Motherboard malfunction: no keyboard on laptop. Need repairs

[xAcerna]

So this is a bit of a wild ride, but I hope someone can help.

I bought this laptop in the US about 1,5 years ago. Then I moved back to Europe (Netherlands) and there my laptop screen cracked, at which point HP could not help me. With advice from the HP helpdesk, I repaired the screen myself (which is working perfectly right now including touch).

Right at the last moment, something went wrong and somehow a little it of smoke came from the laptop. I was afraid the whole laptop would be fried, but instead it was just the keyboard (keyboard backlighting still works).

Is there a way to get this repaired? It feels like such a shame, since the whole laptop is working perfectly fine, except the keyboard, which is almost the entire reason why a laptop is so convenient. Right now im bringen a spare keyboard everywhere I go, but if I could get this repaired, it would mean I'd put off buying a new laptop for a long time.

So: Would HP do repairs for my laptop? How do I apply for repairs? Would it be affordable? Can it also be done by a 3rd party tech store with knowledge on laptops (and latop mobos)

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

So while you were replacing the screen a puff of smoke was visible and now the keyboard does not work? Of course it can be fixed but the likely needed repair is motherboard replacement. I think perhaps given what happened before you might be best off not doing this yourself but you are correct to be concerned about the cost. The part alone is likely to be over $200 US equivalent and then labor. Laptop motherboard replacement is rarely done outside of warranty unless you can get a cheap part and cheap or free labor to do it.Most people who get a quote to have a shop do it at retail just buy a new laptop. 

[xAcerna]

Although i am tempted to again try to fix it myself, i think i should then cut my losses and keep using this device and bring an extra keyboard when im using it.

Thank you for your quick and clear reply!