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    Alienware M17 R1 - Key from keyboard snapped off

    Discussion in 'Alienware Area-51/Aurora and Legacy Systems' started by vf3, Oct 12, 2010.

  1. vf3

    vf3 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Unfortunately my son decided to throw the remote on my keyboard and somehow snapped off the "." key. See the picture below.
    Looks like the plastic part under the key has snapped off.
    Can anyone advise if I can get a replacement key or do I need to replace the whole keyboard?
     

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  2. Marvie100

    Marvie100 On a Mission

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    You would need to replace the keyboard unfortunately. Be sure you request the proper one, as the M17 came with either lighted or non-lighted keyboards and they are different. Hopefully you can get one from Alienware, but if not check ebay.
     
  3. vf3

    vf3 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok thanks. Are they easy to replace?
     
  4. usmc1488

    usmc1488 Notebook Evangelist

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    Ebay is the cheapest and best route, just be aware that it is not the same keybard as the AW Area 51 M17x/AW-DEll M17x.
     
  5. granyte

    granyte ATI+AMD -> DAAMIT

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    yup it's eseay very eseay infact this machin is one of the eseaiest laptop to open
     
  6. fishnbanjo

    fishnbanjo Notebook Consultant

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    That won't require a new keyboard since it's just the lift off device that is broken that gives the key a lock to hold it and cause the up/down springing action for the key. I have several spare keyboards from the XPS Gen 1 series and the actuation assembly appear to be the same and would happily send you a few for a mere self addressed stamped envelope. PM me with details etc, worth the price of a stamp .............
     
  7. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    Whether or not you're getting a new keyboard, if you'd like a temporary fix for it, you could manage it with a bit of tape handiwork.

    My keyboard has 3 keys broken off, the left CTRL, Fn and Z keys. The plastic hinge under all of them had broken. Still, with a bit of tape on them, they're fine (even if they look bad with tape on them).
     
  8. vf3

    vf3 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wow. Thats very nice of you. PM'ing you now.
     
  9. fishnbanjo

    fishnbanjo Notebook Consultant

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    PM received and replied to.......
     
  10. willis23

    willis23 Newbie

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    Hello fishnbanjo, I stumbled along this post. I am having the same issue with my "d" key (movement in mmo's is a pain atm lol). I also have an alienware m17-r1. I tried laptopkey.com and the sent me an m17X key and didnt have an M17-R1 key. I was wondering if your generous offer may be extended my way. I would appreciate it very much. Thanks.