The Conservative Cave

The Help Desk => Computer Related Discussions & Questions => Topic started by: Ree on March 14, 2011, 03:26:14 PM

Title: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Ree on March 14, 2011, 03:26:14 PM
Is there a  way  to   clean   a  laptop keyboard? I've blown it out with canned  air it's  typing really funky(well funkier than normal  for me)
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Chris_ on March 14, 2011, 03:32:28 PM
Sometimes I'll take an old envelope, fold it, and run the folded envelope between the keys (left to right and back) to push the gunk off to the edges where I can pull it out by hand.

If you have a small (#1 or #2 Phillips) screwdriver, take the keyboard off and shake it/tap it against the desk.  Most of the gunk will come out on its own.  It's usually held on by one or two screws on the bottom of the case.  Take the screws out and most lift straight up (some require a little forward pressure to slide out of place) after unplugging the ribbon.
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Ralph Wiggum on March 14, 2011, 03:37:06 PM
Sometimes I'll take an old envelope, fold it, and run the folded envelope between the keys (left to right and back) to push the gunk off to the edges where I can pull it out by hand.

If you have a small (#1 or #2 Phillips) screwdriver, take the keyboard off and shake it/tap it against the desk.  Most of the gunk will come out on its own.  It's usually held on by one or two screws on the bottom of the case.  Take the screws out and most lift straight up (some require a little forward pressure to slide out of place) after unplugging the ribbon.

Wow, and I was thinking about dropping mine in the tub to soak for a while.  :-)
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Chris_ on March 14, 2011, 03:37:58 PM
Do that and you'll be buying a new keyboard. :whistling:

Heck, they're only $20.
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Ralph Wiggum on March 14, 2011, 03:46:03 PM
Do that and you'll be buying a new keyboard. :whistling:

Heck, they're only $20.

I meant the whole laptop. :stoner:
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Janice on March 16, 2011, 02:32:45 PM
True, most laptop keyboards are about $20 new. But not all.

Wish I could find one that cheap for this eMachines E725.

Seem to be just a bit pricey for some reason.
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Ree on March 16, 2011, 03:34:18 PM
well 20 is a bit pricey  for  me right now..where would I  look for a dell one? it's   just nasty
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: LC EFA on March 16, 2011, 05:08:35 PM
If you don't need portable computing - just get a external USB keyboard. Working on laptops is a PITA if you haven't done it before.
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Janice on March 16, 2011, 06:09:29 PM
If you don't need portable computing - just get a external USB keyboard. Working on laptops is a PITA if you haven't done it before.

Yes, thats a good idea. Thats what I have to do occasionally when a laptop keyboard is too mussed up.

As far as replacing the keyboard ... would need to know the make and model of the Dell.
Title: Re: Laptop keyboard
Post by: Ree on March 23, 2011, 03:40:53 PM
Make and model are easy..If I had an external I would use it..but don't have one with me. I've taken it out and sprayed it out and shook it as much as I can without unhooking the cable(don't know if  could get it hooked back up) I think it just needs a new one. but that is not a top priority at this time. but maybe I could find an external at a thrift store for not  much. It would also mean I wouldn't have to tape up my (can't think of word but it's the mouse on laptop)coz the way I type now my wrists lay on it...