Backlit keyboard

[Naviitach]

I have an HP 17-by3xxx (according to the System Information). Part of one of the corners near the hinge on the bottom part of the laptop broke, so whenever I opened the laptop, the bottom cover would start to separate from the keyboard assembly in that corner. I knew that the bottom part of the laptop needed to be replaced, as well as the keyboard (including the touchpad), and the top cover (but not the motherboard, hard drive, fan, and other components); I was able to find both the bottom cover and a keyboard on eBay to replace/repair the damaged part. The keyboard part was backlit, and after doing some research, it appeared that my laptop would support a backlit keyboard, so I ordered both parts.

I was able to successfully replace both the bottom cover and the keyboard, moving all the interior components to the new cover and keyboard. The new keyboard had a thin ribbon cable that the original keyboard did not have; and in the process of replacing the parts, I saw that there was a connector on the motherboard labeled “BL”. I interpreted that to mean backlit, which suggested that connecting the new keyboard to the motherboard would enable the backlit keyboard. As I was replacing the components, I saw that the new ribbon cable would reach exactly to the BL connector, and I did connect it; so there was little doubt that the cable was for the backlit keyboard.

Once I put everything else back together and put the bottom cover back on the laptop, of course I turned it on and determined that the keyboard itself, as well as other components that I had disconnected, such as the webcam, were functioning correctly. The keyboard backlight, however, did not work. I researched the issue, and some results instructed changing the BIOS settings; but when I went to my computer’s BIOS, there was no option for the computer backlight.

From what I have been able to determine, even though the part of the laptop near the hinge that was broken has been replaced, it seems unlikely that my computer will support the backlit keyboard, which is disappointing. Is that the case? If it is, why is there a connector on the motherboard for the backlight? I did read that the BIOS could possibly be updated to make the computer support the backlit keyboard. If it is possible, I would hope that I can be provided with a link for a download or instructions as to how to update the BIOS. Thank you in advance for any help with this.

[Nal_NR]

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