How to install new keyboard in Dell Inspiron 9400/E1705 laptop

Would you like to install a new keyboard in your Dell Inspiron 9400 or E1705 laptop? It’s relatively easy even for inexperienced users. In my guide I’ll be replacing a damaged keyboard with a new one I got here for less than $20. I mentioned Inspiron E1705 laptop because it has the same body and the keyboard replacement instructions should be identical for both models. Before you start, turn off the power, remove the battery and remove the AC adapter. STEP 1. Open up the display as far as it goes. Insert a small flat head screwdriver between the keyboard cover and laptop base and carefully lift up the cover.

Continue removing the cover with your fingers. STEP 2. Remove two screws securing the keyboard. STEP 3. Carefully lift up the keyboard from the base and move it up so you can access the keyboard cable. STEP 4. The keyboard is connected to the motherboard via a flat ribbon cable. Before you can release the cable and remove the keyboard, the connector must be unlocked. Be very careful. The keyboard connector is permanently attached to the motherboard. If you accidentally damage the connector, you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard. On the picture below you see the connector in the locked state. The connector opens up like a door. You can open the connector with your fingernail. On the picture below you see the same connector in the unlocked position. STEP 5. Now you can pull the cable from the connector and remove the keyboard. Replace the damaged keyboard with a new one. My previous post explains how to add more memory and upgrade the video card. In one of the next posts I’ll explain how to disassemble the display panel and replace the LCD screen. If you are replacing the keyboard because of missing or broken keys, check out my previous post about fixing individual keyboard keys. Maybe it’s not necessary to replace the whole keyboard. UPDATE: in my next guides I explain how to replace LCD screen and fix damaged display hinge.