HomeThis guide will show you how to fix dead laptop keyboard keys.
I got an Averatec 3250 which had a few keys that died after about two years of usage. After looking on eBay for a replacement keyboard, I decided that I wasn’t going to pay $60-80 for a used replacement keyboard and overpriced shipping, since I lived in Europe. So, I set myself on a quest to find a way to repair the keyboard I already had.
All laptop keyboards are different and taking it apart will require different steps than those shown in the guide, but the main idea will be the same.
Before you start taking apart your failed keyboard, check how much will it cost to buy a new one. Some keyboards are pretty cheap these days.
Here’s another keyboard repair guide. This guides shows how to fix missing keyboard keys.
Related article: Fixing damaged keys on MacBook Pro laptop.
April 24th, 2013 at 10:33 pm
@ Michael,
If some keys stopped working but all other keys work properly, most likely this is keyboard failure. You’ll have to replace the keyboard.
April 24th, 2013 at 11:45 am
I stop using my toshiba laptop for almost 3 months. when i use it again last week, all the keys were not function even the space bar key. what can i do
November 18th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
hye, my keyboard down arrow is not functioning, can you show me how to repair this thing or do i need to change a new keyboard key?
November 15th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
i have a Toshiba laptop. The “i” doesn’t work What should i do?
September 21st, 2012 at 3:11 pm
I have an Acer Aspire One, I have three kids one of them spilled water on my keyboard over a year ago. Some keys work and some don’t. I don’t know the first thing about fixing this problem. Can anyone give me directions, i.e. (if I have to replace the keyboard.. )The cost? Where to get one? How to replace it?
July 23rd, 2012 at 11:17 am
@ chelsea,
It sounds like the keyboard failed. You’ll have to replace the keyboard.
I explained how to replace the keyboard on an Acer Aspire 5534 laptop in this disassembly guide.
You’ll have to follow steps 1 and 6-12 to replace the keyboard.
July 21st, 2012 at 8:25 am
I have an acer ASPIRE5534 my numbers 1,3 doesn’t work neither does my q,t,u,p,j, any idea’s on what I should do?
July 4th, 2012 at 1:28 am
Hey guys,
instead of the other parenthasee and I HATE that. Please help. </3
So I have a mini Acer Aspire One laptop and a bunch of my number keys just stopped work, so when making a smilie face, it looks like this >
June 22nd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Hia.
So, I have a Mini Acer “Aspire one” laptop, and the whole keyboard doesn’t work. I’m not quit sure what happened to it, exactly, but, something did. Obviously. So, I don’t know if I should just get a brand new keyboard or, not. But, If anyone has any ideas. Then please help.
Thank you, Elise. c:
January 19th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
@ Amachaz,
You cannot replace individual keys on the keyboard. Most likely you’ll have to replace the keyboard.
Before you order a new keyboard, I would suggest removing the old one and look closely at the motherboard. If there is no water damage on the motherboard, replacing the keyboard should fix the problem.