Alienware 17r2 Keyboard Ribbon Connector Clip Broken

I was taking my laptop apart to clean out the dust. When I was removing the keyboard ribbon from the motherboard the clip that holds it in place broke. Now my keyboard won't work anymore and I can't find a computer shop in my area that can fix it. Does anyone know where I can get one of these parts to fix my issue? Please see attached photo in the link below, I circled the white in color connector clip to show you all what I'm talking about. Any advice is greatly appreciated. https://imgur.com/a/xcQ2wQH

 

You probably won't be able to replace this clip easily. Sometimes you can figure out what model of connector it is with a magnifying glass and then you can search electronics parts stores for that model number. In the meantime your best bet is to tape it with some really sticky tape.

 

I've attempted to tap the ribbon down in the proper slot but when doing so only a few keys will work. I assumed there wasn't enough connection between the ribbon and the port so I placed nonconductive paper in the port that locked the ribbon in place. I still received the same result and only a handful of keys would work. The ribbon itself looks fine and there doesn't appear to be any damage. I already bought an external keyboard for the time being, but I'm hoping someone here will know a way for me to fix this issue because using an external keyboard on this laptop is inconvenient because I usually have the laptop sitting in my lap when I'm traveling and use the large open space next to the touch pad for me external mouse. I appreciate your quick response. Would the model number be inside the port itself? I've never had to do something like this before, so I apologize if it's a dumb question.

 

Yeah, that's a crappy situation. You may not be able to get an angle that provides enough force for contact with all the pins.

If you're lucky the connector part number will be stamped on the plastic molding. If you're unlucky it will be unmarked or on the opposite (board side).

 

Maybe try hitting up some ebay resellers and ask them if they have any broken motherboards of the same model and if they can get that piece off ?

crappy situation though, hopefully you can source a replacement

 

Would you happen to know exactly what that device is called? I keep calling it a connector clip but I'm not sure if that is the proper name. Just trying to narrow down my searches online.

 

That's a good idea, I may try that.

 

Wish you the best of luck in your search man, hopefully you have a USB keyboard you can use for a while until you can source it.

 

You won't find just the clip, you'll need the whole connector. It'll be decided by the amount of pins and brand.

 

Did the white bracket break into pieces or did it simply come off? If it simply came off it's possible to reinsert it as long as the two pins aren't ripped off, just some "very careful bending" is needed. If anything broke off you might try either using super glue and/or 3D print a replacement.