LapTop Guys

Atrocities · #1 December 29th, 2008, 04:23 AM

How hard is it to replace the left touch pad button? Mine just went out on my less than 3 year old DELL laptop. (DELL SUCK ***)

Combat Wombat · #2 December 29th, 2008, 06:56 PM

There is almost no chance anyone but Dell could replace it. if you really like the laptop and don't want to carry around an external mouse it might be worth trying to get them to fix it.

Gandalf Parker · #3 December 30th, 2008, 12:05 AM

My dell crapped the same month as my warranty gave out.

Captain Kwok · #4 December 30th, 2008, 10:35 AM

I find using a small cordless mouse with my laptop is infinitely better than using any touchpad. :P

Xrati · #5 December 30th, 2008, 01:15 PM

First, call Dell and see if you can get a replacement part. Next the laptop will have all assembly screws on the back side of it. Simply take the screws out and remember to mark long and short screws if your model has any. You should be able to access the pads from under the cover. If you need to remove the keyboards, they come off from the front with just two screws and then you'll have to remove a snapped cover that holds the keyboard in place.

It's not rocket science, but just take your time and remember to use ESD straps!

Fyron · #6 December 30th, 2008, 05:06 PM

Or just take out the battery and touch a metal plate before working... ESD straps are the snake oil of computer maintenance.

Xrati · #7 December 30th, 2008, 05:14 PM

They work, use em!

Fyron · #8 December 30th, 2008, 08:42 PM

Clean rooms at least have a physically sound principle behind them, even if they are generally excessive for most of the stuff they get used for..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xrati

They work, use em!

They work at giving you a false sense of security, all while lining the pockets of the strap fatcats! Seriously though, where is this mystical static charge going to come from? Once you touch a conductor once, it's gone. Just standing there, working on the PCB, you aren't going to accrue any new charge..

Atrocities · #9 December 31st, 2008, 12:41 AM

Thanks guys. Odd thing, when I opened it up today the key was back in place and working fine. I don't know how, but evidently closing the monitor popped the key back into socket or something. No matter how it happened I am greatfull that it has.

Suicide Junkie · #10 January 1st, 2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyron

Seriously though, where is this mystical static charge going to come from?

From that fuzzy sweater you're wearing, when you move your arms.

Strip down for safety!