Replacing the Gateway 600 Keyboard

    This package includes a replacement keyboard for your Gateway 600 notebook and these printed instructions.

Tools you need

    You need a small Phillips and a small flat blade screwdriver to replace the keyboard.

Preventing static electricity discharge

    The components inside your computer are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).

    Caution

    ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge-sensitive components in your notebook. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you replace the keyboard.

      Warning

      To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and moving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the power cord and modem and network cable before opening the case.

        Before replacing the keyboard, follow these guidelines:

      Turn off your notebook.
      Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of your workbench or other grounded connection.

        Warning

        To prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object into the vent holes of your notebook.

        Touch a bare metal surface on your workbench or other grounded object.
        Unplug the power cord and the modem and network cables.
        Remove the main battery (and secondary battery, if installed). For more information, see "Changing batteries" in your user guide.
        Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove any PC Cards.

          Before working with computer components, follow these guidelines:

        Avoid static-causing surfaces such as carpeted floors, plastic, and packing foam.
        Remove components from their antistatic bags only when you are ready to use them. Do not lay components on the outside of antistatic bags because only the inside of the bags provide electrostatic protection.
        Always hold components by their edges. Avoid touching the edge connectors. Never slide components over any surface.

        Removing the keyboard

        To remove the keyboard:

          1. Follow the instructions under "Preventing static electricity discharge".

          2. Turn off your notebook, disconnect the AC adapter and modem and network cables.

          3. Disconnect your notebook from the optional port replicator (see "Disconnecting from the port replicator" in your user guide).

          4. Turn your notebook over so that the bottom is facing up.

          5. Remove the main and optional secondary batteries.

          6. Turn your notebook over so that the top is facing up.

          7. Open the LCD panel to the normal viewing position.

          8. Insert the small flat blade screwdriver under the bottom right corner of the keyboard bezel and gently pry it up.

          Important

          Inserting a piece of cloth between the screwdriver and keyboard and notebook case will help prevent damage to your notebook.

            1. Pull the bezel off your notebook. You will hear small snapping sounds as the bezel comes away from your notebook. Be careful to not break off the tabs found on the left end of the bezel.
            1. With a small Phillips screwdriver, remove the five keyboard screws and put them in a safe place.

            Important

            There may be a grounding strap attached to the far-right screw. Make sure this strap is free from the keyboard before continuing.

              1. Raise the back edge of the keyboard, then slowly rotate it toward you so it lies keys-down on top of your notebook. Be careful not to damage the LCD panel.
              1. Disconnect the keyboard by lifting the keyboard connector using two fingers. Be careful to not touch or damage any other components.

            Installing the keyboard

            To install the keyboard:

              1. Place the new keyboard keys-down on your notebook with the space bar away from you.

              2. Insert the keyboard plug, on the end of the keyboard cable, onto the keyboard connector.

              Important

              The outside of the keyboard plug goes around the keyboard connector. The plug is correctly oriented if the cable is not twisted.

                1. Rotate the keyboard toward the LCD panel until the keyboard is almost face-up.

                2. Insert the front of the keyboard under the palm rest.

                1. Gently press the keyboard down until it is flat all the way across. The keyboard should easily fall into place. Be careful to not damage the LCD panel.

                2. Replace the five keyboard screws. If there is a grounding strap that was connected to the far-right screw, make sure to reconnect it.

                1. Slide the two tabs on the left end of the bezel under your notebook frame.

                2. Press down on the bezel in several places until it clicks in place.
                  The bezel is correctly mounted when you can run you finger along the bezel and find no loose spots. The bezel should be flat all the way across.

                Warning

                If the bezel is not correctly replaced, your notebook could be damaged when you try to close the LCD panel.

                  1. Replace the batteries, then turn your notebook over.

                  2. Reconnect the optional port replicator.

                  3. Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on your notebook.

                Technical Support

                  See your user's guide for Gateway Technical Support information.

                Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information

                  See your user's guide for important safety, regulatory, and legal information.

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