How to remove a laptop keyboard key from Sony VGN-FE880E

I have a Sony VGN-FE880E and my "P" key is very difficult to press. It still works, but I can tell there's something stuck under it. I've tried blowing it out, but nothing works. The key is still hard to press compared to all the others. Is there any way to remove the key to clean under it? Please note the keyboard keys are different from a regular desktop pc keyboard which can be snapped off easily by pulling on the key from front to back. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

From the stickies above your post
http://home.comcast.net/~nw_systems/vgnFE.pdf

 

Thanks for your reply. I have not checked out the pdf document as yet. But when I do, I will come back here and post my findings. If you have any more suggestions please let me know thanks Quakers.

 

WARNING: Please note that I will not be held resposible for any damage caused to your laptop by following this procedure. However, this procedure is the exact way that I figured out how to remove the 'P' key, clean it up and put it back on without damaging anything. ENJOY!!!

I finally figured out how to remove a key (In my chase the 'P' key) and how to put it back on. I am just updating this thread to help out the next person with this problem.

Ok first of all you will only need two fingers to perform this task (the thumb and index finger). Next you are going to use your thumb and push down the the key under the 'P' key (the :/; Key). Then slide the thumb up under the 'P' key and hold it there firmly (don't use alot of force just hold the thumb there firmly). Use the index finger and push all the way down the top of the 'P' key in the center. Firmly grip the top of the key with the index finger as this finger will be used as a pivot to take out the 'P' key. Right now the 'P' key should be at a 10-35 Degree angle facing you.

Now slightly twist the key clockwise and anticlockwise repeatedly until you hear a soft clicking sound on the side of the key. Once you hear the soft clicking sound turn the key to the other side to until you hear another soft clicking sound. At this point the mechanism of the 'P' key is released. Use your thumb and gently lift up the key and it should detach from the laptop.

In my case I found some sticky substance on the key that was easily removed with water and a paper towel.

To learn how to remove the keys with a video watch here: YouTube - Remove a single key from an Acer Aspire 5040 Laptop

To put the key back on you will need to ensure that the black key and the white attachments are fit together correctly. In order to do this you will have to take off another key using the above procedure and compare the two keys until you are satisfied that they are similar. Now back to the 'P' key. Place the 'P' key slightly under the above keys [ the ')/0' and the '_ /-'keys]. Now slide the key down so that it fits back onto the metal grooves. You will know that this has been done correctly when the 'P' key is flat and will not go up and down once pushed (like the other keys will).

Now gently place your index finger at the top of the key and hold it there firmly. Place your thumb at the bottom of the key and gently push it down and in [in as in towards the ')/0' and the '_ /-'keys] until you hear that it snaps right back into position. Once done correctly the The 'P' key should now be working as normal. That's it!!!

To learn how to put the key back with a video watch here:
1) YouTube - How to remove a key and put it back on an Acer Laptop 5040 (part two)
2) YouTube - How to remove a key and put it back on an Acer Laptop 5040 (part three)