unique spillage ?

[amourbliss]

So, I searched this morning hardcore for the answer to my question but I couldn't find it so I'm going to ask since it's a little different than the other posts I've read.

About a year ago I splashed some water into my keyboard. I know I know sad, but I guess that's what I get for trying to watch a dvd in the bath...well I've spilled the occassional drop or so before but nothing ever happened so I thought it would be fine...WRONG!!! The keyboard still worked immediately but when I woke up the next morning it wouldn't...I tried turning it off, looking for settings, letting it die out (which is rather quick since my battery is shot), and nothing worked. The computer works just fine (minus the battery so I have to keep it plugged in) but a year later I still can't type on my keyboard but the fn functions still work and so does the mouse and track button. but typing is out of the question so I now use an external keyboard!! So, I'm wondering if changing the keyboard would fix the problem. I'm in the market for a new laptop since I can't really take this one with me anywhere due to having to carry the external keyboard...or using the on screen keyboard. I saw a battery for less than $40 on ebay and if I changed the battery out then I could save a ton of cash instead of getting a new one!!!

So, after typing a ton of typing would switching the keyboard out fix the problem? It's an R52 if it matters!!

[ajkula66]

It probably would, but there's no guarantee...weigh your options carefully...I'd give it a shot because the keyboards (used) are quite cheap these days...

[joester]

Q1: How much water went into the keyboard?
Q2: Was it "just water" or soapy?
Q3: Are all "normal" keys affected, or only a portion of the keyboard?

The fact that your trackpoint still works is encouraging.

[amourbliss]

Q1: How much water went into the keyboard?
Q2: Was it "just water" or soapy?
Q3: Are all "normal" keys affected, or only a portion of the keyboard?

The fact that your trackpoint still works is encouraging.

Q1. not like a glass full or anything more like a splash
Q2. just water
Q3. The only keys that function are the fn keys...it's like the fn button is stuck because i can't turn it off because that key doesn't work...so the spacebar works but only in fn mode as well as f3-f5, f7, f12, home, end pgup and the trackbuttons, mouse, volume up & down, the power key and "access ibm"

[fasterbybike]

No sure why all the keys except the Fn keys are not working.
I have cleaned up a very grotty keyboard by washing it under running water with a mild soap and then "dried" it in a very cool (30 Celcius / 80 Farenheit) fan oven for 4 hours to dry it.
Because your keyboard is not working, you've got nothing to lose so you might want to try the same. Just make sure not to get it too hot - check your oven thermostat is accurate. YMMV and I'm not liable if it doesn't work

[joester]

Alternative I've used to dry electronics is to put it in the fridge for a few days in an open static bag. The refrigeration produces low humidity air, thus drying the item rather well. When the time comes to remove the item, seal the bag immediately after removing it, and leave it sealed until it warms up to room temperature. Being in the sealed bag, condensation occurs on the bag, not the item.
Just my 2 cents.

Joe

[amourbliss]

OMG!! I fixed it (with the help of this fabulous website)!!! I took the keyboard off and was goofing around in there and the little gold "cord" thing popped off so I thought to myself wait a minute what if it wasn't working because it was loose or something...so, I put it back in turn my laptop back on and I CAN TYPE!!! I haven't been able to use this keyboard in a year so it feels great!!! Thanks so much everyone!! But I have seen how nasty my keyboard is now and was wondering how I go about cleaning it out...dust, hair, food particles...just plain nasty!! !

[fasterbybike]

Great to hear you fixed it.

As to cleaning, keyboards get pretty filthy - all sorts of rubbish, lint, skin flakes, hair etc accumulate in there. My wet wash worked (with mild soap and an old soft toothbrush to get everything out from under the keys) - the alternative was a new keyboard. The innards of the keybard are little silicone rubbers "cones", so you need to ensure you dry things out properly without melting anything. Temperatures below 50 degrees C will work OK. Obviously remove it from the nachine before you try this
My non-paying "customer" was very happy.

[ryengineer]

Indeed it was unique spilling of it's kind, not many people watch dvd on their thinkpads while taking a bath however I've seen few members on this forum in the past doing the same thing as well. Enjoy doing it but just be careful, life is more precious.

You can find some cleaning tips via the following links (look for under the keyboard cleaning):

Cleaning Tips from forum's FAQs

David Hill's (lenovo blogs) cleaning tips:

Keeping your thinkpad clean

[amourbliss]

Indeed it was unique spilling of it's kind, not many people watch dvd on their thinkpads while taking a bath however I've seen few members on this forum in the past doing the same thing as well. Enjoy doing it but just be careful, life is more precious.

You can find some cleaning tips via the following links (look for under the keyboard cleaning):

Cleaning Tips from forum's FAQs

David Hill's (lenovo blogs) cleaning tips:

Keeping your thinkpad clean

Oh goodness no...I don't have my computer in the tub with me. I had a tupperware container thing (you know those big blue containers you can get everywhere) near my tub and I would sit it on there...there is no way it couldve fallen in...it just happens that for some reason I was shocked by something and splashed the water out of the tub. No worries here because I will no longing have it anywhere near my tub....books only!!