I have not replaced laptop key boards before, but I have printed out letters on paper in reverse (white on black background) and Scotch tape them on worn out keys.

Not the prettiest, but works fine and very easy to do.

dcarch

I've replaced keyboards on a couple of laptops. It's actually a lot easier than you'd think. You need to remove a few screws and open it almost flat (so the screen is pointing straight up), then disconnect a thin ribbon connector, put the new keyboard in and reattach the screws (specific steps may vary a little bit, but it will be pretty similar).

I've always used the original equipment. On a personal laptop where I did this, I bought a dead laptop of the same model on ebay and used it for parts. On a work laptop, it was on an extended warranty and they sent the keyboard by UPS.

In my case, though, the keyboards were not working correctly. I think I'd be inclined to let the faded letters stay or use the paper/tape approach.

Assuming the keys are black, what about getting a white paint pencil and write the letters on the keys?

if the keyboard functions well I would consider getting some of the stick on replacement letters you can find them at many places online, here is a search example for you. No sense spending money and time if the keyboard works fine.

Here is a link that might be useful: stick on keyboard letters

I bought sticker letters at Michaels Arts n Crafts for $1.99, pressed them on the missing letter keys and coated them with clear nail polish so they (hopefully) won't wear away. They did without the polish. And, my keyboard doesn't look like an eye-sore. Imagine that. Time will tell if my technique lasts.

Thanks.

hum I think I would have gone with the ones made specifically for the keyboard and not used the nail polish but maybe it will work. the ones made for keyboard are exact size of the keys and adhere well.

Keyboards are easy to replace but to be on the safe side, remove the battery and power adapter. Another choice if you have the space; use as standard or mini USB keyboard plugged into the laptop.

Good keyboards are so cheap that I wouldn't waste my time trying to fix yours. The OEM keyboards are not necessarily that high a quality in the first place. If you want to spend $50, you can, but you can get a quite serviceable one for much less...

Here is a link that might be useful: Logitech keyboard

...or you can get both a good quality wireless keyboard and mouse for $60 from Dell, if you want to spend more than $13...

Here is a link that might be useful: Dell

Sorry...I shouldn't answer late at night. I see you clearly were talking about a laptop keyboard problem.