If you have a used laptop and you don't have any idea what brand or model it is, you could be in for a ton of trouble if it begins to malfunction. Hardware problems can be extremely troublesome, because you don't know where to go for replacement parts. If the problem is a keyboard that needs to be replaced, you'll probably suffer a few pounding headaches before you find the right one to fit your laptop. The good thing about headaches is that they always go away, and they will when you find the right keyboard.

Things You'll Need:
Phillips-head screwdriver
Small plastic wedge or flat-head screwdriver

Step 1 Power down the computer and remove all the external devices that are attached, and then remove the battery. To remove the battery on most laptops, you'll just push a release tab and pull the battery out of the connectors, but with some you'll have to remove screws. You'll know what to do once you get ready to disconnect the battery.

Step 2 Open the laptop as far as it will open and use a small plastic wedge or a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry up the end of the bezel (the plate directly above the keyboard). You'll pry at the notch in the top-right corner of the keyboard, and then pull the other side off with your hand. Some laptop bezels are secured by screws on the bottom of the laptop, so if you find this to be the case for yours, just flip the laptop over and remove the screws, and then turn it over again to remove the bezel.

Step 3 Remove the screws that secure the keyboard to the laptop. Don't pull the keyboard off yet, because it's still attached to the motherboard by a flat cable. Flip the keyboard over the palm rest.

Step 4 Disconnect the flat cable and pull off the keyboard. Now that you've removed the keyboard, you can take it with you when you go to get a replacement keyboard.

Step 5 Request a keyboard match when you arrive at the place where you're going to buy a keyboard. The attendent may allow you to match up the screw holes and the size of the keyboard so you have the best chances of finding the right one. Once you make your purchase, save your receipt and don't do too much damage to the packaging when opening it, just in case you have to take the keyboard back because it isn't the right fit.

Tips & Warnings
You can look for serial numbers and manufacturer information on the underside of the keyboard and enter your findings in the search bar on the Internet. This may speed up your search for a replacement keyboard.