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    m17xr3 changing keys

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by zennex, Apr 9, 2011.

  1. zennex

    zennex Newbie

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    Hi i'm interested in a m17x r3. i'm planning on getting one from the US via hidevolution.com but they only sell it with a qwerty keyboard so i'm wondering if i could change a few keys in the laptop. By this i mean switching it to azerty ( only the few letters i don't really care about the other keys like signs etc). Would this be possible and if it's possible how hard would it be? Would it be anything like this video where it's done on a macbook : YouTube - How To Clean/Fix MacBook Aluminium (Pro,Air) Keyboard
     
    zennex, Apr 9, 2011
    #1
  2. avelle

    avelle Notebook Consultant

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    I was under the impression that the keyboard on the m17x was one piece and that the keys didn't pop off like that. I could be wrong though.
     
    avelle, Apr 9, 2011
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  3. steve1ddd

    steve1ddd Notebook Evangelist

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    just order a keyboard as a replacement part from your Regional dell/alienware tech supoprt. im sure the connectors are the same
     
    steve1ddd, Apr 9, 2011
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  4. TheProphetofDoom

    TheProphetofDoom Notebook Consultant

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    I see one big problem with this idea but I could be wrong . If you were able to pop out the keys on the M17x and switch them, it would not do what you want because if for example you switch the "M" key with the "N" key when you now type and press the "M" you will get a N and "N" you will get a M. You might want to see if you can order a M17x keyboard with the configuration you want and swap it out.
     
    TheProphetofDoom, Apr 9, 2011
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  5. zennex

    zennex Newbie

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    Wouldnt this be solvable through software ?
     
    zennex, Apr 9, 2011
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  6. steve1ddd

    steve1ddd Notebook Evangelist

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    regional settings in windows
     
    steve1ddd, Apr 9, 2011
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  7. sn0w13

    sn0w13 Notebook Enthusiast

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    The first M17xR2 I bought was in Qwertz.
    I asked the dealer if he could change the keys to Azerty.
    He said no problem.

    I don't now how they did it but it is possible.
    The only key they forgot was the M key :)
    [​IMG]
     
    sn0w13, Apr 9, 2011
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  8. zennex

    zennex Newbie

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    so could i just buy a replacement keyboard from local dell in azerty then?
     
    zennex, Apr 9, 2011
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  9. zennex

    zennex Newbie

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    what dealer was that? :p
     
    zennex, Apr 9, 2011
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  10. sn0w13

    sn0w13 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It was on Ebay.
    He had 10 Alienwares.
    Search for adi*king and contact him.
    Maybe he will help you.
     
    sn0w13, Apr 10, 2011
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  11. Dimes

    Dimes Newbie

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    Hi,

    If I remember correct, there should be an azerty keyboard available for the Alienware m17x r3 as a sparepart (I assume it's the standard french keyboard?). Ask your local Dell if they have it for sale.

    Here is how to replace it: Documentation
     
    Dimes, Apr 10, 2011
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  12. zennex

    zennex Newbie

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    thanks for the info guys , i think i'll contact dell on the details about getting a replacement keyboard before i order the laptop.

    update : just asked dell and they said it wasn't possible to get an azerty replacement unless the previous one is damaged.
     
    zennex, Apr 10, 2011
    #12