Help! Something is wrong w/my laptop keyboard!

[PotatoChip]

It wants to keep typing the letter (ccccccccc) <C------ Prime example right here. It just does it on it's own. Typing this question is taking forever because of the corrections.

I accidentally spilled a very small amount of coffee on it so my guess is that the problem has something to do with that, even though it happened hours ago, and was working fine until just now. I swear that it was just a miniscule amount and I cleaned it right up, but I apparently not well enough.

Is all hope lost? What if I were to remove the keyboard and wipe it down somehow- would that help?

And if so, how do I remove it--- I know it is pretty simple because I saw the Dell guy do it when he came here to replace my hard-drive (there had been some missing keys so he replaced that too). He made it look simple, but I can't figure out how he did it.

Is there a release latch somewhere? Would it be worth trying or might I make matters worse?

Thanks in advance.

[hobbit709]

1. Any time liquid is spilled on a laptop

Turn off power immediately. Remove battery. Leave off for a minimum of 24 hours.
Just because you dried off the outside doesn't mean the inside is dry.

[PotatoChip]

2. Ok Thanks hobbit!

I will try that.

I wish I had thought to consult you guys sooner, even though nothing appeared to be wrong at first.

Do you think I may have done any permanent damage? Gosh I hope not, because I doubt that my warranty will cover something like this, since it was my fault.

[HopeHoops]

3. The original ThinkPads had a flip up keyboard - mostly because the battery and HD were under it.

Either way, I'd be surprised if it is an electrical short. Laptop keyboards have used membrane separators for at least a decade (mostly because of coffee and soda). A more likely problem is "goo". If there's dust in the keyboard and it gets wet with anything, it can create a putty that will cause keys to stick. If you're really careful, you can pop keys off of the post they are mounted on with a small flat-head screwdriver and clean both. Use a damp bandanna on the post and you can just wash the key with soap and water - MAKE SURE it is dry before you pop it back on. I've fixed a lot of keyboards that way (mostly because I spilled a lot of coffee on them).

Generally a short (which I've had on older machines in the past) renders gibberish, not repetition. Go with hobbit's 24 hour thing first, but if that doesn't work you may have to do surgery.

[Probama21]

8. Just Dont spill coffe On It that ruins It

just dont spill coffee on it That ruins the keyboard

[ChromeFoundry]

4. If you use sugar in your coffee

it will turn to sap in your keyboard when it dries. If you can get the keyboard out of the laptop, you can turn it sideways and use a water bottle with a mister to flush out the gunk. Use a hair dryer to get the majority of the water out. Exercise each key to see if any are sticking. Repeat the misting exercise until everything moves freely.

Dell's site should have a service guide available on their site to show you how to remove the keyboard. If you bought a warranty with your PC, chances are if the laptop is around 3-years old, it may still be covered under warranty. May want to call and confirm... you'll need the service tag number on the bottom, and model number of the latpop.

Back in the day, we used to wash keyboards in a sink with mild dish washing liquid.. but I'm not sure if there is any paper in the newer Dell keyboards that would destroy it. Distilled water will not harm electronics, but could destroy some of the disposable crap they are using in the newer technology.

[Vehl]

5. What model is it?

As others have pointed out on this thread, the issue seems to be some goo/accumulated dust/dirt/etc getting stuck under your key. This happens to me once in a while and i usually use a bent pin/paperclip which I insert under/around the faulty key and kinda try to get rid of the foreign materiel. This works best if the key becomes stuck. However I do not advice this because if too much pressure is used one might end up damaging the keyboard.

A better option would be to take off the keyboard from the laptop, and clean it separately. Most dell models have a very easy way to do this...but it might differ from model to model.

Check this video out

Dell Inspiron 1525 1545 Laptop Keyboard Installation Guide - Remove Replace Install. Also Compatible with 1521, M1330, M1530, 1000, 1400, PP22L

remove the keyboard and try to clean the area in/under the key that was not working properly. Some easy to do steps include upending the removed keyboard and gently tapping on its back...to shake loose any foreign materiel...turn it on its side and do the same..It should solve your issue...if it does not..let the keyboard dry for a bit...and try again. Hope this helps

Ps: oh and also I do not think this is some short-circuit ..if that's the case the computer will be seriously messed up

[applegrove]

6. I would take it to some professional. I've pulled apart keyboard myself but they were

separate from the computer, so if I had done worse damage I just had to replace they keyboard, nothing else. On my current keyboard the "v" sticks and it has been like that for more than a year. I can't replace the keyboard because I don't have an extra usb port.

[PotatoChip]

7. That is exactly what I ended up having to do.

Just got it back yesterday. They had to replace the keyboard, but I'm glad that that is all it was.

My thanks to everyone who tried to help though. If God-forbid I spill something on the keyboard again, I will immediately know what to do... might head off having to take it to the computer fix-it guy.

You guys rock!