Gateway 450RGH Guide

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Replacing the Gateway 450ROG and
450RGH Keyboard
This package includes a replacement keyboard for either your Gateway 450ROG or 450RGH
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 notebook are extremely sensitive to static electricity, also
known as electrostatic discharge (ESD).
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.
■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 and optional secondary batteries. For more information, see
“Changing batteries” in your user guide.
■Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove any PC Cards.
Warning To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical voltages and
moving parts, turn off your notebook and unplug the power
cord and modem and network cables before opening the
case.
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 prevent risk of electric shock, do not insert any object
into the vent holes of your notebook.

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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.
■Always hold components by their edges. Avoid touching the edge connectors. Never
slide components over any surface.

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Removing the keyboard
To remove the keyboard:
1Follow the instructions under “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 1.
2Turn off your notebook.
3Disconnect the AC adapter and modem and network cables.
4Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up.
5Remove the main and optional secondary batteries.
6Turn your notebook over so the top is facing up.
7Open the LCD panel to the normal viewing position.
8Insert 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.

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9Pull the bezel off your notebook. You will hear small snapping sounds as the bezel
comes away from your notebook. Be careful not to break off the tabs found on the
left end of the bezel.
10 With a small Phillips screwdriver, remove the four keyboard screws and put them in
a safe place.
Screws

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11 Lift 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.

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12 Lift the keyboard connector using two fingers and remove the black keyboard cable.
Be careful not to touch or damage any other components.
13 If your notebook has the optional EZ Point pointing device, lift the cable connector
on the back of the keyboard and remove the white cable.

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Installing the keyboard
To install the keyboard:
1Place the new keyboard keys-down on your notebook with the space bar away from
you.
2Insert the keyboard plug, on the end of the black keyboard cable, onto the keyboard
connector.
3If your notebook has the optional EZ Point pointing device, insert the white cable
into the cable connector on the back of the keyboard. Press down gntly on the cable
connector to lock into place.
4Rotate the keyboard toward the LCD panel until the keyboard is almost face-up.
Important The outside of the keyboard plug goes around the
keyboard connector. The plug is correctly oriented if the
cable is not twisted.

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5Insert the tabs on the front of the keyboard under the palm rest.
6Gently press the keyboard down until it is flat all the way across. The keyboard should
easily fall into place. Be careful not to damage the LCD panel.
7Replace the four keyboard screws.
Ta b s
Screws

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8Slide the two tabs on the left end of the bezel under your notebook frame.
9Press 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.
10 Replace the main and optional secondary batteries.
11 Connect the power adapter and modem and network cables, then turn on your
notebook.
Caution If the bezel is not correctly replaced, your notebook could
be damaged when you try to close the LCD panel.

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