Broken seven key on laptop

[Eve]

My seven key fell off the other day and won't go back on.

When you press the bit underneath where it fell off it makes a beeping noise.

Does anyone know if I can fix it myself or will I need to take it to someone to get it sorted?

Thanks :)

[lickmyballs]

bin it

[Jugglering]

You might be able to get a new *cage* to fit below the key - wait for advice from Chuck ! In the meantime, why not buy a cheapo usb keyboard and plug that in (you'll probably have to sit at a desk to use it) but it does mean that you're not without internet access. When I had a laptop I found I was using it at the desk/table anyway, so I simply bought a wireless keyboard and mouse (about �15) and used them to save on the lappie parts.

[LeMarchand]

The keys normally consist of a rubber "nipple" that sits on the keyboard base, a plastic 2-part "hinge" mechanism (works a bit like those "fold down" clothes airers) and the actual key. If you have all the parts and they're not broken (the "hinge" tends to have some tiny protuberances that snap off if mishandled) the it's usually a question of putting them all back together properly and carefully snapping them all back on.

If you have missing/broken bits, a small firm MAY have a spare key (but there are many different types). It's most likely that a complete new keyboard will be needed. They're not usually difficult to fit if you're that way inclined.

If you can get the key to work by gently tapping the space where it was (try typing a Word document with lots of 7s) it is sometimes possible to bodge the job with a bit of silicone sealant (like around the edge of the bath), but the key won't be very responsive.

[Eve]

That's an idea (Juggs that is :) ).

It's just the one key so doesn't make a huge difference but it annoying and I suspect, cat contributory after I found him sitting on the keyboard the other day, probably as it's warm!

I have the key cap thing and on the underneath bit there is a hollow square flap with a little nozzle in the middle which you can push in and that's surrounded by a plastic black loop which doesn't seem fixed to anything.

Argh!!!

[Eve]

Thank you LeMarchand!

I am wondering if the hinge has broken, is the square bit meant to be connected to the loop bit (I feel like I'm signing that bones song!)?

When I press the nozzle bit it just beeps angrily which I am guessing is not a good sign :(

[ChuckFickens]

LOL.... dem bone dem bones dem dry bones!

I'm more concerned about the beeping noise when you press the rubber nipple, if that part is not working then refitting the key cap is probably not going to make it work, you'll just have a nice looking key to press that gives you a beep!

if the switch is broken, which it sounds like it maybe, then a new keyboard is the only answer, but don't get too disheartened though, they are often available cheap on ebay and it really is one of the easiest and quickest job to replace a laptop keyboard.

or an even cheaper option if you only ever use the laptop on a desk or table would be a USB keyboard.