Coke + Inspirion Keyboard = Sticky Keys

[monkeyville]

So my mate dropped coke on his laptop. The laptop still works through a combination of quick thinking of pulling the battery out then hairdryer followed by a spell in front of a fire. It now powers on however the keyboard is sticky and the keys dont all work. I was wondering if it could be cleaned and if so how? The Warrenty is 12 days out of warrenty (sods law) so where can anyone recommend a new keyboard should he have to replace it?

[Xaneden]

I've had liquids one the keyboard too; due to the crap quality and generally poorly applied sticky-pads, the liquid collects there and the keyboard is useless.

I'm afraid it'll need a replacement. If he's still within the 1 year warranty, Dell send a 'complimentary' free keyboard, which they allow him to fit himself. However, if he's past that warranty (and even if he has, say, a 4 year warranty), they instead give you permission to purchase a keyboard from a 2nd hand supplier and fit it yourself.

I'd get him onto eBay; you can pick them up at around 40 to 50 quid.

[Funkstar]

it's screwed anyway right? so how about taking it out and putting it in a dishwasher on low temperature?

if coke can get into places and make it not work, then warm soapy water can get in a clean it out.

you could even remove the keys (take a photo of the key placements before hand) to let the water get better access to it and prevent the dishwasher taking the lettering off. Then just give the underside of each key a little scrub in a basin of warm, slightly soapy water.

might not cure it, but like i said, it doesn't work at the moment anyway, it's not going to get any worse

[monkeyville]

It does work to some degree so i am hesitant to just scrap it. I am thinking of buying a replacement from the US as they are only £20 there compared to the £45 here. As far as im aware its only that the keys are hard to press.

I might try blag one from dell though or at least see if they'll sell me one at a discount price.

[Xaneden]

I'm afraid that won't work Funkstar; the little clips behind the key snap when you remove them, and even the ones that don't become very fragile after being taken off.

[FatalSaviour]

It does work to some degree so i am hesitant to just scrap it. I am thinking of buying a replacement from the US as they are only £20 there compared to the £45 here. As far as im aware its only that the keys are hard to press.

I might try blag one from dell though or at least see if they'll sell me one at a discount price.

Is this the UK layout, ie. QWERTY w £s signs etc?
Just checking before you go ahead and plonk down some money

[monkeyville]

Is this the UK layout, ie. QWERTY w £s signs etc?
Just checking before you go ahead and plonk down some money

Yeah good point. I'll check before i recommend any.