Broke the left Ctrl key on my Latitude D800

I think I've bent one of the metal connecting parts on the actual keyboard too, so I think I'll need to replace the whole thing and not just the key. In either case this key is not getting back on. Do current Dell Latitudes use the same keyboard, or am I going to have a hell of a time finding a replacement?

I took the key off because the button wasn't working, and sure enough there was a big wad of dust/hair blocking it...problem is I think I was too forceful when I removed it.

Notebook is a 2003 model.

 

You'll need to find a D800 keyboard. You can also use the D600 or 600M keyboards and a few others. Your best bet is probably searching for a D600 keyboard on eBay... they're about $15; it's really quite cheap.

 

Seems like there's a ton of them on ebay, that's a relief. What's the actual replacement process like? I don't see any easy way to remove the keyboard from the casing.

 

Service manual, service manual, service manual...

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latd800/sm_en/keyboard.htm#1111863

Real easy for keyboard. Pop off the keyboard cover and then you've got just two screws.

 

My manual's probably long gone, thanks for the link I didn't know Dell had online documentation.

That seems almost deceptively easy. Do you have any experience dealing with the center control or keyboard connection cables? Are they the kind of cables that can be frustrating and difficult to connect/disconnect?

 

I've done the D600 dozens of times. The keyboard cover usually pops right off, but sometimes you might have to wriggle it back and forth a bit. There are no wires connected to the cover. The keyboard connector itself is (thankfully) not a ZIF connector and it even has a small wire handle for easy removal/replacement.

 

hm

you see anything similar on the D800 diagrams in the manual link? seems like there's two tiny wires involved

 

Mmm, you're right. There is a connector for the D800 keyboard cover. Doesn't look like it adds much complexity to the entire process, though.

 

Installing tonight, wish me luck.

 

Good luck