Computer Key Not Working

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Jeff Rodier

Jeff Rodier

SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Joined
Jul 28, 2005
Posts
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Loc
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Krityanna our 8 year old sprayed Resolve carpet cleaner on her keyboard to clean it and now the "A" key doen't work. I am sure the computer was running when she did it so I am wondering if the circuit might be fried.

I gave it time to dry out for several days and checked and still not working. I then unplugged the computer and removed the battery and the key and dripped some Undu down there hitting it repeatedly to see if there may be residue in there but no luck.

Any suggestions or information would be appreciated. This is her laptop so a new keyboard is not an easy solution.
 
If you let it dry out a few days, chances are it'll be fine. I don't suggest turning it on for several days, because power and water don't mix :) (It may cause additional damage)

The fact that only one key doesnt work, lends me to believe that it may just be the contacts below that key. If so, it should dry out.

Mike
 
Mike Labbe @ GTP said:
If you let it dry out a few days, chances are it'll be fine. I don't suggest turning it on for several days, because power and water don't mix :) (It may cause additional damage)

The fact that only one key doesnt work, lends me to believe that it may just be the contacts below that key. If so, it should dry out.

Mike
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike, I will leave it open and remove the key to try to speed things up because once an 8 year old has owned a computer for a year every day without seems like a year to her.

Mabe opening it up will "RESOLVE" the issue. Its been 4 or 5 days now but it has been closed with the key still in place.
 
I’m not a big fan of scrapping computer hardware unnecessarily, but it may be time to simply buy another one. If your needs are simple i.e. a wired keyboard rather than wireless or optical, you can pick up a reasonably good one for less than $40.

If the Resolve dissolved in the water and then is allowed to dry, the powder may be clumped around the contact and might be difficult to remove so the key work may never work well again anyway.

But, if not, the Resolve should eliminate those "pet odors" from your space bar. :icon19:
 
Even then, depending on what type of laptop a new keyboard may be around $15 - $50 if it does not start working.
 
You can do a "quick wash" in the dishwasher and let it dry well and may work. I've done it. Ohh wait....its a laptop...better not.
 
Jeff:

If you have a fan, point it towards the keyboard and let it run overnight. This will expedite the drying process and might dislodge any residue.

I rescued a whole flooded PC this way a few years ago.
 
Good thinking Paul.

I had considered a hair dryer with the heat off but my arms are aching from all of the building and moving. GeAnn has 2 fans in the bedroom so I'll just redirect one toward the laptop.
 
Replacing keyboard...........

I am guessing if it isn't a new laptop, the replacement keyboard wouldn't be that much. And alot of the keyboards aren't that hard to remove and replace.

Before you labor too much, see how much a replacement would be and judge how much your time is worth. ;)

Rob
 
What kind of laptop and I will see what kind of price I can get on it for you.

Don't worry folks - not a commercial post. I'll either show him where to get it from or sell it to him at my wholesale cost.

Steven
 
dougj said:
Jeff
Tell your daughter her name is now Kritynn.
Might work





Click to expand...


That will work if there is a way to reset the password since it has an "A" in it also. At least she could play some of her point and click websites. I guess I should turn it on to see if it has worked itself out.
 
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