Keyboard connector on HP Pavilion ZE2000

[jochu]

When i was doing a CPU replacement on a HP Pavilion ZE2000, I thought I broke the keyboard ribbon cable. So I pulled this brown piece out from the connector on the motherboard that seemed like it broke off the keyboard. But now i feel like I broke the motherboard connector, since all the pics I could find don't have that piece on the ribbon cable. Should I fix it or buy a new keyboard?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @jochu,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're working on a delicate repair. The HP Pavilion ZE2000 is an older model, and its keyboard ribbon cable connector uses a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket with a locking tab or latch, often brown or black.

Option 1: Repair the Connector

• If the brown locking tab is intact, try gently reinserting it into the connector.
• Use tweezers and magnification if needed; it should slide into the grooves on either side of the connector.
• Once in place, insert the ribbon cable and gently press the tab to lock it.

Option 2: Replace the Connector

• If the connector is broken, you can:
  • Replace the entire ZIF connector (requires soldering and precision).
  • Take it to a repair shop that handles board-level repairs.

Option 3: Replace the Keyboard

• If the connector is too damaged or unreliable, replacing the keyboard assembly is often easier and safer.
• The keyboard for the ZE2000 is usually inexpensive and available online.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat