Notebook: Install illuminated keyboard - Instructions

If you want to replace or replace your notebook keyboard with an illuminated one, you can install the keyboard yourself. We'll show you how.

General information on keyboard replacement

• Warranty: Removing the keyboard and opening the housing will void the manufacturer's warranty.
• Tool: Make sure your tool is not magnetic. Magnetic screwdrivers can damage your laptop's hardware.
• Damage: If you come across a component with a pointed or magnetic object, this can render the entire laptop unusable.
• Power: Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.

Step 1: lift the notebook keyboard

Depending on the model, the keyboard must be removed differently:

• Unhooking: Many keyboards have some notches at the top. You must pierce them with a pointed object so that the anchors come loose.
• Unscrew: With other laptops, you can remove or unscrew the bezel above the keyboard. Then the keyboard can be easily lifted or unscrewed.
• Pry out: If you don't find any screws on the laptop case and no recesses on the keyboard, you will probably have to pry it out with a pointed object (see picture).

Step 2: remove the laptop keyboard

• Once the keyboard is released, it may only be folded away from top to bottom. The keyboard is connected to the laptop via a cable, which must first be removed.
• At the other end of the cable you will see a long or two small plastic clips above or to the left and right of the cable. These have to be lifted carefully. Then the cable can be easily removed.

Step 3: install the illuminated keyboard

• Now you can use the new keyboard as you removed the old one. Simply place the cable in the holder and close the plastic clips again.
• Install the keyboard as intended and start the computer. The keyboard should now work.

We will show you how to repair a single notebook key in the next practical tip.