I want to replace the laptop keyboard and memory myself

Hi! I have a Toshiba Satellite A45-S120. I just bought a replacement keyboard, and also a 1gig of memory. I was looking for a site that will help me/show me how to replace the keyboard. I’d hate to bring it to a shop for this. I look forward to your reply. I think the memory is easy enough, but not too sure about the keyboard.
Thank you!

Sure, it is pretty easy to replace or upgrade the memory modules…but only after you remove the keyboard. In Toshiba Satellite A45 both memory slots are located under the keyboard. I have created a guide for replacing broken laptop hinges and you can use the guide for removing the keyboard and replacing the memory module. You have to follow steps 1,8,9,10,11,12 and 17 (only for memory replacement).

76 Responses to “I want to replace the laptop keyboard and memory myself”

  1. 1
    Kay Says:

    I have a Dell Inspiron 9200 laptop and the “A” key is missing. I want to have the keyboard replaced. Is this expensive and how easy would it be to do it myself? Also, where can I get a replacement without going through Dell?

  2. 2
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Kay,
    You can find a new keyboard for Dell Inspiron 9200 on eBay. I found it for around $30 after I searched for “Inspiron 9200 keyboard”, I think it’s a very good price for a new keyboard. It’s very easy to replace the keyboard if you follow the laptop service manual steps. First you’ll have to remove the hinge cover and after that you can replace the keyboard.

  3. 3
    Tiffany Says:

    Hi LF,

    I have a Sony Vaio PCGV505DX and I want to replace the keyboard myself to avoid the $270 Sony wants to charge to repair it (not to mention having to ship it). I can’t find any instructions, though. can you help?

    Thanks!

  4. 4
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Tiffany,
    I don’t work with Sony laptops and cannot give you any instructions. I would figure out how to take it apart if I would have it in front of me, but I cannot do it over the Internet. :( Check out http://www.repair4laptop.org, you can find instructions for some Sony laptops on the website.

  5. 5
    Kim Gibson Says:

    I have an HP Pavilion zv5000 series laptop. It’s about 2 years old. Not too long ago the some of the keys no longer work with the shift key, i.e. I have to use Caps Lock instead. Do you have an idea what could cause this and can a new keyboard fix it.

    Thank you,
    Kim

  6. 6
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Kim,
    Most keyboards have 2 shift keys. Do you have a problem only with one shift key or both? Check the shift key after you boot the laptop in the safe mode. Does it fail in the safe mode too?

  7. 7
    Kim Gibson Says:

    Both shift keys do similar. It’s not the same results though, typing the alphabet using each shift key. And almost identicle results within safe mode, I actually lost a few more characters. I know special characters are affected also – not just a-z.

  8. 8
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Kim,
    It’s hard to say what is causing it. It could be just a bad keyboard, but also could be a motherboard keyboard controller problem or the keyboard connector problem. The only way to figure out what is wrong – replace the keyboard.

  9. 9
    Kim Gibson Says:

    Thank you – it’s getting sent in for repair/replacement as soon as I get the box. Fortunately it was under the extended warranty. Now I just have to Ghost my harddrive just in case I get a new machine or something happens to the data on the original hard drive.

    I stumped the Tech Support guy (which usually isn’t saying much because they are usually Tier 1). But he said this was a first kind of thing for them! I don’t think they’ll go with just replacing the keyboard because the spot where you plug in the power supply is also weak and needs to be fixed (cord keeps coming out).

  10. 10
    SP Says:

    Hi. I have recently aquired a Toshiba Satellite Pro A60 and was wondering if there was more than one RAM slot. I know there is one under the base of the machine, but is there another slot hidden anywhere? If so, where is it and how do I get to it? I have removed my keyboard and peeked underneath, but couldn’t spot any slots there. any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

  11. 11
    Laptop Freak Says:

    SP,
    According to the Toshiba A60 Series user’s manual, this model has a memory module integrated into the motherboard. There is only one expansion slot available for memory upgrades. PC2100 256MB or 512MB or 1GB memory modules can be installed into the expansion slot.

  12. 12
    SP Says:

    Hi LF. Thanks for the pointer. Do you know if there is any way of disabling the onboard memory? Or even removing it? Or is it completley integrated? I’m having problems loading an OS and it seems it might be bad sectors on the memory. Once again, any help is hugely appreciated. It’s a steep learning curve! Cheers.

  13. 13
    Laptop Freak Says:

    SP,
    I know that you cannot disable the onboard memory, there is no such an option in the BIOS. You can download and run Memtest 86+ for memory test and see if the RAM in your laptop fails. The onboard memory is permanently soldered to the system board. I usually replace the entire board if onboard memory is bad, but this guy claims that he can replace the onboard memory.

  14. 14
    SP Says:

    Thanks alot for the advice. I’ll look into Memtest 86+. Once again, thanks for the help and the advice.

  15. 15
    Don Says:

    The “i” “v” and “ALT” keys of my Toshiba A75 have stopped working. Nothing was spilled into the keyboard, so I’m at a loss as to what would cause this. What do you suspect would be the most likely cause, the keyboard itself or the keyboard controller on the system board, or something else???

    Thanks!

  16. 16
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Don,
    I would think it’s just a bad keyboard. Unfortunately to find exactly what is causing the problem you’ll need to find a test keyboard. I think you can find a replacement for $25-30 and replaced it as it shown on this disassembly guide (follow steps 7,8,9,10). Do not forget to remove the battery before you open it up and be very careful with the keyboard connector on the motherboard.

  17. 17
    Tom Says:

    Tiffany

    Removing the Keyboard is actually pretty easy. The keyboard is kept in place by two tabs (if you look between the ECS and ~ and the bezel and again between the Delete and backspace key and the bezel, you can see a small tab. slide a small screwdriver between the keyboard and the bezel, you can release the tab and the keyboard will float at the edges. The third attachment point is the trick – it is held by a small screw between the F8 and F9 keys which you take out from the back of the machine (flip it over). Once you do that, the keyboard slides up and out – be careful not to damage the ribbon cable as you lift it out.

    Good luck

  18. 18
    Ryan Says:

    i have spilled a bottle of beer on my acer travelmate 4060 and as a concequence, a couple of the buttons do not work. How do I go about replacing the keyboard? Can I do it myself? Please help! Thanks

  19. 19
    Shaun H Says:

    Hey Laptop Freak, I somehow knocked a key off my laptop keyboard accidentally haven’t a clue how… there is two plastic bits and the key but can’t seem to get them back on with without them falling off , very fiddly little things. If you have any suggestions it would help, hopefully i dont need a keyboard replacement for 1 key.

    Thanks, Shaun H.

  20. 20
    Eric S Says:

    are there any tricks to replacing a dell ispiron 6000 keyboard? I’ve ordered one off of ebay and hope its easy to do myself.

  21. 21
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Eric,
    You’ll find all tricks and secrets here my friend. :P Just click on the keyboard and you’ll get the instructions with pictures. Good luck!

  22. 22
    Ajmal Says:

    Hello :)

    I have a dell latitude d820 with a 512 MB DDR2 RAM, i want to upgrade it to 1 GB, ofcourse i’ll add another 512 MB DDR2 RAM – as i’m not doing the upgrade myself and someone else is doing it, so I want to make sure that the RAM he adds into my laptop is the same type as the one installed (ddr2) i mean factory default one,( DDR has 184 pin and DDR2 has 240 i know that) but ” IS THERE ANY WAY THAT I CAN CHECK THE COMPLETE ACCURATE DETAILS ABOUT MY RAM SOMEWHERE IN MY COMPUTER? IN THE REGISTRY OR SOMEWHERE? ” SO I CAN AVOID BEING TRICKED?

  23. 23
    Paul` Says:

    Hi tehre, I have a Gateway 3550 GZ. I am receiving Kernal error 0x0000007a, mainly reffered to memory failures. Now my problem is that my memory is BUILT ON BOARD! :( and i cannot even have teh comp boot to run mum86. And i cannot also find the mainboard onine. Where do i look! thanks for your help in advance!

  24. 24
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Ajmal,
    Don’t worry, DDR memory will not fit into DDR2 memory slot. After installation you can check the total memory size in the system properties.

  25. 25
    R4X Says:

    Hi , you got nice blog here :)
    i have question , i have tried to disassembly my laptop (Toshiba Satellite L-somethings) most L series looks same
    So when i tried to diss it i get to the keyboard but i found i cant take off my keyboard so do you have any idea or anythings i do to take it? (i think its stick with somethings down , not sure what it is *as i guess*)
    hops you help me
    and thx if you would :)

  26. 26
    Laptop Freak Says:

    R4X,
    Here’s a guide for taking apart Satellite L25 notebook, it might be helpful.
    Here’re steps for removing the keyboard from a Toshiba Satellite L25 notebook.
    -remove the battery
    -remove two silver screws securing the keyboard bezel to the hinges; they are located on the back side of the notebook
    -remove two screws securing the keyboard on the bottom of the notebook.
    -lift up and remove the keyboard bezel with a small flat-head screwdriver
    -lift up the keyboard and disconnect it from the motherboard

  27. 27
    Rex Says:

    Thanks Laptop Freak for your help :)
    But i already tried that guide without any luck
    and i had to do a lots of search till i found your great blog :D
    The only problem that’s i am facing it now it in the step 6 (there is somethings that’s hold the keyboard in the middle i can’t see it)
    i even had to use something sharp to make sure about it (which it scratched my laptop’s keyboard) anyway i didn’t understand the part where you say about the screws , i can’t figure out where they are:\
    So i hope you help me

    And thanks for you help
    i do really appreciate it

  28. 28
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Rex,
    There should be two screws. One screw is located on the memory cover (it’s marked) and another one above the first one, closer to the battery. If you not sure remove all screws located under the keyboard, just in case. If you still cannot lift up the keyboard, probably Toshiba put some sticky stuff between keyboard and the top cover. I had a lot of trouble removing the keyboard on my first Satellite L25 because it was glued to the top cover, closer to the left side. I removed ALL screws from the bottom but still wasn’t able to lift it up. Finally, when I unglued it from the laptop it was bent badly. So be careful.

  29. 29
    Rex Says:

    Lol , thanks for your reply Laptop Freak
    i wish you told me that before 5 days from now ;)
    when i tried it to take it off i bented badly too , but the only i still couldn’t take it off , anyway i am sure you dont like to waste your time about my keyboard story :}
    I will get back to home soon and when i will get back i will try it again , hops it work so i can upgrade few stuff :]
    thanks again for your help
    i do really appreciate it

  30. 30
    Bill Says:

    Anyone have specific information on how to remove and replace keyboard from a Toshiba Satellite 5005-S507?

    Any help would be great!!

  31. 31
    Reubin Says:

    Hey Laptop Freak,

    I have Dell Latitude CPi R laptop, and a IBM Thinkpad 310ed. The Latitude has a mad motherboard. I was wondering if any parts from the Latitude would work with the Thinkpad besides the harddrive. Thanks in advance

    Reubin

  32. 32
    Aaron Says:

    Hello Laptop Freak,
    I have an HP zt1000 series laptop and I want to know how to replace the memory from underneath the keyboard.

  33. 33
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Bill,
    I think Satellite 5005 disassembly could be similar to Satellite 5205. You’ll find instructions here: (www.irisvista.com)

  34. 34
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Reubin,

    I was wondering if any parts from the Latitude would work with the ThinkPad besides the harddrive

    I think you listed everything. :P

  35. 35
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Aaron,
    Here’s a list of manuals for HP Compaq laptops. Find you model and download the troubleshooting and self-repair guide. This guide has instructions and photos for the keyboard removal.

  36. 36
    Ken Says:

    I have a toshiba satellite 1130-s155 need to replace keyboard cannot find info on line any direction would help

  37. 37
    Farideh Says:

    Hello Laptop Freak!
    I have a Dell laptop [Inspiration 1100]that I use at home for long hours each day. To avoid getting more back problems I connected an external monitor to it and works fine. But can’t get the external keyboard to work. I am connecting the keyboard with ps2/usb adaptor as the laptop takes USB only keyboard. Any idea what I should do to use the external keyboard? I tested the keyboard with a desktop and worked fine [no adaptor however] but tried to connect to another laptop [Toshiba] and got the same result: external keyboard not working as my Dell lap top.
    Your comments will be really appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Farideh

  38. 38
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Farideh,
    Enter the BIOS setup menu and check settings. Maybe you have to enable an external input device (external keyboard) in there.

  39. 39
    Farideh Says:

    Hello and thanks so much for your quick reply.
    I am not very knowledgeable about system setups and was wondering if you can please explain a little more about how and where I can access the BIOS setup menu? Or refer me to another message/site with this information.
    Thanks again,
    Farideh

  40. 40
    Sheri Says:

    Hey Laptop freak,

    I spilled ink on my Gateway ‘s W730 K8X keyboard. I took it in to be repaired, but they said the spill voided the whole warranty. I’d like to try and replace it myself, do have any tips for my model laptop? Nothing else seems to be affected, I bought a cheap external keyboard that has a USB cable and it’s working just fine.

    Thanks very much,
    Sheri

  41. 41
    Heather Says:

    Hello Laptop Freak,

    I have Sony’s VAIO PCG-9G1L with five keys missing, it’s several years old and I was wondering if I could individually buy the keys or would I have to buy a whole keyboard to replace them?

  42. 42
    Ganesh Says:

    Does any one know how to remove Keyboard from Toshiba U205-5057? I have memory sticks already but the moemory are installed in this model under the keyboard. I have never removed keyboards from Toshiba Laptop and lots of others have this same problem. If you would be kind to help me can be blessing and save me few bucks to lots of people.

    Ganesh.

  43. 43
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Ganesh,
    That’s easy and takes only 5 minutes. Kinda similar to removing keyboard from a Toshiba Tecra M2. Follow steps 5-7.

  44. 44
    Randy Says:

    I’ve got a Toshiba A75 that’s supposed to have 512mb of onboard memory, but it seems that 128mb has stopped functioning. short of replacing the board, is there anything that can be done?

  45. 45
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Randy,
    What do you mean by 128mb has stopped functioning?

  46. 46
    Randy Says:

    I mean that I should have 1536 mb of ram based on having 512 onboard plus 1024 on a secondary stick. When I check system specs it tells me that I have 1406 mb.

  47. 47
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Randy,
    I have a guess but there is something I cannot explain.
    Satellite A75 notebook has shared video memory – a part of the main memory is used for the video purpose. For example, if you have only 512MB of memory installed and 64MB is used for the video, you’ll see 448MB in the system properties instead of 512MB.
    Here’s the strange thing I cannot explain. I’m pretty sure that Satellite A75 series have 64MB shared video. With 1536MB physical memory installed and 64MB shared video you should see 1472MB in the system properties, but you get 1406. That’s strange.
    Is it a USA model or you bought it somewhere else? Are you running Vista OS?
    By the way, check the amount of total physical memory reported in the system information tool.
    Go to Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – System Information. Check the amount of total physical memory in the system summary window. Is it 1536MB? If it is, then there is nothing wrong with your laptop.

  48. 48
    Scott Johnson Says:

    Hi, I have an aspire 5610 and the keyboard is really terrible, and if I could return it I would but it is too late for that. I have an old Compaq laptop that has a keyboard that appears to be the same size and take up the same space (the compaq no longer boots up! it is old), and is it possible to swap the keyboards out? The compaq keyboard is much better – less spongy – and I would give anything to have that keyboard in the Acer machine. Or is it possible to get some other generic, yet better quality keyboard, and replace the very cheap feeling aspire 5610 set of springy keys.

    Thank you.

    Scott

  49. 49
    Randy Says:

    I did check the system info – learned something there – and it does show 1536 total memory. I have 128mb of video memory on the card. could it be that it’s taking the 128mb from the ram? Unrelated question this makes me ask – is there any way to be able to play a game where 256mb is the required video memory? Can I fool the game into thinking I have 256mb by reallocating some virtual memory from somewhere else? I already seem to have the setting maxed out.

    many thanks.

  50. 50
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Scott Johnson,

    I have an old Compaq laptop that has a keyboard that appears to be the same size and take up the same space (the compaq no longer boots up! it is old), and is it possible to swap the keyboards out?

    I don’t know. All laptops are different. If the Compaq keyboard appears to be the same as the Aspire keyboard and the ribbon cable has the same size, you can try swapping them. I don’t think that you can damage the Acer notebook if you install a wrong keyboard.

  51. 51
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Randy,

    it does show 1536 total memory

    Looks like you have 1.5GB installed and nothing is missing.

    could it be that it’s taking the 128mb from the ram?

    that’s what I’m talking about. If the laptop has shared video memory, it’s taken from the main memory. If the laptop has 256MB RAM and 32MB is used for video, in the system properties you’ll see 224MB. Nothing is wrong. The laptop can see 224MB instead of 256MB because 32MB is used for video.

    is there any way to be able to play a game where 256mb is the required video memory?

    Not sure, I’m not a game. Probably you cannot fool the laptop. :)

  52. 52
    Rach Says:

    Hi,
    I have a toshiba u205-s5057. My right arrow key is broken. I was wondering if anyone knows how could i get it fixed?? and from where??
    Its kinda frustrating cuz whenever i want the cursor to move on the right i cant get it done:((
    All your suggestions and comments are highly appreciated:)
    thanks

  53. 53
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Hey Rach,
    I have a suggestion for you. Fixing laptop keyboard keys.

  54. 54
    Rach Says:

    Thank-u :) Laptop Freak…i’ll try that..

  55. 55
    arlmoe Says:

    hi guys,
    really appreciate if anyone can show me the right way to remove A60 memory modules.

    Thanx

  56. 56
    hui bing Says:

    hi some of te keys on my Dell XPS M1210 keyboard is not functioning. Wat can i do?

  57. 57
    doug Says:

    I am trying to figure out how to take the keyboard off of a Toshiba 1130/s155. I need to replace it with one from a junker for a lab. So far I can’t seem to find a way of getting it off. I have looked at the info suggested here and none seem to work on this model. Any suggestions/help would be appreciated

  58. 58
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Doug,
    Did you read through disassembly guides at http://www.irisvista.com/tech/
    Some disassembly guides could be similar to your laptop.

  59. 59
    Marvin Says:

    Hi,
    I have a problem with my laptop(Travelmate 2313LM_L 1.4GHZ, 400MHZ FSB, 1mb L2) its keyboard freezed. I tried to turned off and reboot it but still the problem existed. I was able to access it by using the external number pad and played a movie and found out that I can use the keyboard while the movie is playing. I tried to stop the movie and used the keyboard but its not working. So, it only works when I play a movie. Any suggestions/help would be appreciated.

    Thanks in advance.

  60. 60
    Steven Says:
  61. 61
    Rick Says:

    Laptop,
    I have been reading throught the comments, and don’t see anything addressing a Gateway Notebook. My kids popped off and broke several keys on the keyboard, so I am planning on purchasing one from ebay and am wondering if the process would be the same to replace it as your suggestions have been above. Thanks for the help!

    Rick

  62. 62
    Steven Says:
  63. 63
    Laptop Freak Says:

    Rick,
    Here’s some help for replacing the keyboard or individual keys on a Gateway notebook.

  64. 64
    Rick Says:

    Thank you for the information! To think I was considering paying Geek Squad $50 to replace my keyboard once I purchased the new one…it really isn’t that hard! Thanks again!!!

    Rick

  65. 65
    Kiante Says:

    I have a Sony Vaio K25 and I want to replace the keyboard, are their any simple instructions on how to replace it. Thanks in advance for your help!!

  66. 66
    sanu Says:

    Hi , I have a HP DV5220 , i am planning to upgrade the RAM on it and needed to know if i have to replace the 1 gig on it or add 1 gig to it .. it is only expandable to 2 gigs and i don’t know if there are 2 slots or 1 slot only and hence the dilema as to ordering 1 gig ram or 2 gig ram.. any help will be greatly appreciated.

    the motherboard is HP part no. 417021-001, i don’t know if that helps ,, the ram on it is — 333MHz, 200-pin, PC2700 Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module (SODIMM)

    That is all i could find well i am hoping you know more about it :D

  67. 67
    Laptop Freak Says:

    sanu,

    Hi , I have a HP DV5220 , i am planning to upgrade the RAM on it and needed to know if i have to replace the 1 gig on it or add 1 gig to it ..

    It looks like your laptop has two memory slots on the bottom.
    You’ll have to find out how your memory is configured. It’s possible that you have two 512MB modules installed. If that’s the case, you’ll have to replace both of them with two 1GB modules in order to upgrade the laptop to 2GB.
    Also, it’s possible that you have one 1GB module installed. In this case you can add another 1GB moudle into the empty slot.
    I published your question and more info in the following post:

    How to update RAM on HP Pavilion dv5220 laptop

  68. 68
    Kitsy Says:

    My Dell Insipron 2200 has a few missing keys how do i replace the keyboard?

  69. 69
    heather Says:

    Hi, i broke the one key on my acer travelmate 240.
    I need to get it fixed soon. its not my laptop.
    Help. PLEASE.

  70. 70
    Hazydaisy Says:

    My daughter spilt something on her advent 7108 laptop. She took off all the keys and cleaned it her best but a couple of the keys still stick. I know you have already made a suggesting for the sticky keys but she has also lost some of them now. My question is how do I replace the keyboard? And can I do it myself?

    Thank you

  71. 71
    ILLJILL Says:

    I have a Gateway 3550GZ and I believe the fans are not running and I need to take it apart…I can’t seem to find anything on how to do this…can you help?

  72. 72
    Ani Says:

    Hi, I just bought a pretty high end (for being 2+ years old) Dell Inspirion 1501 for $100 from a guy who was getting rid of it because the x and z keys don’t work; his toddler drooled on them (with soda in his mouth, of all things). I’m a smart girl, I will likely be able to find the instructions online for how to replace the keyboard, but I just want to make sure, before I go buy anything….could it be a bigger problem, underneath the keyboard down the road that I should look for now or anything? I can’t imagine; the computer seems to work fine, I hooked up the wireless internet, etc….so it’s really just as simple as buying a new board and swapping it out? Seems so easy that I’m wary of messing with it, oddly enough. :-) Thoughts? Thanks, Ani

  73. 73
    Ben Says:

    Hi, Laptopfreak, I have purchased a spare keyboard for my Samsung R60 Plus but I’m having some issues trying to remove the keyboard strip to access and remove the current one. I can’t seem to find a repair manual online or much in the way of help. Any suggestions how I might go about this process?

  74. 74
    Ben Says:

    BTW, post-posting comment, phoned Samsung and as the laptop is 11 months old they won’t provide the manual as its still in warranty..Thanks

  75. 75
    Dana Says:

    I have an acer 5610 series laptop. my son spilled pop on it.At first it wouldn’t power up after attempting to clean it, but when I let it sit for a day it wanted to power up, but it shuts back down when you hit the keyboard. Is there a good/easy way to clean it without removing keys because this one is very difficult. I already have 2 keys off of it that won’t go back on. Or are there any instructions on replacing the keyboard somewhere. I want to do this myself. please help. Thank you.

  76. 76
    Mr Kasasky Says:

    Hello, everyone can someone here help me? I’m facing the same problem you guys are, I can’t seem to get my keyboard to work properly I’ve tried almost everything. i know the problem is not is not on the keyboard because when I installed windows xp some keys worked fine and some were just sluggish,so i uninstalled The OS and installed windows 2000 and now I got almost all the keys working except G,H,Backspace,and some numbers so I upgraded xp on top of 2000 and now my keybord is acting weird to where some keys instead of typing are opening shortcut windows and if i’m typing in the adrdress bar it opens a box asking me what am i looking for and that happens if i press “F” and if i press “D” it opens my bookmarks. its weird i tell ya. if someone knows what problem that is please tell me.

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