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Laptop Help Requested

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https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/9470022124

March 18, 2017, 03:50 PM
OKCGene
Laptop Help Requested
I have an ASUS laptop K53E, it's about 4 years old, and a good part of the keyboard has stopped working. I plugged in a regular USB keyboard and that worked for awhile. Now the K letter is stuck, it's not the external keyboard as I have plugged in several different external keyboards and the problem persists so I assume it's the laptop keyboard that's now royally screwed up.

I really don't want to buy another laptop at this time, so I'm thinking to get a replacement keyboard and try it. How hard are they to replace and where should I buy one? Will I need a special tool?

If that works I'll be happy until this fall and then buy a new laptop at Black Friday. Thanks in advance. Gene
March 18, 2017, 04:02 PM
smschulz
quote:
ASUS laptop K53E


Not terribly hard to replace.
Can be a little tricky to make sure the ribbon connector is in solid.
The first placed I googled:
https://www.battery-adapter.co...cts_id/3997/vK53E-1A

YMMV
March 18, 2017, 04:13 PM
OKCGene
Thanks. I did some googling but just wondered about reputable sellers and quality parts.

I'll order one and give it back whirl.

I'm kind of getting the impression that many makes and models may use the same keyboard?
March 18, 2017, 04:29 PM
Mikito
You might want to replace the CMOS battery at the same time if it has one buried inside like my asus A52F.
March 18, 2017, 05:34 PM
0-0
Since you're going to replace the kb, why don't start by unplugging it and keeping the USB as main one until you get the part.

I would try the device manager first and disable the onboard keyboard, see if that cures your sticky K. By any chance is it dirty under the surface or may the connectors have suffered any kind of trauma?

0-0


"OP is a troll" - Flashlightboy, 12/18/20
March 18, 2017, 05:46 PM
FRANKT
quote:
How hard are they to replace and where should I buy one?

Not difficult at all. Just make sure you know how to open the machine up far enough to get to the screws that attach the keyboard. GOOGLE it if you need to learn how and work with a delicate touch.

The last one I replaced on a neighbor's kid's HP was about $30 OEM brand new to my front door so they're not really all that expensive.


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March 18, 2017, 05:53 PM
OKCGene
Videos are showing some sort of tool prying up tabs to get the keyboard out. Is this some sort of specialized tool or will I likely have something in my home tools that will work?
March 18, 2017, 06:32 PM
exx1976
I don't know anything about that specific brand/model of laptop, but I've replaced keyboards on Toshibas and IBMs. Fairly straightforward. Make sure not to damage the ribbon cable or the connector. IIRC the keyboards were ~$100 each when I replaced them.

If it were me, and you're ok with the external keyboard, I'd just take a small screwdriver, pry the key off the letter K, and remove the bits in there that make the connection. Probably some soda or coffee or something got in there and stuck it up.

If that doesn't work, then just unplug the ribbon cable and use the external keyboard, save yourself the funds.


While I like the idea of "disabling the onboard keyboard", I've never tried such, and am not entirely certain that it's possible. However, if it is, then it seems a good route to take.
March 19, 2017, 12:05 AM
Tavman
quote:
Originally posted by OKCGene:
Videos are showing some sort of tool prying up tabs to get the keyboard out. Is this some sort of specialized tool or will I likely have something in my home tools that will work?


I use medium guitar picks for the tabs most of the time.
March 25, 2017, 09:50 PM
OKCGene
Yea! Got it done. I used a very small flat tip screwdriver to release the old one. I had to fidget with the ribbon cable plug a bit to get it to work, but it was quick and easy. Thank you to all for your advise and encouragement.