Instructions for Dell Latitude CPx keyboard removal

• Dell Latitude CPiR
• Dell Latitude CPx
• Dell Latitude CPxH
• Dell Latitude CPxJ
• Dell Latitude CPt series
• Dell Inspiron 3700
• Dell Inspiron 3800

Replacing the keyboard in your Dell Latitude CPiR, Dell Latitude CPx, Dell Latitude CPxH , Dell Latitude CPxJ, Dell Latitude CPt series, Dell Inspiron 3700 or Dell Inspiron 3800 will be a fairly simple process. Purchase your replacement 0655P or 7U020 keyboard from Triangle Laptops and following the following steps:

1. Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the primary and or secondary batteries.
2. With the LCD closed, turn over the laptop. Look for 7 screw holes with the letter “K” next to them. Using a small Phillips screwdriver, remove these screws.
3. Turn the laptop back over and open the LCD cover. Using either your fingernails or a small flat-tip screwdriver, pry up the right hand edge of the keyboard. Be careful – the keycaps come off fairly easily, so you’ll want to spread the lifting over several keys if just using your fingernails. If the keyboard seems stuck on something, jiggle it back and forth toward the LCD as you pry up. If using a screwdriver, be sure to pry up on the blank area above the right-arrow key.
4. Being careful – the keyboard is still attached by two cables, lift up the keyboard and rotate it upside to the left, exposing the cables. You’ll see a wide cable plugged into the motherboard. Simply grasp this cable firmly and pull straight up, rocking back and forth toward the LCD slightly if desired. When this connector is freed, push open the locking tab of the ZIF connector on the palmrest connector securing the smaller mouse pointer cable, using your fingernail or the screwdriver. Once it is opened, pull out the cable. The keyboard is now free.
5. You can now repeat these steps in reverse to replace the keyboard. Be sure the small cable is firmly seated in the ZIF connector before snapping it locked, and also be sure the ZIF connector locking tab is fully extended before attempting to insert the cable. When you plug in the wide cable, be sure to press firmly on both ends of the connector to be sure you have a positive connection.

We have also found that you can replace your keyboard with the 3446R keyboard, which lacks the eraser mouse pointer. If you find that the mouse pointer is just in your way, then this can be a good option. You’ll find that it is a bit tight when you install the keyboard and press the spacebar past the small right and left mouse buttons, but it will snap in OK and work great for you. Obviously, you’ll have to skip connecting the smaller cable since there isn’t a mouse.

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