with the clip still attached to the laptop keyboard. It is a little more difficult to move the O-clip around, but some prefer it.

• Always turn off your computer before doing any work to the keyboard to reduce the chances of electric shock.