Reseating the "U" key on keyboard

[Endgax]

hello,
while i was typing the u key came off, i dont think there is any damage to the housing memeber. Dell is sending another keyboard, but would like to try to fix this one anyway, if anyone knows how to get the little bugger back on, your help would be appreciated!
thanks

[mich43L]

Here is the official dell document on how to reaseat keys:

It is possible for the keycap on the internal keyboard to get stuck or come off in the course of using a portable computer. To put the keycap back on the portable, perform the following steps:

1. Determine how the keycap connects to the portable system.

Underneath the keycap is a rubber plunger and a plastic scissor spring. (see Figure 1 and Figure 2)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/mczajka/ole0.jpg
Figure 1 - Bottom of Keycap, Scissor, and Plunger on a Portable Internal Keyboard

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/mczajka/ole1.jpg
Figure 2 - Portable Internal Keyboard with the Scissor in the Raised Position

One style of portable keyboard also includes a scissor support bar. (see Figure 3)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/mczajka/ole2.jpg
Figure 3 - Optional Support on Portable Keyboard

2. Carefully line up the keycap on top of the plastic scissor and press down. (see Figure 4)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/mczajka/ole3.jpg
Figure 4 - Lining up a Keycap and Pressing Down

NOTE: You might need to wiggle your finger back and forth for the keycap to snap down on the scissor spring. There are two "snaps," one at the top and one at the bottom of the key.

If there is a scissor support bar and it has come loose, clip the lower part of the bar on first under the bottom scissor rail, then snap the upper part over the top scissor rail before lining up the keycap to reattach it. (Figure 5)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/mczajka/ole5.jpg
Figure 5 - Clipping the Support Bar Under the Bottom Rail

[Endgax]

lol, with that being so easy, i'm not sure why they dont just tell you that instead of wasting all the money to ship me a new one, thanks again!

[mich43L]

Make sure that scissor isn't broken. I struggled clipping it on before realizing it was broken.

[thelostpatrol]

lol, with that being so easy, i'm not sure why they dont just tell you that instead of wasting all the money to ship me a new one, thanks again!

Fix the old, keep the new! Best of both worlds!

M.

[Erronius]

Here is the official dell document on how to reaseat keys:

mich43L,

Thanks for posting those instructions on reseating keys. I've been looking for something on this. I've already saved it but, by any chance, would you happen to have the original url for it?

Either way, thanks again - appreciate it.

Erronius

[mich43L]

mich43L,

Thanks for posting those instructions on reseating keys. I've been looking for something on this. I've already saved it but, by any chance, would you happen to have the original url for it?
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1088559&c=us&l=en&cs=&s=gen

[Erronius]

Thanks,

Erronius

[Steve@NBF]

did anyone notice they use a different key in almost everyone of those shots? (cept fot the last 2)

[MitchellO]

did anyone notice they use a different key in almost everyone of those shots? (cept fot the last 2)

:lol: Its the last three, but still :lol:

Dell will probably get you to send back the old one. They don't just let you keep it :D