Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard

    This package includes a replacement keyboard for your Solo 5350 notebook and these printed instructions.

Tools you need

    You will need a small Phillips screwdriver, a small flat blade screwdriver, and a soft cloth to replace the keyboard.

Preventing static electricity discharge

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

    Caution

    ESD can permanently damage electrostatic discharge sensitive components in the notebook. Prevent ESD damage by following ESD guidelines every time you open the notebook case.

      Warning

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

        Before replacing the keyboard, follow these guidelines:

      Turn off the notebook power.
      Wear a grounding wrist strap (available at most electronics stores) and attach it to a bare metal part of the notebook (example: serial port).

        Warning

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

        Touch a bare metal surface on the back of the notebook.
        Unplug the AC adapter and modem cable.
        Remove the batteries.

          Before working with notebook 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.

        Removing the keyboard

        To remove the keyboard:

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

          2. Shut down your notebook, then unplug the AC adapter and modem or network cable.

          Warning

          To avoid injury, disconnect the AC adapter and modem or network cable before removing the keyboard. Replace the keyboard before reconnecting power.

            1. Turn the notebook over so the bottom of the notebook is facing up.

            2. Remove the main battery and the optional secondary battery.

            3. Locate and remove the two screws that secure the keyboard to the notebook.

            1. Turn the notebook over so the top of the notebook is facing up.

            2. Open the LCD panel so it lays flat on your work surface.

            3. Locate the two small tabs as shown in the picture below.

            1. Insert the small flat blade screwdriver next to these tabs and pry the keyboard up. Be careful to pry up on the keyboard base and not on one of the keys.

            2. Remove the keyboard by raising the front edge, then slowly rotating it away from you.

            1. Place a soft cloth over the LCD panel.

            2. Place the keyboard so it lies keys-down on top of the LCD panel. Be careful to not damage the LCD panel.

            Caution

            The LCD screen is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged easily. We recommend placing a soft cloth between the keyboard and LCD while completing this procedure.

              1. Disconnect the keyboard by pulling up on the plastic keyboard connector using two fingers. Once the keyboard connector is in the raised position, gently pull the keyboard cable out of the connector. Be careful to not touch or damage any other components.

            Installing the keyboard

            To install the new keyboard:

              1. Place a soft cloth over the LCD panel.

              2. Place the new keyboard keys-down on the LCD panel with the space bar near the top of the LCD panel. Be careful to not damage the LCD panel.

              Caution

              The LCD screen is made of specially coated glass and can be scratched or damaged easily. We recommend placing a soft cloth between the keyboard and LCD while completing this procedure.

                1. Locate the keyboard connector found near the top of the system board. Pull up on the keyboard connector to verify the connector is in the raised position.
                1. Slide the end of the keyboard cable into the keyboard connector.

                Important

                The keyboard cable should slide easily into the keyboard connector. The cable is correctly oriented if it is not twisted.

                  1. Press down on the keyboard connector using two fingers. This locks the keyboard cable into the keyboard connector.

                  2. Rotate the keyboard toward you until the keyboard is almost face up.

                  3. Insert the back of the keyboard under the keyboard bezel.

                  4. Lay the keyboard down until it is flat all the way across. The keyboard should easily fall into place. Make sure the cable is not twisted or crimped.

                  5. Press down on the keyboard in several places around the outside until it clicks into place.

                  Warning

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

                    1. Close the LCD panel.

                    2. Turn the notebook over so the bottom of the notebook is facing up.

                    3. Replace the two screws that secure the keyboard to the notebook.

                    4. Replace the main battery and the optional secondary battery.

                    5. Turn the notebook over so the top of the notebook is facing up.

                    6. Plug in the AC adapter and modem or network cable.

                    7. Turn on the notebook.

                  Technical Support

                    Refer to your user's guide for Gateway Technical Support information.

                  Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information

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

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