Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

seems that my TP 380ED keyboard is dying. There are 2 keys (letter "w" and "u") which I need to press very strongly to make them work. What am I supposed to do? Replace whole keyboard? (Is it still possible to buy "ne" TP380ED keyboard????) Or am I to do something with those two keys only? Please, do advice me something clever...

Sincerely yours

Jacek

If you have to press strongly but they still work somewhat, then you might be able to fix the keyboard by removing the bad keys and claning them the area under them and the area around them. It's a longshot and is only a 50/50, if even that, chance at saving your keyboard but what's to lose?

If it turns out you do need a new keybaord, which it's very likely, look on eBay or ask around the forums.

Thank you for your answer!

Do you think that this "operation" on my keyboard is possible to conduct by such hardware-unexperienced person, as certainly I am? I mean I have my manual in pdf, but I am not a hardare expert... Could you tell me if there are special rules I need to follow while "deconstructing" my 380ED???

Have a nice day!

Sincerely yours

Jacek

EDIT: Oops, overlooked the part where you said you already had the manual. Well, I'll still leave my original post for reference. The most important rule with the 380 is to be careful. Lots of the parts won't want to budge at first but keep trying, gently, and they'll come loose.

For removing the keyboard, there are instructions in the hardware maintenence manual. Look in the forum FAQ for that. Or look on the bottom of your computer for all 5 screws with arrows next to them (two are under the battery), unscrew them and carefully tug and lift on the keyboard. The keyboard will be slightly hard to remove first time around but once you figure it out, it's easy. Just be gentle and don't use too much force or you might misk breaking a ribbon cable.

For removing a key, well, I'd say just pop off the troublesome key with your finger but I just remembered that the 380's keys are a little tricky to re-attach. If you do pop a key off, pay real close attention to how the key attaches. And of course, before re-attaching if oyu do take the key off, be sure to clean all dirt and possible clutter out from the area the key was. I use q-tips for that.

Hi,

thanks - i will follow all of your instructions and let you know if I succeed or not

Have a good day!

Sincerely your

Jacek