How to Put a Missing Key Back on a Laptop
When a laptop keyboard key cap is missing, you quickly learn how necessary it is for normal operations and typing. Not only do you lack visual support as you type, but the gap the key usually covers makes an excellent entry place for dust and pollutants to collect and move under other keys. In some keyboards, if the key cap is missing you can't even make the necessary contact with a finger to activate the laptop keyboard sensor pad to type the character. Although every laptop make and model has specific instructions for keyboard key replacement, the process is generally the same across all laptops, and you do not need to replace an entire keyboard to restore a missing key cap.
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Instructions
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Reseating a Key
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1
Power off the laptop and examine the bottom of the key cap to ensure that the small clips that anchor it in place are undamaged. If these are chipped or broken you will need to replace the key cap.
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2
Inspect the key cap retainer pieces to ensure they are intact. These are delicate and if they break or are lost you will need to replace them.
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3
Confirm that the rubber nipple is still connected to the keyboard sensor pad. If the nipple is missing you will need to replace it. If it is loose or uncentered, apply a tiny amount of super glue to the bottom of the nipple rim, let it cure for 10 seconds, then secure the nipple to the keyboard sensor pad.
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4
Put on an anti-static wrist strap, discharge any static electricity, position the edge of a flat-edged screw driver from your laptop toolkit under the edge of a nearby key on the keyboard and apply gentle pressure to unsnap the key cap from its retainer. This will model the correct assembly for the missing key.
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5
Assemble the housing for the missing key so it matches the model, position the key cap over the rubber nipple and retainer and gently press down until you feel the key cap snap into the retainer.
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6
Use the same gentle pressure to restore the model key cap to its original position.
Replacing a Key
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Locate and buy a replacement key assembly kit. Online auction sites such as eBay, computer repair centers and computer parts wholesalers often carry a wide variety of replacement key assemblies. You can also go to the laptop manufacturer's website and order the parts you need.
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8
Turn off the laptop and completely remove any damaged key parts (key cap, retainer, rubber nipple).
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Read the guide that comes with the purchased assembly kit and follow the instructions for properly installing the retainer, nipple and key cap.
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Tips & Warnings
Never employ tools that are not designed for use with computers. Some precision tools have magnetic charge and can damage laptop components.
