Replacing the keyboard on the Gateway M-6843 laptop is a simple task that requires the removal of only three screws. You're not in for the headache that comes with a complete computer disassembly just because you killed your keyboard by spilling something on it or knocked the keys loose by dropping the computer.
* 1 Shut down the computer and disconnect the power cable and any external components. * 2 Turn the laptop over and place it on a flat work surface with the bottom facing up. * 3 Locate the keyboard screw (labeled with a "K") in the middle of the computer base and use the Phillips screwdriver to extract it. * 4 Turn the computer back right-side up and open the display. * 5 Insert a flat-head screwdriver under the left end of the Gateway M-6843 laptop Keyboard cover (the plastic strip that runs above the keyboard) and lift it up. Remove the keyboard cover from the computer. * 6 Extract the two screws you revealed by removing the keyboard cover from the top of the keyboard. * 7 Lift the keyboard and gently pull it toward the display to expose the flat cable that runs from the keyboard to the motherboard. * 8 Disconnect the flat cable from the connector on the motherboard and remove the keyboard. * 9 Connect the flat cable on the new keyboard to the motherboard and lay the keyboard in place so that the screw holes at the top of the Gateway M-6843 laptop Keyboard line up with the ones in the computer. * 10 Replace the screws to secure the keyboard. * 11 Replace the keyboard cover. Start by putting on the left side and then move to the right side, and make sure that it snaps into place when you put it down. * 12 Turn the computer over and replace the keyboard screw that goes in the base.