The keyboard and touchpad are input devices considered to be FRUs. Replacing a keyboard or touchpad typically requires removing the plastic casing that covers the inside of a laptop, as shown in Figure 1. In some instances, a touchpad is attached to the plastic casing, as shown in Figure 2.
Replacing a Keyboard
To remove and replace a keyboard, follow these steps:
Step 1. Power off the laptop, disconnect the AC adapter, and remove the battery.
Step 2. Open the laptop.
Step 3. Remove any screws holding the keyboard in place.
Step 4. Remove any plastics holding the keyboard in place.
Step 5. Lift up the keyboard and detach the keyboard cable from the motherboard.
Step 6. Remove the keyboard.
Step 7. Plug the new keyboard cable into the motherboard.
Step 8. Insert the keyboard and attach any plastics that hold the keyboard in place.
Step 9. Replace all necessary screws to secure the keyboard.
Step 10. Close the screen and turn the laptop over.
Step 11. Connect the AC adapter to the laptop and power on the computer.
Replacing a Touchpad
To remove and replace a touchpad, follow these steps:
Step 1. If the touchpad is attached to the laptop casing, remove the casing. If it is a separate component, remove all devices that block access to the touchpad.
Step 2. Close the screen and turn the computer over.
Step 3. Remove the bottom casing of the laptop.
Step 4. Disconnect the cables that connect the touchpad to the motherboard.
Step 5. Remove the screws holding the touchpad in place.
Step 6. Remove the touchpad.
Step 7. Insert the new touchpad and fasten it to the laptop casing.
Step 8. Replace the screws to hold the touchpad in place.
Step 9. Connect the cables from the touchpad to the motherboard.
Step 10. Replace the bottom casing of the laptop.
Step 11. Turn over the laptop and open the screen.
Step 12. Turn on the laptop and ensure that the touchpad is working correctly.
Replacing a Screen
A laptop’s display screen is often the most expensive component to replace. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most susceptible to damage as a result of pressure or a collision.
To replace a screen, follow these steps:
Step 1. Remove the AC adapter and battery from the laptop, along with any other components designated by the manufacturer.
Step 2. Remove the top part of the laptop case and the keyboard.
Step 3. Disconnect the display cable from the motherboard.
Step 4. Remove any screws securing the display to the laptop frame.
Step 5. Detach the display assembly from the laptop frame.
Step 6. Insert the display assembly into the laptop frame.
Step 7. Secure the display assembly by replacing the screws.
Step 8. Connect the display cable to the motherboard.
Step 9. Reattach the keyboard and the top part of the laptop case.
Step 10. Insert the battery and connect the AC adapter. Turn the computer on to check that the new display unit is working.