keyboard repair

[jake williams]

Hi,

I have two problems with my laptop keyboard (Toshiba Tecra M11).

First, the 4, 6, and right shift keys are working intermittently. They're working now, but weren't before. Thoughts about why this is?

Second, I broke the key mechanism for the 6 key. This:

https://store01.prostores.com/myoclaptops/catalog//TC07.jpg

The one on the bottom left. The larger plastic frame around the smaller plastic piece is broken in half vertically and the key won't reattach without it. The piece is about half the size as it appears on my screen and I can't think of an easy way to glue it, or a safe way to try to melt the pieces back together or something.

Any ideas? I think I found a replacement piece online for about $8 with shipping, which I'm not enthusiastic about being broke, and maybe more importantly, not being sure the key will work anyway. It's sort of functional without the key (just pressing the rubber thing), but I'm worried the keyboard will not be safe if I leave it exposed like that.

[Bitter Ashes]

Give it a clean and see if that helps. :)

[tanklv]

You do realize that new keyboards run about 19 bucks?

Even the neat, colored, lighted keys, flexible, waterproof ones! They're especially handy for beverage spills...

I got a couple for friends of mine last Christmass - can even roll them up to take with you if needed!

Donate the old one to some charity - they recycle the parts if can't be fixed...keeps them out of a landfill...

[danyboy27]

You do realize that new keyboards run about 19 bucks?

Even the neat, colored, lighted keys, flexible, waterproof ones! They're especially handy for beverage spills...

I got a couple for friends of mine last Christmass - can even roll them up to take with you if needed!

Donate the old one to some charity - they recycle the parts if can't be fixed...keeps them out of a landfill...

Its a laptop keyboard.

[danyboy27]

Hi,

I have two problems with my laptop keyboard (Toshiba Tecra M11).

First, the 4, 6, and right shift keys are working intermittently. They're working now, but weren't before. Thoughts about why this is?

Second, I broke the key mechanism for the 6 key. This:

https://store01.prostores.com/myoclaptops/catalog//TC07.jpg

The one on the bottom left. The larger plastic frame around the smaller plastic piece is broken in half vertically and the key won't reattach without it. The piece is about half the size as it appears on my screen and I can't think of an easy way to glue it, or a safe way to try to melt the pieces back together or something.

Any ideas? I think I found a replacement piece online for about $8 with shipping, which I'm not enthusiastic about being broke, and maybe more importantly, not being sure the key will work anyway. It's sort of functional without the key (just pressing the rubber thing), but I'm worried the keyboard will not be safe if I leave it exposed like that.

use an external keyboard.

[MarxSchmarx]

So how old is this machine? But it sounds like the problems you describe aren't entirely attributable to dust (which does accumulate)

It should be fine exposed, the question is whether you would damage the rubber casing around it that detects small puffs of air as and translates that into inputl. The latter can be remedied by folding up something like scotch tape and using super-glue to attach it to the rubber cover.

On a laptop this has to be replaced every so-often. so if you found something for $8 (US I'm taking it?) I'd say buy it if you are happy otherwise with your laptop. There should be a latch on the sides around teh key (if the picture is of your machine there are) that that attaches to. Basacally it just needs a new cover and It's cheaper than buying a new laptop.

As far as keys not working intermittently that aren't shot, it might also be suggestive of your wiring with the other components being messed up. At 8x5 keys you're talking $40 which (again assuming US or CAD), is comparable to the price of a good usb powered keyboard.

Finally, you might want to invest in something like this:
http://www.protectcovers.com/laptop-covers.html