>Hi, > >I've just started assigning functions to my function keys, and I'm >noticing for the first time that the key "F3" isn't working properly: >only the front edge of it goes down (and with some difficulty) when >I press it. > >I can see the cause: there's a little plastic tab sticking out from a >small (about a quarter inch) slot on the back edge of the recessed >area in the case where the keyboard sits. The little plastic tab >sticks out far enough that it goes right under the back edge of the key, >preventing the key from being pushed down all the way. > >I hope that description was clear. . .
Very. >I have a couple of questions: >anyone know what the tab is for or from, and anyone know if there's an easy >way I might get it out of the way? Hello Susanna, I've been offline all day, so maybe this has been answered already, but given my familiarity with the (dis)assembly of the 2400c, I'll toss my answer in too. See the plastic case piece that sits between the keyboard and the screen? It includes the hinge covers, PC Card eject buttons and two screws. That piece is held in place (partially) with that tab. It actually has four tabs, the one you have become familiar with, one above the F12 key, and two along the back side between the hinge covers. The screws hold it down too of course. These tabs slide into and lock the piece to both the adjoining plastics and the metal subframe below. The fix for your issue is pretty easy, as this is the very first piece removed during disassembly. Here it is step-by-step: 1. If they are still there, you wil need to remove the screw hole covers. Be very careful as they have a tendency to pop-off and fly. Usually landing sticky-side down behind an immovable piece of large furniture. =) Try cupping your hand over it (or cover with a wide strip of clear plastic bag/saran wrap while you gently prod the edge with either a *very* small jeweler's screwdriver (flat blade) or an x-acto knife. Be careful not to damage the cover so it will be cosmetically whole when it comes time to put it back. 2. With a phillips jeweler's screwdriver unscrew the two screws under the covers. The screen should be lying back completely flat. 3. with a flat blade jeweler's screwdriver gently push the tab below/behind the F12 key in while *gently* lifting the whole case piece up. These tabs are fragile! 4. Replace the piece back in correctly, with the tab behind/beneath the F3 and F12 keys. I find it easiest to insert te backside tabs first, then rock the piece forward and slid the frontside tabs in. I bet the person who last assembled your Comet did it backwards, forcing the tab out and under the F3 key. 5. Replace the screws. 6. Replace the hole covers (unless they are stuck to your ceiling or housepet.) Good luck. --chuck goolsbee geek wrangler, digital.forest inc, bothell, wa <http://www.forest.net> list mom, mac-mgrs mailing list... <http://www.mac-mgrs.org> ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> RoadTools $30 PodiumPad available at Apple retail stores, $20 Traveler CoolPad at Staples. Both in white for iBooks at <http://roadtools.com> Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
