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#1 2008-06-01 14:29:52

Raccoon1400
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2008-04-14
Posts: 853

dell laptop space bar issiues

My space bar just started doing funny things to me. It doesn't always work. If I press it in the middle, it works most of the time. It doesn't register most of the time if I press at the ends. If I give I press it down hard for a few seconds, it will work for a minute and then be back to the way it was.
If I press the f key then the middle of the space bar:
f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f
Now the f and the end of the space bar:
ff ffffffffff f f f fffffffffffffff
Now if I hold the space bar down hard first:
f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f f fff ffffff

Can I remove the bar to see if anything is trapped under it without breaking it? I was using it on the couch and when I brought it upstairs, this happens.

The space bar doesn't have the same feel to it when I press it as it did before.

Help?


Fustrated Windows users have two options.
1. Resort to the throwing of computers out of windows.
2. Resort to the throwing of windows out of computers.

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#2 2008-06-01 14:41:27

Allan
Pacman
From: Brisbane, AU
Registered: 2007-06-09
Posts: 11,365
Website

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

It does sound like you got something stuck there.  I preface this with don't do this unless you feel reasonably confident.  It is a lot easier than I thought when I first did it but I don't want to take any blame...

What you can do is power down, remove the battery, the use a screwdriver to lift the panel below the screen (where you see a small indent on the top right).  That allows the keyboard to lift right out - careful it is attached.  Unplug the keyboard and give it a shake.

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#3 2008-06-01 15:09:18

Raccoon1400
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2008-04-14
Posts: 853

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I'll keep that idea for a last resort. I also tried using compressed air, but that didn't work.

The possibility of something stuck sounds correct. Last night , I was using it on the couch, and at times, it was in a position where some piece of junk could have slid there from somewhere else in the keyboard.

EDIT: I see the indents you are referring to. This is an inspiron 6400. What did you have?

Last edited by Raccoon1400 (2008-06-01 15:11:59)


Fustrated Windows users have two options.
1. Resort to the throwing of computers out of windows.
2. Resort to the throwing of windows out of computers.

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#4 2008-06-01 15:16:38

Allan
Pacman
From: Brisbane, AU
Registered: 2007-06-09
Posts: 11,365
Website

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I was also going to suggest a dustbuster.  But if you have already tried compressed air, I'm not sure it will help.

I have a Latitude D520 and a Inspiron 1525.

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#5 2008-06-01 15:19:34

Raccoon1400
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2008-04-14
Posts: 853

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

Which did you pop the panel on?
I think both laptops have that notch.


Fustrated Windows users have two options.
1. Resort to the throwing of computers out of windows.
2. Resort to the throwing of windows out of computers.

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#6 2008-06-01 15:27:13

Raccoon1400
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2008-04-14
Posts: 853

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I found these instructions for removing the keyboard
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/s … #wp1111863


Fustrated Windows users have two options.
1. Resort to the throwing of computers out of windows.
2. Resort to the throwing of windows out of computers.

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#7 2008-06-01 15:27:21

Allan
Pacman
From: Brisbane, AU
Registered: 2007-06-09
Posts: 11,365
Website

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I popped it on the Latitude because of a broken keyboard which I replaced.  It think they are all pretty much the same in the end...

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#8 2008-06-01 20:27:00

Raccoon1400
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2008-04-14
Posts: 853

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I popped the keyboard out with the instructions I posted the link to. I gave the keyboard a good shake, and a good blast of compressed air.
Where do I go to order a new one?


Fustrated Windows users have two options.
1. Resort to the throwing of computers out of windows.
2. Resort to the throwing of windows out of computers.

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#9 2008-06-01 23:51:21

Allan
Pacman
From: Brisbane, AU
Registered: 2007-06-09
Posts: 11,365
Website

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I ordered directly from Dell.  I haven't looked into alternatives.

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#10 2008-06-02 00:19:33

Raccoon1400
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2008-04-14
Posts: 853

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

Do you have a link? I haven't been able to find it on their site.


Fustrated Windows users have two options.
1. Resort to the throwing of computers out of windows.
2. Resort to the throwing of windows out of computers.

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#11 2008-06-02 00:24:26

Allan
Pacman
From: Brisbane, AU
Registered: 2007-06-09
Posts: 11,365
Website

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I can't remember how I ordered that.  I either had to phone them or there is a Dell kiosk in my local shopping center with staff that can do it.  Anyway, I pretty sure you won't find it on the website.  Enjoy calling customer support...

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#12 2008-06-03 00:22:25

Raccoon1400
Member
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: 2008-04-14
Posts: 853

Re: dell laptop space bar issiues

I called dell. I talked to about 4 different people, and then was on  hold for 1.5 hours. I hung up, called back, and was connected within 10 min. The keyboard was $30.90 Canadian, and should be here in about a week. I should be able to save some money by installing it myself.


Fustrated Windows users have two options.
1. Resort to the throwing of computers out of windows.
2. Resort to the throwing of windows out of computers.

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