Gateway M500 Keyboard Installation Instructions

Note: Before beginning, review electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions.

Removing the keyboard

1. Turn off your notebook, then unplug the AC adapter, modem and network cables.
2. Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up, then remove the battery.
3. Remove the two screws securing the keyboard and the keyboard cover.

4. Turn your notebook over so the top is facing up, then remove the hinge screws.

5. Open the LCD panel to the fully open position. Be careful not to use too much force when opening the LCD panel.
6. Insert the small flat-blade screwdriver under the edge of the hinge and gently pry up the keyboard cover.

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


7. Pull the cover off your notebook. You will hear small snapping sounds as the cover comes away from your notebook. Be careful not to break off the tabs found on the front of the cover.
8. 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.
9. Carefully insert the small flat-blade screwdriver between the keyboard cable and the black plastic hinge where the cable connects to the system board. Gently lift the hinge off the cable. The cable is now free and you can remove the keyboard.

To install the keyboard:

1. Place the new keyboard keys-down on your notebook with the space bar away from you.
2. Verify the black plastic hinge on the system board keyboard connector is in the raised position.
3. Insert the end of the keyboard cable between the black plastic hinge and the white connector.
4. Press the black plastic hinge onto the keyboard cable.
5. Rotate the keyboard toward the LCD panel until the keyboard is almost face-up.

Important: The plug is correctly oriented if the cable is not twisted.

6. Insert the tabs on the front of the keyboard under the palm rest.

7. Gently press the keyboard down until it is flat. The keyboard should easily fall into place. Be careful not to damage the LCD panel.
8. Slide the front keyboard cover tabs under your notebook frame and align the hinges. Press down on the cover in several places until it clicks in place.
9. Close the LCD panel and turn your notebook so the back is facing you.
10. Install the hinge screws.


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

11. Turn your notebook over so the bottom is facing up, then install the two screws securing the keyboard and the keyboard cover.

12. Replace the battery, connect the power adapter and modem and network
    cables, then turn on your notebook.

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