How to Repair Keypads on an Acer Aspire 3000
If you have ever taken a key off a desktop keyboard and attached a new one, you probably remember it to be a fairly simple task. While key replacement is possible with a laptop keyboard, it is more difficult. With extremely small and easily breakable plastic parts, it's often easier and cheaper to replace the entire keyboard. A new keyboard for the Aspire 3000 can be purchased on Amazon for a little under $12. Purchasing new keys from Laptop Keys is $4.99 per key (as of August 2010).
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Instructions
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Replacing Single Keys on the Acer Aspire 3000
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1
Determine what kind of keys your keyboard needs before purchasing replacement keys. The Acer Aspire 3000 has five different models of keyboards, all with different nuances under the keys.
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2
Look at the metal hooks of the keyboard to determine where to place the plastic hinges that come with your key. With the U-shaped piece upright, connect the smaller piece of the hinge into the larger, with the rectangular holes on the bottom. Ensure that the smooth side of the pieces are up, with the "bumpier" sides facing down.
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3
Attach the narrow end of the hinge first, seating it inside the closer-together hooks on the keyboard. Secure it down with one finger as you press the top hinge down into the other hooks of the keyboard.
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4
Press down on your replacement key with even pressure on all four sides to seat the key onto the plastic hinge.
Replacing the Keyboard in an Acer Aspire 3000
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5
Turn off your laptop, unplug it from the wall, and remove the battery. Discharge any built-up static shock by touching an unpainted and grounded metal object.
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6
Gently push your screen backwards until your computer is lying flat. Do not force your screen to go back any farther than it is inclined to go.
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7
Feel for the edges of the plastic panel between the bottom of the screen and the top of the computer; this should be accessible by the hinges. Carefully pull this plastic piece off and away from the computer.
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8
Remove the screws that attach the keyboard to the computer. These will be along the top, and should be evenly spaced. Set the screws aside in a safe location.
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9
Lift and gently flip the keyboard so that it is facing upside down on the palm rests of the laptop. It should still be connected to the computer by a thin cable. Disconnect this cable to remove the keyboard from the computer.
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10
Lay your new keyboard upside down on the palm rests and connect the cable firmly into the computer.
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11
Seat the new keyboard, and screw it back into place using the screws removed earlier.
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12
Reattach the plastic panel.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to selling individual keys for laptop keyboards, Laptop Keys also offers video tutorials for replacing single keys on almost every laptop keyboard.
Working with your computer plugged in or turned on creates the danger of serious electrical shock.
Static shock can permanently damage computer components.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit laptop keyboard image by CraterValley Photo from Fotolia.com
