How to Fix a Dell Inspiron Key
Any of the keys on your Dell Inspiron laptop can become dislodged and fall off if the unit is dropped or even if you accidentally strike a key too hard. Each key is connected to the Dell laptop's keyboard by a rubber plunger and a plastic spring mechanism. As long as you still have the support spring, it is a quick and simple process to fix the broken key by attaching it back onto the keyboard.
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Instructions
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1
Turn off the Dell Inspiron laptop computer and then unplug the power cable. Remove any external devices that are connected to the Inspiron, and then close the screen lid.
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Flip the Inspiron laptop over. Move the battery slide bar into the unlock position, and remove the battery from the laptop's case. Turn the Inspiron back over and open the screen lid.
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Locate the hole on the keyboard where the key was originally located. Check to see if the square plastic spring is still connected to the rubber plunger, or if it fell off with the key.
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Locate the plastic spring if it fell off the Inspiron keyboard with the key. Pick up the plastic spring with a pair of needle nose pliers.
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Line up the notches on the sides of the spring with the notches located on all four sides of the rubber plunger. Push the spring on top of the plunger until it snaps into place.
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Place the key on top of the plunger. Push down on the key's corners to lock it in place. Place the battery back into the Inspiron and power on the laptop.
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Tips & Warnings
Some Dell Inspiron models use a black scissor support bar instead of a standard plastic spring. Clip the lower end of the support bar into the notch underneath the rubber plunger, and then snap the top end of the support bar into the notch above the plunger. Place the key over the plunger, and press down to fix the key.
The plastic spring or support bar may be broken, depending on how the key became dislodged. You can acquire a replacement key kit that includes the spring or support bar through online stores that sell laptop components.
