
Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
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.
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
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.
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
3. Turn the notebook over so the bottom of the notebook is facing up. 
4. Remove the main battery and the optional secondary battery. 
5. Locate and remove the two screws that secure the keyboard to the 
notebook. 
6. Turn the notebook over so the top of the notebook is facing up. 
7. Open the LCD panel so it lays flat on your work surface. 
8. Locate the two small tabs as shown in the picture below. 
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
9. 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. 
10. Remove the keyboard by raising the front edge, then slowly rotating 
it away from you. 
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
11. Place a soft cloth over the LCD panel. 
12. 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. 
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
13. 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. 
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
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. 
3. 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. 
4. Slide the end of the keyboard cable into the keyboard connector. 
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
Important 
The keyboard cable should slide easily into the keyboard 
connector. The cable is correctly oriented if it is not 
twisted. 
5. Press down on the keyboard connector using two fingers. This locks 
the keyboard cable into the keyboard connector. 
6. Rotate the keyboard toward you until the keyboard is almost face 
up. 
7. Insert the back of the keyboard under the keyboard bezel. 
8. 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. 
9. 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.
10. Close the LCD panel. 
11. Turn the notebook over so the bottom of the notebook is facing up. 
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Replacing the Solo 5350 Keyboard 
12. Replace the two screws that secure the keyboard to the notebook. 
13. Replace the main battery and the optional secondary battery. 
14. Turn the notebook over so the top of the notebook is facing up. 
15. Plug in the AC adapter and modem or network cable. 
16. 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. 
© 2001 Gateway, Inc. All rights reserved. Gateway, Gateway Country, the 
Gateway stylized logo, and the black-and-white spot design are 
trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States 
and other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks 
or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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