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Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement

Introduction

This guide demonstrates how to remove the keyboard from an Alienware M18x Laptop.

What you need

  1. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 1 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 2 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Turn the computer over.

    • Slide the battery latch over and lift the battery out.

    Edit

  2. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Unscrew the four 3mm screws with a J000 screwdriver.

    Edit

  3. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Use the iFixit opening tool to lift the bottom cover off.

    Edit

  4. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the two 4mm screws with the J000 screwdriver.

    Edit

  5. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Turn the laptop right-side up, and open the laptop.

    • Use the plastic pryer tool to loosen the flat piece surrounding the keys by gently prying it upwards from the laptop's base.

    • Make sure to go around the entire perimeter of the piece to loosen all areas of it.

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  7. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • The piece is now free from its fastenings to the base of the laptop, and can be lifted off.

    • This piece is still connected to the laptop via power cable. Be sure not to lift it off too far or with too much force, as doing so could potentially rip or damage the cables.

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  8. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Gently remove the power cable with your hands or with the help of a prying tool.

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  9. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • The keyboard's 3mm fastening screws are now exposed and can be removed with a J000 screwdriver.

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  10. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • As before, the keyboard is now unfastened but still connected to the base via cables.

    • Flip the keyboard over towards the edge of the laptop to expose the locations of the connectors. Avoid tugging on the cables when you do this.

    Edit

  11. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Locate and remove the first connector cable.

    • Use a prying tool to assist in unplugging the cable.

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  12. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Locate and remove the second connector cable.

    • Again, use a prying tool to help remove.

    Edit

  13. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • The left section of the keyboard is connected by a single screw and two connector cables.

    • Remove the 4mm screw with a J000 screwdriver.

    • Remove the connecting cables with a prying bar.

    Edit

  14. Alienware M18x Keyboard Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • All sections of the keyboard are now free to be taken off and replaced!

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

3 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 4 other contributors

Jonathan Panella

Member since: 02/21/18

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Team

Cal Poly, Team S21-G1, Banghart Winter 2018 Member of Cal Poly, Team S21-G1, Banghart Winter 2018

CPSU-BANGHART-W18S21G1

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5 Guides authored

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