How to Repair the Keyboard for an Acer TravelMate 230

Fixing your Acer keyboard can save you money.

If the keyboard on your desktop computer stops working, you can simply throw it away and buy a new one for a few dollars. The same is not true, of course, for the keyboard on a notebook like the Acer TravelMate 230. Replacing the keyboard on a notebook computer can be both time-consuming and costly, so it is to your benefit to repair the keyboard if you can.

Things You'll Need

• Compressed air
• Small flat-head screwdriver
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. Log on to your Acer TravelMate 230 and open a text editor or word processing document. Press each of the keys and make a list of the keys that stick or are unresponsive.

2. Shut the TravelMate 230 down and turn the unit over. Slide the battery compartment lever to the unlocked position and remove the battery.

3. Turn the laptop right side up and spray the entire keyboard with a can of compressed air. Hold the can about a foot from the keyboard as you spray it. Spray the sticking or unresponsive keys an extra time.

4. Open the Acer notebook as far as it will go and turn it upside down. Shake the laptop to remove the dust and debris loosened by the compressed air.

5. Replace the laptop battery and power cord, then turn the Acer TravelMate 230 back on and open a text editor or word processing document. Test each of the keys again and make a list of the keys that still do not work.

6. Shut the laptop down and remove the power cord. Remove the battery and open the laptop so the keyboard is easily accessible. Insert a small screwdriver under the first malfunctioning key and carefully reach under it with the tweezers to remove any dirt trapped under the key. Continue the process with each of the remaining problem keys.

References

• Acer Support: TravelMate 230 User Guide