The keyboard is really the work horse of any computer system. During its life it takes a real battering from the user. Constant hard pounding with fingers, spilt liquids such as tea, coffee and tears when thing do not go as intended. Body parts such as loose skin, dandruff and other bits. But not forgetting time itself as this is a major factor in the keyboards ageing and failure. This all makes for a keyboard that needs a good overhaul to restore it to near 'new' condition. In this section the keyboard will be fully cleaned and serviced.

Please note there are several differing case styles of keyboard but the methods detailed below are applicable to all.

Tools need for this job is a crosshead screw driver, a small straight end screwdriver, a container for the removed screws, a soft towel and a firm flat work surface such as a bench or stout table. Optional tools are a soft paint brush and vacuum cleaner. A useful item is a digital camera to photograph the various parts before dismantling or paper and pencil to make notes and diagrams to aid reassembly.

The first job is to remove as much dirt and dust from the unit as is possible using the brush and vacuum cleaner. Brush out as much dirt etc. from between the keys as is possible using the vacuum cleaner to suck it up. Turn the unit over and tap out any other loose dirt that may have been missed but be gentle.
Remove the screws from the bottom of the unit and lift away the base. Clean it up with a brush to remove any stubborn dirt etc.

	Take your soft brush and brush out any dirt that has found its way into this part of the housing. be careful not to damage the circuit board base.
Placing the unit face down (key side down) on a soft towel. Locate and remove the 6 screws securing the key/PCB unit and cable earth strap (not shown) to the casing. Lift this section away from the top casing.
	With the unit still on the soft towel remove all the small screws that secure the PCB to the key frame. There are at least 20 of these and place them in your container. When removed lift off the PCB.
Do not touch the silver tracks or pads etched on the PCB as this may damage then. A light brush is all that is needed.
	Remove the 7 pin cable plug by carefully pulling it off the pins mounted on the PCB. There is a number indicator on the underside of the plug to show its correct orientation when replacing. Place the PCB in a safe place to avoid damage until needed for re-assembly.

At this point take pictures of the key layout with the digital camera or make diagrams and make notes as a record so when assembling the unit all the keys are placed into the correct configuration.

Last Update 15/04/2011