Dell Inspiron 1420 keyboard problem

I really need help. I helped a friend replace the LCD screen on his laptop - no problem until trying to reinstall the keyboard. Should be easy but I broke the connector latch doing so. I've been able to put the ribbon back and reglue the latch together and put that back in but only 7 keys work out of 84. This is my first time replacing a keyboard on this type of computer. Anyone have any ideas. I'm not even sure that I'm installing it quite right. I've tried reseating it several times. I get different keys working but never more than 7 keys working and basically the same keys each time: wqzxo. F1

How can I resolve this issue as cheaplyand quickly as possible? Hints and good pics of how it looks when installed properly would probably help.

 

Sounds like all of the contacts are meeting.

Its been a while since I've opened my Inspiron 1420, but you shold be able to fix it with a new palmwrest ... listed below. Until then a USB keyboard should work.

http://shop.ebay.com/items/__inspir...eQQ_nkwuscZinspironQ201420QQ_nkwuscZpamlwrest

Having used duct tape, glue, spit and bailing wire in numerous pcs and laptops, I've found out that it doesn't work so well.

 

That looks like it could do the trick! I'm going to suggest this to my friend. At only $19-20 to buy it seems like a bargin. I didn't even try to force this part and it broke. The keyboard cable and connector look like a very poorly engineered part.