Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Mar 16, 2008 7:48:27 GMT -6
Laptop Troubles: Re-Installing a popped out key on a Toshiba Satellite L45-S7423
After a night of restless sleep. I decided to get up and do some computer work. With the desktop dedicated for my primary work, I cranked on the laptop to download tunes, (mostly surf, but a spattering of other genres).
While backing up tunes to tape, I dropped a cassette on the keyboard from no higher than three feet...and it popped out the "K" key.
I did not realize the damage until about an hour later and at first I did a double take...something on the usually stoic and black keyboard that I have become familiar with did not look right. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the "K" key was askew, resting off it's assigned position and in a abnormal manner.
Damn.
I was not familiar with the underside key mechanics of this particular laptop and I lifted the components carefully off the keyboard, placed them on my desk and examined what I had.
We got a key with tabs and notches and a see-saw like retainer thingy.
Like a puzzle, I spent some time guessing which manner the two pieces fit together and on to the key slot on the board.
The retainer device fit as it supposed to on back of the key, but would not stay on - I did not know if this is the way it's supposed to be. So I placed the retainer on the keyboard tabs...and it popped in nicely. So I attempted to snap the key into place. Pressing the key in different slight angles, I heard clicks of alleged success, but no matter how I angled it in and pressed...it would not secure itself.
I removed the clip and placed it back on the key and attempted to snap it as a unit back on the space...but it wouldn't keep it's place and kept falling out as I tried to place it back home.
Frustrated and not wanting to break anything, I let it be and did some on-line research. I discovered that laptop keyboard keys are notorious for popping off under a plethora of accidents and circumstances. Well, at least I wasn't alone. Even Youtube had vids on how to pop them on & off. Quite cool really and I learned a lot from others before me.
They all suggested to place the retainer on the key and just pop it back into place by gently sliding it in at an angle and press it home. I must have tried it a dozen or more times, but with no success.
At this time, it was already light out, no sleep and I had a staff meeting in an hour. Messing with it for three hours left me frustrated and I leave it be and place the key by my desktop monitor - as it mocks me.
Later on, I return to the project, of which I am not certain on the outcome. Will I be victorious or do I cut out a piece of cardboard and write a K with a sharpie and glue it on?
With a clearer and rested mind I look at the situation again. I contemplated crazy gluing the retainer clip to the tabs on the key, but it looks like it needs to pivot some and this would just lock it in flat. No good.
I set it aside and I examine the base on the keyboard . I place the retainer ring back on the keyboard slot and check it's play. I notice that the top tab is pushed down some, (most likely from my fumbling and pressing) and the retainer clip is fitting loose.
Slightly prying an adjoining key and peeking underneath, (thank you letter J), I also notice that the tab is not as compressed as this one is. So gingerly, I lift it up some with forceps and match to it's brothers. The retainer snaps soundly into place and feels solid. The bottom tabs of the clip lock into place on the keyboard as it should and it all looks/feels good.
Excellent...I think I'm on the right path.
I snap it back out and go back to the problem of the clip not attaching and remaining onto the back of the key. Using a telescope eyepiece, (25mm), backwards, I use it as a jewelers loop...and discover either the impact of the wayward cassette or my fiddling has worn off/broken off the tips of the notches on back of the key that the clip's top tabs fit into...ergo the easy slippage out...and preventing me from keeping the key in place.
How in the hell am I going to secure this and still keep it movable?
What I need is a auxiliary hinge/bridge to maintain the clip in position on the key and yet allow it to move freely. I search around for something tiny yet strong in my desk drawers. I come across a vinyl pouch that has a allen wrench in it for adjusting my guitar. That's it! I can utilize the vinyl as my make shift connective tissue.
I cut out two tiny vinyl "bridges" and with a sparse mount of Crazy Glue, I apply the adhesive with the tip of a jewelers screwdriver to the back of the key at the places where the vinyl will hold it all together and yet allow it to move. Then with forceps, I place the vinyl strips at the corners of the key - over the broken notches and tabs. As it dried, I kept the clip moving and flexible. In no time it had set and looked good.
I'm wondering if this is good or have I just made the situation more complicated. But it's done.
I angle the key in slowly, slipping the bottom two tabs in their keyboard notches first and I hear them click in. The retaining clip is staying on and the vinyl bridges are working superbly as designed. I then push the key down and slide it up to catch the top tab that I earlier lifted up. I am having some difficulty, as it can't get it to snap over the tab. Maybe I lifted it too high? I continue to press down and slide the key up and over the tab.....and then there it is....I hear the "click" of satisfaction. I make sure it's on securely by pressing some more slightly and twisting the key with my finger...and it looks good.
I try to pry it up slightly, and it stays.
Excellent!......
Lets see how long and well it stays, because I can't live without a K.
(This rather long description of the troublesome key situation was created in homage to all the others in cyberspace who were kind and generous enough to create their own accounts of this common problem and help others like me who sought help.
I hope this helps other Toshiba laptop owners and I pass on the karma.
;D
