how to remove keyboard on Toshiba 1715 XCDS?

Factual Questions
1

I have a Toshiba 1715 XCDS laptop computer. A few of the keys (specifically G, H, Backspace and maybe another) on the keyboard have ceased to respond. It is definitely a hardware issue since I can’t even type the keys at the power-on BIOS hardware-based password. There was no apparent spill that could affect the keys, especially ones that are far apart.

I therefore suspect that the problem is either a keyboard data ribbon that has broken (not likely, since it would never be flexed) or a connector that has slipped loose or has some corrosion in the connector.

I therefore have to get at the connector(s) that lead to the keyboard. However, there is no obvious way to do this. I found a discussion elsewhere that said to remove certain screws and pull loose a bezel, but after removing said screws, no bezel came loose. I checked the computer’s user manual and Toshiba web site, but found no useful instructions.

Therefore, has anyone else encountered a similar non-working key situation on a Toshiba 1715 or VERY similar computer? If so, were you able to open the case to get at the connectors? How?

Here is the link that gave me brief instructions, but which did not lead to a successful opening of the case.

http://pub141.ezboard.com/ftotalseminarshardware.showMessage?topicID=245.topic

If nothing else works, then I will use a separate PS/2 keyboard that I will connect to the laptop. However, that is a last-report solution.

2

The bezel does not become loose. It is still held in place by tension. As your link says, it snaps off. (It will also snap off if you have not followed the prev. steps right. But in a bad way.) BTW, the bezel is the very top part of the base, covering the hinges, if I understand the info correctly. (I have been snapping off such parts several times lately. It is a bit scary.) Watch for little bits of springy metal which reinforce the bezel catches and screw holes.

I can think of several things wrong with your keyboard which will not be solved by taking the laptop apart, OTOH.

Just plain old dirt, dust, etc. building up under the keys can make them fail. The tight clearances of laptop keyboards makes this a more common problem than on standalone ones. The most reasonable way to clean under the keys is with a can of “air”. Removing keys is possibly not advisable since it could be a “one way” process. I have contemplated taking apart laptop keyboards at times, and the method of assembly and smallness has disuaded me. Not nearly as simple as standalone keyboards.

3

I asked my mother, who has worked for Toshiba, and this is what she said:

“It’s a common problem with Toshibas. You need special tools to get the case open. I’d really advise the poster to take it to an authorized Toshi service center. More pricey than doing it yourself, but much less likely to kill your computer.”