Installing new keyboard, help!

hey my "w" key is broken, the little hinges connecting the actual key are broken off and dell sent out a new keyboard for my inspiron 1520.

How do i install this? or could i just remove and install the "w" key onto my current keyboard? if so how?

 

I would suggest to replace the whole keyboard if you have one coming because the truth is, it is much more difficult to replace a single key than replacing the whole keyboard if you'll be trying to get the key replacement from a perfectly new keyboard 'coz there is a big possibility that you might ruin that key too. I busted my delete key once when I was installing a bluetooth module on my 1525 so I know how easy it is to replace the keyboard. We have the same keyboard model, NK750 i believe, and I know how cheap the keyboard feels. It's so thin and the keys seem to wiggle easily if you try to put a finger and wiggle it.

Here are some links to get you started.

1. First you have to remove the hinge cover. Go to this page to see how http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1520/en/sm/hingecvr.htm#wp1179936

2. Next is how to remove your keyboard http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1520/en/sm/keyboard.htm#wp1179980

3. For a complete list of service manuals for your model, go to http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1520/en/sm/index.htm

If however, you don't feel confident enough, just bring it to a technician near you, it won't take 10 minutes to replace and I'm sure won't hurt your wallet either if he charge you for it.

 

Dell provides great service guides. It's really not hard at all to swap out the keyboard.

 

I've fixed single keys that came off before. I have a few broken hinges that need replacement - is it possible to get just the hindge?

 

Well, it all depends on how old your notebook is I think cause I've searched for single keys on ebay and other sites for my inspiron 1525, which apparently also had a broken plastic hinge, but only found older model notebook keyboards so I had to replace the whole keyboard instead

 

Dell Inspiron 1525:
Before trying to pop off the hinge cover!
Remove the battery, and then remove the two small black screws from the roof of the battery compartment. These screws hold the cover in place, along with the snap ins. Failure to remove the screws will result in breakage of the hinge cover as you try to lift it.

 

Its not that difficult to replace the Keyboard, just give it a try. But if you are not comfortable replacing a keyboard, you could have told the rep during the call itself. Dell does send out Service Techs for keyboards if the customer explicitly requests for it.