Considering Laptop Keyboard Repair?

You may be able to replace the keyboard yourself.

You might think twice if you happen to be the lucky owner of a Compaq Presario, because replacing the keyboard rather than repairing it could be a lot less expensive. Laptop keyboard replacement on this particular model is very easy and takes just a few minutes. Here are quick laptop keyboard repair step-by-step instructions.

Once you have purchased the new keyboard, all you need to replace the old with the new is a screwdriver and something plastic, flat and thin like a credit card or guitar pick.

Step one: Remove the two screws from the bottom of the computer that are holding down the keyboard bezel. The bezel is the bar that sits right above all the function keys.

Step two: Turn the computer over, open the cover and insert the credit card or guitar pick between the bezel and the computer screen. The bezel has pegs that sit in holes.  You need to slowly pry up the bezel; it will make a bit of a popping noise as it is removed.

Step three: Now hold on to the keyboard from the end closest to the screen and gently pull it away from the touch-pad end and flip it over. You will see the ribbon attached to the underside of the keyboard. There is a little plastic connector holding the ribbon to the computer. To unlock it, carefully pull up on the two tabs; one located on each corner of the connector. Be very gentle when you do this as this is the one part that gets broken the most often when changing a keyboard. The ribbon will now be released.

Step four: Carefully pull the ribbon out of the connector and remove it along with the entire keyboard.

Final step: To insert the new keyboard, place the board face down so you have easy access to the ribbon. Make sure the keyboard is lined up so when you flip it back over, the keys are in the correct position. Keep the ribbon straight at all times; twisting it could damage it. Place the ribbon in the connector; it only goes in one way. Once in place, push down on the connector tabs to lock it. Now flip the keyboard over and slide it down toward the touch pad and take the bezel and line the pegs up with the holes and push it in place. Then turn the computer over and replace the two screws you removed from the bottom. You can now power on your computer and see if the keyboard works. If it is not working, more than likely the ribbon was not inserted properly.

Here is a detailed laptop keyboard repair video tutorial to walk you through the steps.  Remember if you need help with any San Diego computer repair, give us a call at 888-735-2786.

A capacitor is one of the main components of a motherboard. They store power and regulate voltage making sure there is a uniform amount of electricity flowing through your computer. When they go bad, you can have problems with video, power issues and rebooting at random. Here are a few reasons why capacitors fail:

• Excessive internal computer heat
• Heat from weather
• Underpowered power source

One of the first tests you should do is to run a system test on the memory to check and see whether the main processor shows abnormally high temperatures when you have little or no applications running. Remember that it may not always be a capacitor causing the problem. You could be experiencing a fan not properly working so your computer is running hot, a failing power supply or some other hardware problem.

A visual inspection of capacitors is recommended to help diagnose the problem. If a capacitor is emitting a brown residue from its base or the top of the capacitor is bulging; these are good clues you have a bad or soon to fail capacitor. In some cases, you might also smell a strange odor, potentially something like ammonia. Also check to see if all capacitors are flush to the motherboard (the cap should be at a 90 degree angle to the board) not tilted to one side or the other.

If there are no physical signs, an oscilloscope, a type of electronic test instrument that allows signal voltages to be viewed, can be used to examine the voltage on the capacitors.

Capacitors can be replaced and soldered into place; however it is not advisable to do this yourself if you have no soldering experience. You can ruin the whole motherboard with improper soldering and not only need to then replace the motherboard but potentially the processor(s) and RAM as well. Another very important item to remember is if you solder the capacitor correctly but replace it with the wrong type, you can end up with even bigger problems. So go to your local electronics store and make sure to get the proper capacitor for your computer.

When in doubt, leave it in the hands of experts. Call any of our three San Diego computer repair stores if you need help. Remember you can be penny-wise but pound-foolish.

Okay, like you don’t already have enough problems, especially financial in this economy, and suddenly your laptop goes on the fritz. Keep the faith, you may not have to get out your wallet.

First check out our  tips and tricks and computer repair tutorial pages. We offer great information plus step-by-step instructions on how to do certain repairs. These pages were created so you can become better informed about your repair and in some cases, you may find you can even tackle the repair yourself. Think of it as our way of helping you get through these rough times.

You’ll also find we have revised our pricing to make it easier on your pocket. Check out our new San Diego computer repair flat rate pricing.

At Laptops Plus West, we are here to serve you. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call at (888) 735-2786) with your questions.

Save Money by Avoiding Costly Computer Repairs,
Clean Your Computer Fan Periodically.

At our San Diego computer repair stores, we’ve been producing “how to” videos for you. These money-saving tips take you step-by-step on how to perform some fairly simple repairs.  Please make sure to proceed with caution when attempting your own repairs; if you make mistakes and don’t follow our instructions, you can do further damage to your machine.

Check out our most recent videos computer repair tutorials that instructs you on how to remove and clean the fan from an Acer Extensa.  Remember if you get in over your head, our San Diego computer repair rates are affordable.  Just call (888) 735-2786 and one of our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How to Clean Your Keyboard and
Save on Laptop Keyboard Repairs

If you don’t want to spend your hard earned money on laptop keyboard repairs, spend a little time each month doing some keyboard maintenance.

Laptop keyboards are prone to gathering dust and dirt; here is a money saving tip on how to keep your keyboard clean so you don’t need unnecessary laptop keyboard repairs .

1. Start by shutting down and unplugging your laptop.
2. Remove the battery.
   
3. Turn your computer over with the cover open and very gently tap on the bottom of the case. This will loosen any particles (food, staples, etc..) that may have fallen between the keys.
4. Next turn the laptop upright again and spray the keys with a can of compressed air.  Blow air between the keys being careful to not get too close to the keys.  Don’t shake the can or you’ll get a heavy wet spray instead of air.
5. Next spray a non-conductive electronics cleaner onto a lint-free cloth and wipe the keys. Do not spray the cleaner directly into the keyboard or use paper towels. Make sure that you use a lint-free cloth such as microfiber and carefully wipe it across the surface of the keys.

When finished, let your laptop sit for a while to make sure it is completely dry before you install the battery and power up again.

At Laptops Plus West, we strive to save you money.  Watch for our next money saving tips article on “How to Remove and Clean Laptop Keys.”