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    Dell Inspiron 1200 - Only 5 and 6 keys don't work?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by atomarchio, Oct 10, 2007.

  1. atomarchio

    atomarchio Newbie

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    Not sure what happened but I've owned the Dell Inspiron 1200 for about 2 years. Suddenly, the "5" and "6" keys no longer work.

    I have pressed every other key on the laptop and they work fine. Any suggestions on what I can do to fix these two keys?

    Please let me know. Thanks.
     
    atomarchio, Oct 10, 2007
    #1
  2. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    unconnect the keyboard ribbon and reconnect it again. sometimes they come loose. if not, you may need a new keyboard. thankfully they are cheap on ebay.
     
    nizzy1115, Oct 10, 2007
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  3. atomarchio

    atomarchio Newbie

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    Do I need any special tools to do this? Where can I find instruction?

    Please advise. Thanks.
     
    atomarchio, Oct 13, 2007
    #3
  4. Razor2

    Razor2 Notebook Deity

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    Look around on dell.com on the support page, there should be a section where you can find manuals...select your notebook and there will be a link to a service manual.

    I'm not familiar with an Inspiron 1200 but for most notebooks you will only need 1 or 2 screwdrivers for total disassembly. :D
    Jokes aside...(please check the service manual it could work differently on your Inspiron 1200)...use a flat screwdriver to pry the panel over the keyboard up, than the keyboard should be accessible and you can gently lift it. The other end of the ribbon cable is somewhere underneath it attached to the mainboard.
     
    Razor2, Oct 13, 2007
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  5. kamote

    kamote Notebook Geek

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    kamote, Oct 13, 2007
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  6. atomarchio

    atomarchio Newbie

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    That was easy to do. Thanks for the link.

    I disconnected, sprayed with that gas duster stuff and put it back in there. However, I am in the same situation with the 5 and 6 keys not working but all other keys fine.

    Are there any tips anyone can provide to help me try and fix these two keys?

    It just seems kind of waste to have to buy a new keyboard for only 2 keys.

    Please let me know. Thanks.
     
    atomarchio, Oct 13, 2007
    #6
  7. kamote

    kamote Notebook Geek

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    i think you really need to replace the keyboard or buy an external one!
     
    kamote, Oct 13, 2007
    #7