More computer problems - lost a button
 

The "A" key on my laptop popped off last night. I tried to snap it back on but no dice. I'm thinking duct tape. Anyone have a better idea?

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

i dont know if your aware, but they dont necessarily just "snap back on". there actually are little guides on the underside of the key that the metal clips snap into(this may be brand dependent i suppose).
i examined these very closely the other day as one of my keys were acting up(dell laptop).
did you break the key off? or were you removing it to clean or something?
mine will pop off if leverage up from either side, i think if they are leveraged off from top or bottom, that would be bad

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

super glue.

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

I have a Dell laptop as well.

Here's how it happened: I was playing online, with headphones on because it was pretty late, and the phone rang. The Warden was asleep, so I kind of jumped to get the phone quickly. I tore the headphones off and meant to put them on the hand rest part of the laptop, but missed and thwacked them on the keyboard. Didn't even notice that the button came off until much later, when I saw it on the floor.

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

[ QUOTE ]
The "A" key on my laptop popped off last night. I tried to snap it back on but no dice.

[/ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't worry ubout it. I don't use thet one et oll enywey.

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

Most laptop keyboards are easy to replace and are typically $20-$30. What model Dell?

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

i doubt that would have broken the plastic grooves on the underside of the key. carefully remove another key. compare the undersides of the two (gently pull up on the left side of the key until it releases, look at how the spring attaches to the key. pull on the other side to remove the key). look at the X springs that the key attaches to and compare that they look nearly identical and one isnt bent out of shape (this shouldnt prevent the key from going back on, but it might hinder operation of the key once it does).
if need be bend the tabs a little to make them identical to the good one. align the little metal tabs to there position under the key on the right side and snap on. then snap the left side on.
disclaimer: i am not a computer repairman. the above are guidelines that mimic repairs i have performed successfully in the past. if you break another key, its not my fault
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Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

[ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't worry ubout it. I don't use thet one et oll enywey.

[/ QUOTE ]

nh

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The "A" key on my laptop popped off last night. I tried to snap it back on but no dice.

[/ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't worry ubout it. I don't use thet one et oll enywey.

[/ QUOTE ]

i wus gunnu sey the seme thing...beet me to it. I don't think I've ever used my 'eh' key. Is it necessery?

Re: More computer problems - lost a button
 

if you can't get it back on and its under warranty, let dell know, they'll send you a new keyboard and install instructions i bet. i've had no trouble at all getting replacement parts from them.