How to Replace the Keyboard on a Toshiba Satellite A105 Laptop

It happens to all laptops eventually: You start to type and some of the keys no longer work. You clean under the keys and check for debris before resigning to the inevitable: your keyboard has failed.

Laptop keyboards take an extraordinary amount of abuse. We bump them, bang them, tap their keys hard and fast when we're excited; eat, drink and do innumerable other little acts of cruelty to them. Despite this they tend to be very durable but spills and constant use can take their toll.

If you have spilled liquid on your Toshiba Satellite A105 laptop keyboard, remove the keyboard from the system and clean using distilled water. You can just dip the keyboard into the distilled water-this type of water is free of the minerals that would ordinarily cause damage to electronics. Allow the keyboard to dry thoroughly for several days before reconnecting it to the laptop to test.

Should all else fail, you will need to replace the keyboard on your Toshiba Satellite A105 laptop. Replacement keyboards can be found at the Toshiba website but 2010 prices run in excess of $40. There are other dealers online at websites such as eBay that sell compatible keyboards for less than $20, so you may want to consider this when you purchase.

As for any time you work on a computer, back up all of your information and take precautions against static electricity. You can never be too safe where your priceless data is concerned.

Items Needed:

Small Phillips Screwdriver

Small Flat Head Screwdriver (or two)

Step One:

Turn the computer off.

Step Two:

Disconnect the Toshiba Satellite A105 from the power cable, as well as any peripherals such as printers that may be attached.

Step Three:

Unlock the latches holding the battery in place and remove the battery. Place the laptop on a smooth, well lit work surface.

Step Four:

Open the lid on the Toshiba laptop as far as it will open without forcing it. Locate the keyboard strip-the piece of plastic that lies between the keyboard and the top hinge.

Step Five:

Insert the flat head screwdriver on one side of the keyboard strip and gently pry upwards. There are several plastic tabs that secure this strip to the laptop. They will snap loose as you gently pry the strip away from the laptop. Work your way across the laptop, inserting the screwdriver between the keyboard and the strip to very carefully pry this strip off of the laptop. If some of the tabs break off, use super glue or the equivalent to glue the tabs back in their proper place on the keyboard strip.

Step Six:

Pull the LCD screen towards you until it is at a 90-degree angle. Reach behind the hinges and use the screwdriver to separate the hinge cover attached to the keyboard strip. Remove the keyboard strip and place aside.

Step Seven:

Remove the two Phillips head screws securing the keyboard in place. These screws had been covered by the keyboard strip and will now be visible. Place the screws in a safe place.

Step Eight:

Lift up the top of the keyboard until it is at a 45-degree angle. Underneath the keyboard is a ribbon cable connecting the keyboard to the laptop. Gently pull the cable straight up to disconnect.

Step Nine:

Slide the angled keyboard toward the monitor until the bottom part is freed. Lift the keyboard and set it aside.

Step Ten:

Position the new keyboard into place, sliding the bottom into the laptop's palmrest.

Step Eleven:

Insert the ribbon cable into the connector on the Toshiba Satellite A105 laptop. You will have to press gently but firmly to ensure a good connection.

Step Twelve:

Lay the keyboard flat into place on the laptop. Secure with the two Phillips head screws.

Step Thirteen:

Place the keyboard strip in place, Working from one side to the other lightly pressing the keyboard strip while listening for the tabs to click in place.

Step Fourteen:

Replace the battery, sliding the locking tabs to secure the battery in place.

Step Fifteen:

Reconnect the power cable and any peripherals that were attached to the laptop.

Step Sixteen:

Press the power button and enjoy your new keyboard!

Tips:

If you accidentally damage the keyboard strip beyond repair while removing it, you can order another one from Toshiba.

This tutorial also covers The Toshiba Satellite A100 and Tecra A7.

References:

"Upgrading and Repairing Laptops, 2^nd Edition;" Scott Mueller; 2006.

How to Remove the Motherboard From a Toshiba Satellite A105