Dell Vostro 1500 Laptop: How to Replace the Keyboard

Regardless of the reason that you need to replace the keyboard, it can be done in a few simple steps. The first thing that you will need to do is to prepare a work area. Designate a specific area for you to put screws and plastic pieces. Be very careful not to lose these screws as they may be custom threaded, meaning that you must order them directly from dell…which can be very costly. You will need the following items: A “glasses” screwdriver set. (Small screwdrivers will work too) A very small flat-head and phillips screwdriver will be needed.

Place a towel on a hard surface such as a counter-top or a table.

Gently rest the laptop on the surface to assure that no damage is done to the laptop. Unlug the laptop and remove the battery if you have not already done so. Please wait an addition 5 to 15 minutes before starting work after the battery is removed due to static build up in the laptop. A static build up can damage the laptop permanently if one uses metal tools to work on the computer before the build up has dissipated.

Once you are ready to begin, open the laptop up all the way, so the screen is visible and is almost flat. Once the laptop is open, take your small flat-head screwdriver and place the tip under the bottom of the plastic piece above the keyboard. Gently apply pressure to that piece to try to remove it from the computer. The plastic piece you want to remove is the one with the power button on it. Once you have loosened the piece, you may remove it by hand by gently pulling it away from the laptop. If you were successful, you should now see two screws at the top of the keyboard.

You should remove these two screws and place them to the side. Once this is done, you can now pull the keyboard out. Place the defective keyboard to the side and slide the new keyboard in its place. It should not require force to insert the keyboard. Connect the cable from the bottom of the keyboard to the respective port. (it may take some jiggling and pressure to get it in place) Once you have connected the cable, proceed to replace the screws above the keyboard.

After the screws are back in place, you may now replace the plastic cover. The cover goes in on the left side first, then on the right. Run your hand along the cover to snap it in. It may take a few attempts to do so, but once it is in place it will no longer snap.

You have just successfully replaced the keyboard for your Vostro 1500. Your keyboard should be fully functional.