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In this guide I’ll be replacing the keyboard on a Dell Inspiron 1750 laptop.
My customer spilled something on the keyboard and some keys stopped working completely.
Laptop keyboards cannot be disassembled. If the keyboard fails, it has to be replaced.
Before you start laptop disassemble, make sure it’s turned off and battery removed.
STEP 1.
There are two screws securing the speaker cover on the bottom of the laptop.
Remove both screws.
STEP 2.
Lift up one side of the speaker cover with a small flathead screwdriver. I’m using a plastic stick for that.
Continue removing the cover with your fingers.
STEP 3.
The speaker cover removed.
STEP 4.
Remove four screws securing the keyboard to the top cover.
STEP 5.
Carefully lift up one side of the keyboard bezel with a sharp object.
Continue removing the keyboard bezel with your fingers.
There are small latches securing the bezel. You’ll have to wiggle it a little bit in order to disengage those latches.
STEP 6.
Keyboard bezel removed.
STEP 7.
Slide the keyboard towards the laptop screen.
Now you should be able to access the keyboard cable connector.
You can remove the keyboard cable from the connector ONLY after the connector is unlocked.
STEP 8.
On the following picture the keyboard connector shown in the locked position.
In order to unlock the connector lift up the right side of the brown locking tab with your fingernail.
The locking tap will pop up at a 90 degree angle.
STEP 9.
On the following picture the keyboard connector shown in the unlocked position.
Now you can pull the keyboard cable from the connector.
STEP 10.
Finally remove the keyboard and replace it with a new one.
New keyboards for Dell Inspiron 1750 laptop available here.
In the next post I’ll explain how to replace laptop LCD screen.
May 2nd, 2013 at 10:44 pm
For the second time in 3 years the mouse function buttons on the Dell 1750 has become inop. The left mouse key is the one that has failed both times. I have been told it is more than 1 hour time to replace the palm rest that the touch pad is part of. The current mouse key has been in use less that 1 year. With the MTBF in the multi millions it would seem very unlikely that they should ever need replacing.
It may be more cost effective to send the computer to a repair station specializing in this type repair. Do you have suggestions as to a company involved in that area?
Do you know of a video that could show the process? I have not found one with my search.
October 23rd, 2012 at 2:44 am
Thanks that was great ! I am my wife’s keyboard hero ! It took me all of ten minutes to replace the keyboard. Is there a career in this ?
Peace, Tom
January 8th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
I inherited one of these laptops for photo work and the left click mouse pad button was mashed down, full of gunk. Besides it being over loaded with chips, coke, whatever was spilled or eaten over it, the keyboard still worked fine, at least for now. I had to get down to the aluminium front bezel (underneath the keyboard) and was having trouble getting the black keyboard bezel off, it was glued down with soda.
I was worried about breaking it or the keyboard and you’re tutorial helped me realise the black bezel has to removed, before the keyboard, because you have to lift up the lcd edge (farthest edge) of it, to “slide” the tabs out of the (closest) slots, then unlock the ribbon to remove. I was able to go forward and get the aluminium bezel off, lots of connections, to repair the left clicker. Also found where to install a bluetooth adapter along the way (under the upper black speaker bezel).
Thanks again, a great laptop and a great tutorial.
January 1st, 2012 at 11:16 pm
@ Francesco,
After a quick search I found it here. External link to pdf file.
January 1st, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Hello, any chance to make a guide to disassembly Acer Aspire 1800 ?
Didnt find one, sorry and thanks for your wonderful job!
December 29th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
I don’t have the broken tab, unfortunately
But I do appreciate the link to the other site; I may as well try and rig it up, as it certainly can’t be any worse than it is now
Thanks for your help!
December 29th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
@ Jen,
Do you still have the broken tab?
Here’s what you can try. Place the keyboard cable back into the connector. Place the broken tab on the top the way it was before.
Secure the connection with electrical tape.
Here are some broken connector repair tips: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2011/12/25/how-to-repair-broken-touchpad-connector-on-laptop-motherboard/
I don’t think it’s going to work. The broken tab is attached to the white connector base which is soldered to the motherboard. Even if you can find a dead motherboard, I doubt you can resolder the keyboard connector.
December 29th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
While replacing my keyboard, the plastic keyboard connector broke, so I can’t lock the ribbon into place. My understanding is I need to find a dead motherboard in order to find this piece and get my system back up and running. Does that sound right? I’m searching eBay for a motherboard but not sure which part number I need.
If you’ve got any tips, I’d appreciate it
November 24th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@ Melissa,
I’m glad to help. The main idea of this site to help people like you.
November 21st, 2011 at 12:27 pm
I did it! Thank you!
I had to use my laptop with external keyboard for over a month because I spilled soda on the keyboard and 10 keys stopped working. It was such a pain. I didn’t have money to pay for repair. They asked too much.
New $19 keyboard from eBay works like new.
Appreciat your help.