Disabling the built-in keyboard

[MJJ]

After a little accident, the keyboard on my laptop messed up. Now, some of the keys are constantly being pushed down, so the keyboard is useless for typing.
So, is there a way I could disable the built-in keyboard on my laptop, so I could plug in an external keyboard and use that instead?

[Jordy]

Yeah you should just be able to plug-in a USB Keyboard and your off.

[MJJ]

Yeah you should just be able to plug-in a USB Keyboard and your off.

I've plugged in the external keyboard, but I'm not sure how to disable the built-in one?

[Kevin]

Pull it out if you wish, On Dell inspirons it is quite eazy to take them out, just take off, I'm sure theres TUT's on the net for your specific laptop

-Kevin

[e5]

As said above, you can quite easily remove it, there's some tiny hidden hooks which you need to pull up.

Try searching on the internet and get professional advice.

[MJJ]

I don't really feel confident enough to dismantle it.
I was hoping there was some other way you could disable it through the control panel or something, but I'm guessing there isn't..

[Recursion]

In Dells the keyboards are made to be taken off quickly, easily and by newbs. Not that your a newb or anything.

[MJJ]

Rofl, on my laptop it doesn't look like the keyboard can be taken off easily. Looks like you have to take out the keys - the v key fell out. :P
I'm guessing there is no other way to dismantle the keyboard, so thanks for all your help. +rep

[Recursion]

What model and make is your laptop?

[MJJ]

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/dell-inspiron-1520/4505-3121_7-32471366.html

dell inspiron 1520

[Kevin]

I have a dell Insprion 1521. It's really simple.

See the sort of strip at the top of your keyboard, where the power/home buttions are. theres a little edge where you can pry that up, stick a knife/ your finger nale / screw driver in there, and slowly pry it up.
MAKE SURE YOUR SCREEN IS FULLY FLAT, AND NEARLY IN LINE WITH THE KEYBOARD.

http://www.tehupload.com/uploads/41160b1ab71be68DSC00103.JPG
Once you have that up, you will notice two screws, attached to the top of the silver keyboard, screw them out. (see pictures)
http://www.tehupload.com/uploads/0122b1ab71be681DSC00104.JPG

http://www.tehupload.com/uploads/16956b1ab71be68DSC00105.JPG

http://www.tehupload.com/uploads/6945749d01716c3DSC00109.JPG

Once they are out, Remove the keyboard, it comes out very eazyly, but be careful you don't snap it, carefully wrangle it out, there are a couple of hooks, but just be careful, and it will come out eazyy.

http://www.tehupload.com/uploads/4305149d01716c3DSC00111.JPG


Pull that strap out, then put the top part (Picture 1)

Back on.

This tut was created by me, and for the pictures i used a Sony k800i

[Recursion]

Resize them next time.

This procedure is the same for the whole Dell laptop range I think? Its the same on Latitudes.

[Kevin]

Ye, Sorry that they came out massive ;[.

If your on firefox press

CTRL (+) -
CTRL AND MINUS

a couple of times, and it will zoom out.

[e5]

I don't really feel confident enough to dismantle it.
I was hoping there was some other way you could disable it through the control panel or something, but I'm guessing there isn't..
Yeah, I thought you were suggesting that, but I don't think there is tbh.

Also if you did take the lid off, you'd probably be able to fix the keys are stick down and continue using your laptop keyboard.

[MJJ]

Thanks for those photos, I may try that later if I feel confident enough, but like I said before, taking apart the laptop isn't really something I want to do, even though it's already wrecked. I told my parents about my keyboard, and they said it couldn't be fixed, so I guess I'll have to stick with it. =/

[MJJ]

I couldn't edit above, but do you guys think I could just get the keyboard replaced, or would I have to buy a new laptop?

[Trinity]

I couldn't edit above, but do you guys think I could just get the keyboard replaced, or would I have to buy a new laptop?

Yeah, it's pretty easy to get laptop keyboards replaced, you could do it yourself.

[iUnknown]

The easiest thing to do is to use Kevin's guide. I'm sure you can do it. Believe in yourself!

If you go to any technican company or something they'll do the same thing in 2 minutes infront of your eyes, and charge you £50.

[Kevin]

The easiest thing to do is to use Kevin's guide. I'm sure you can do it. Believe in yourself!

If you go to any technican company or something they'll do the same thing in 2 minutes infront of your eyes, and charge you £50.


It's REALLY REALLY simple, And that picture guide, should make it soo simple

[lolwut]

Plug in ext. keyboard > Control Panel > Keyboard > Hardware > have a look around, see if there's anything.