How to Fix a Keyboard Key on a Dell Inspiron 1300
Broken laptop keys are a more common phenomenon than most computer users realize. Even a short drop can cause keys to break off their hinges and come loose from your Dell Inspiron 1300's keyboard. However, when this happens the keys are designed to snap back into place with minimal effort. As long as you still have the connecting parts you can easily fix the keyboard keys without any assistance from Dell's tech support.
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Instructions
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Close any open applications and power off the Dell Inspiron 1300. Close the lid and turn the 1300 over. Push over the release latch and remove the battery.
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Flip the Inspiron 1300 back over and open the lid to 90 degrees. Look underneath the broken key to see if the white plastic hinge is stuck inside the key or if it remained in place on the keyboard port.
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3
Pull the hinge off the key if it did not stay in place on the keyboard port. Snap the top edge of the hinge to the metal hook on the keyboard port.
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Snap the bottom end of the hinge into the metal bar on the lower side of the keyboard port. Check to see if the rubber spring is still on the keyboard port or if it fell off with the key.
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5
Insert the rubber plunger into the hole at the center of the plastic spring if it is not already in place. Position the key over the plunger and plastic spring.
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Push down gently on all corners of the key simultaneously to lock it in place on the plunger and spring.
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Tips & Warnings
The space bar on the Dell Inspiron 1300 also has a small metal bar that needs to be attached to the plastic hooks on the bottom side of the key before it is set back on the keyboard.
If you experience difficulty when trying to snap the plastic spring into place you can grab the piece with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
If the rubber plunger or plastic spring are either lost or broken the key will not remain in place on the keyboard. You can buy a replacement key kit that has the plunger and spring at various online stores that specialize in laptop components.
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Resources
- Photo Credit typing #5 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
