removing the keys

[dabbadoo]

I took a key off my laptop to clean out lint and hairs beneath it and it broke a plastic part directly under it. Is there a particular technique for removing keys to avoid damage? I have a SONY Vaio laptop. Can this part (little rectangular plastic piece) be replaced without sending the whole computer to Sony?

Thanks

[knight0334]

Most keys on laptops aren't really meant to come off. Most that I saw had a metal or plastic scissor clip that retained the key. You might be able to order a replacement key with the scissor clip, so long as the retaining slot/grooves on the keyboard base isn't the part that is broke. If so, you may have to order a replacement keyboard to install or send it in to have it replaced if you aren't so inclined to take apart your laptop.