Thinkpads Forum

My son spilled Root Beer on my X60 Tablet, and I've taken it apart and thoroughly cleaned it. After the cleaning, the laptop worked fine except that the keyboard was still quite sticky. So, I unplugged the keyboard, popped off each key, and soaked the keyboard and keys in 91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol while cleaning each good with a toothbrush. However, I don't think I let the keyboard dry well enough before plugging it back in. The power button and volume buttons work fine as well as the trackpoint and mouse buttons, but no keys seem to work on the keyboard now. Is it likely the keyboard or part of the motherboard now? I mean the interface where the keyboard plugs into the motherboard is at least somewhat working because the power button, volume buttons, and trackpoint works. Could I have shorted something on the actual motherboard (let's hope not) with this, or is it likely just the keyboard?

Thanks in advance.

The alcohol might have damaged the switches in the keyboard, not sure how they would react to it.

here is an update a little less that 12 hours after the alcohol bath. all keys except the "Down Arrow" key seem to be working. The volume buttons may not be working (although that could be a software issue). I'm going to try to determine that, and I will report back.

Thanks!

well the volume keys were in fact a software issue. in fact, the keys that aren't acting as expected are the left ALT key, and the 6 keys in the arrow block (i.e. 4 arrows and whatever those other 2 are). perhaps the laptop will in time repair itself by the heat put off by the laptop completely evaporating the remaining alcohol (if that is what is causing the problem).

well 17 hours after the alcohol bath, and it seems that every key is working now (except for a slight "stickage" in the space bar). it seems that an alcohol bath is indeed a good way to clean a keyboard.