Some laptop computers require you to gain access under the Acer keyboard in order to replace various components. The Acer Aspire 5515 has a keyboard that can be removed by the user in order to replace the keyboard or replace various components under the keyboard. Many Acer Aspire models follow the same method to get under the keyboard.

1 Turn off the laptop and unplug the power supply and any wired connections to the laptop. Open the laptop and tilt the screen back as far as it will go.

2 Carefully place the tip of the flat head screw driver under the plastic hinge covers of each hinge just below the screen. Pry them up gently and they will pop up off the hinges. Be careful as they are attached to the plastic panel above the Acer keyboard.

3 Slide the tip of the flat head screwdriver under the bottom edge of the small plastic cover panel above the keyboard. Slowly slide it along the edge, gently pushing the screw driver handle downward to push the plastic panel up. As you go along, small plastic tabs will unlatch allowing you to lift the panel off the laptop.

4 Use the Philips head screw driver to unscrew the one screw above the F5 key. This screw is viewable once the plastic panel is pried off the computer.

5 Lift the bottom of the keyboard up slightly to reveal the ribbon connector holding the keyboard connection to the circuit board. It will be located just above the laptop’s track pad.

6 Gently pull the two small tabs located on each side of the ribbon connector end closest to the circuit board towards the track pad. The ribbon will come free.

7 Lift the top of the Acer keyboard while pulling it up towards the screen until the area underneath the keyboard is fully visible.