Replacing the keyboard on your Gateway Gwtn156-1rg laptop may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward with the right tools and a bit of patience. Whether your keyboard has become unresponsive, keys are sticking or falling off, or you simply want to upgrade to a better typing experience, this guide will walk you through the steps involved in replacing the keyboard yourself. By following these instructions carefully, you can save the cost of hiring a professional and get your laptop back to working order in no time.
First, it’s important to gather the necessary tools for the job. You will need a small Phillips head screwdriver, a plastic pry tool, and a new keyboard compatible with your Gateway Gwtn156-1rg laptop. Once you have all the necessary materials, you can begin the replacement process.
Before you start disassembling your laptop, it’s important to power it down and unplug it from any power sources. This will help prevent any electrical damage to the components during the repair process. Additionally, it’s a good idea to back up any important data on your laptop before starting, just in case anything unexpected happens during the replacement.
Removing the Old Keyboard
Replacing the keyboard on your Gateway Gwtn156-1rg laptop requires careful disassembly and precise reassembly. Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and ensure you have adequate workspace.
Materials You’ll Need:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Small Phillips screwdriver | To remove screws |
| Small flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool | To detach the keyboard |
| Anti-static wrist strap | To prevent electrostatic discharge |
Steps:
- Disconnect the laptop and power it off. Flip the laptop upside down and locate the six screws securing the base panel. Remove the screws and carefully lift off the panel.
- Locate the keyboard ribbon cable. The ribbon cable is a thin, flat connector that joins the keyboard to the motherboard. It is usually secured by a small plastic clip or latch. Use the flathead screwdriver or pry tool to gently release the clip and disconnect the ribbon cable.
- Remove the keyboard securing screws. Around the edges of the keyboard, you will find several small screws holding it in place. Remove these screws using the Phillips screwdriver.
- Pry the keyboard loose. Gently insert the flathead screwdriver or pry tool into the gap between the keyboard and the laptop frame. Slowly work the tool around the edges of the keyboard, prying it loose until it lifts free from the frame.
Caution: When prying the keyboard loose, be careful not to damage any of the surrounding components or the keyboard itself.
Disconnecting the Battery
Before you begin working on your laptop, it is important to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shocks or damage to your computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to disconnect the battery:
1. Turn off the laptop and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Flip the laptop upside down and remove the screws that hold the battery in place. The number and location of screws can vary depending on the specific Gateway model, but they are usually located on the bottom of the laptop.
| Gateway Gwtn156-1rg Battery Removal |
|---|
| Remove both screws located in the battery compartment, one on each side. |
3. Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the battery out of the battery compartment. Be careful not to damage the battery or any of the surrounding components.
Unplugging the Keyboard Cable
The fourth step is to unplug the keyboard cable. To do this, you will need a small flat-head screwdriver or a plastic spudger. First, locate the keyboard cable. It will be a small, thin cable that is connected to the motherboard on one end and to the keyboard on the other end. Once you have located the cable, carefully pry it loose from the motherboard using the screwdriver or spudger. Be careful not to damage the cable or the motherboard.
Once the cable is disconnected, you can remove the keyboard from the laptop. To do this, simply lift the keyboard up from the front edge and pull it towards you. The keyboard should come free easily.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the keyboard cable. |
| 2 | Carefully pry the cable loose from the motherboard. |
| 3 | Remove the keyboard from the laptop. |
Removing the Keyboard Screws
Once the keyboard bezel has been removed, you’ll need to locate the screws that secure the keyboard to the laptop. These screws are typically small and black, and they’ll be located along the top and bottom edges of the keyboard.
To remove the screws, you’ll need to use a small Phillips head screwdriver. Be careful not to overtighten the screws when you’re putting them back in, as this could damage the keyboard.
Table of Screw Locations
| Screw Location |
|---|
| Top edge of keyboard, centered |
| Top edge of keyboard, left and right corners |
| Bottom edge of keyboard, centered |
| Bottom edge of keyboard, left and right corners |
Once you’ve removed all of the screws, you can carefully lift the keyboard up and away from the laptop. Be careful not to damage the keyboard cable, which is attached to the bottom of the keyboard.
Preparing the New Keyboard
Before you begin the installation process, it is important to prepare the new keyboard for installation. Follow these steps to prepare your new keyboard:
-
Unpack the New Keyboard
Carefully unpack the new keyboard and remove it from its protective packaging.
-
Inspect the New Keyboard
Before installing the new keyboard, inspect it for any physical damage, such as cracks or broken keys. If you notice any damage, do not install the keyboard and contact the manufacturer.
-
Connect the New Keyboard
Connect the new keyboard to your computer using the included USB cable or wireless adapter. Make sure the keyboard is securely connected.
-
Test the New Keyboard
Once the new keyboard is connected, test it to ensure it is working properly. Press each key and verify that it registers correctly. If any keys are not working, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for troubleshooting.
-
Clean the New Keyboard
Before installing the new keyboard, clean it with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. This will help prevent dirt and grime from accumulating inside the keyboard and affecting its performance.
-
Gather Necessary Tools
Gather the necessary tools for the installation process, such as a Phillips head screwdriver, anti-static wrist strap, and a clean work surface. Ensure that the work area is well-lit and free of clutter.
Connecting the New Keyboard Cable
Once you have removed the old keyboard and prepared the new one, it’s time to connect the new keyboard cable. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this:
1. Locate the Keyboard Connector
Open up the laptop and look for the keyboard connector. It’s usually a rectangular port located near the edge of the motherboard.
2. Disconnect the Old Cable
Gently lift up the tab or lever that secures the old keyboard cable. Then, pull the cable out of the connector.
3. Prepare the New Cable
Ensure that the new keyboard cable is oriented correctly. The connector should have a small arrow or notch that matches a corresponding mark on the connector port.
4. Insert the New Cable
Align the new keyboard cable with the connector and gently push it in until it clicks into place.
5. Secure the Cable
Lock the new keyboard cable in place by pressing down on the tab or lever that secures it.
6. Test the Keyboard
Now that the new keyboard cable is connected, turn on the laptop and test the keyboard to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
7. Special Considerations for Gateway GWTN156-1RG
For the Gateway GWTN156-1RG laptop, there are a few additional steps to consider:
i. Remove the Battery
Before you begin, remove the battery from the laptop for safety.
ii. Prepare the Laptop
Turn the laptop upside down and remove the back panel by unscrewing the screws that secure it.
iii. Locate the Keyboard Cable
The keyboard cable is usually located underneath the battery compartment. It’s a black cable with a rectangular connector.
Uninstalling Old Key Caps
1. Start by flipping the laptop upside down.
2. Locate the small screws on the bottom of the keyboard and remove them using a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Carefully lift the keyboard up and away from the laptop.
4. Use a keycap puller or a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the old key caps off the keyboard.
Installing the Key Caps
5. Align the new key cap with the correct position on the keyboard.
6. Press down on the key cap until it snaps into place.
7. Repeat this process for all the keys.
Installing the Spacebar
8. The spacebar is slightly larger than the other keys and requires a special installation method.
9. Hold the spacebar upside down and insert the metal stabilizers into the slots on the keyboard.
10. Gently push the spacebar down until it snaps into place.
11. Flip the laptop back over and check that all the keys are securely fastened.
12. Turn on the laptop and test the keyboard to ensure it is functioning properly.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Flip the laptop upside down. |
| 2 | Remove the screws on the bottom of the keyboard. |
| 3 | Lift the keyboard up and away from the laptop. |
| 4 | Pry off the old key caps using a keycap puller or a small flathead screwdriver. |
| 5 | Align the new key cap with the correct position on the keyboard. |
| 6 | Press down on the key cap until it snaps into place. |
| 7 | Repeat this process for all the keys. |
| 8 | Hold the spacebar upside down and insert the metal stabilizers into the slots on the keyboard. |
| 9 | Gently push the spacebar down until it snaps into place. |
| 10 | Flip the laptop back over and check that all the keys are securely fastened. |
| 11 | Turn on the laptop and test the keyboard to ensure it is functioning properly. |
Reattaching the Battery
9. Reattach the battery.
- Align the battery with the connector on the motherboard, as shown below:
- Gently push the battery down until it clicks into place.
- Secure the battery with the screws that you removed earlier.
 |
| Battery connector |
Testing the New Keyboard
Once the new keyboard is installed, it’s essential to test its functionality thoroughly to ensure it works as expected. Here are the steps to test the keyboard:
- Power on your Gateway Gwtn156-1rg laptop.
- Access any text editor or document (e.g., Microsoft Word, Notepad).
- Using all the keys on the keyboard, type a sample text to check if each key registers and produces the correct characters.
- Test special keys like the function keys (F1-F12), arrow keys, and modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift).
- Ensure the number pad (if present) works correctly by typing numbers and using the number lock key.
- Try combinations of keys, such as holding down Shift while pressing other keys, to test for simultaneous keystrokes.
- Check for any stuck or unresponsive keys by repeatedly pressing and releasing them.
- Test the keyboard’s responsiveness by typing quickly and observing if there are any delays or missed keystrokes.
- Check if the keyboard backlight (if applicable) turns on and off as expected.
- If you encounter any issues or malfunctions during testing, refer to the keyboard’s documentation or contact technical support for assistance.
How To Replace Keyboard On Gateway Gwtn156-1rg
Replacing the keyboard on a Gateway GWTP156-1RG laptop is a relatively simple process that can be completed in about 30 minutes. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Turn off the laptop and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Close the laptop and flip it upside down.
- Locate the screws that secure the keyboard to the laptop chassis. There are usually two screws located at the top of the keyboard and two screws located at the bottom.
- Remove the screws and carefully lift the keyboard up and away from the laptop chassis.
- Disconnect the keyboard cable from the motherboard.
- Connect the new keyboard cable to the motherboard.
- Place the new keyboard in place and secure it with the screws.
- Flip the laptop back over and open it up.
- Turn on the laptop and test the new keyboard.
People also ask
How much does it cost to replace a keyboard on a Gateway GWTP156-1RG laptop?
The cost of replacing a keyboard on a Gateway GWTP156-1RG laptop will vary depending on the make and model of the keyboard. However, you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 for a new keyboard.
Can I replace the keyboard on my Gateway GWTP156-1RG laptop myself?
Yes, you can replace the keyboard on your Gateway GWTP156-1RG laptop yourself. However, it is important to note that this is a delicate process and it is important to follow the instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable replacing the keyboard yourself, you can always take it to a qualified technician.
