Son spilt coffe over his keyboard on his laptop

[excalibur2]

Well the keyboard is not working properly so can I connect a desktop keyboard to the USB port and will it work....also if that doesn't work how do you take the hard drive out, does it come out from the side easily?

[GoNz0]

yes you can connect a usb one, I suggest you find out if it is a simple job to remove the laptop keyboard as they cost about £20 new on eBay.

and you can pull the HDD if need be.

[DanceswithUnix]

Keyboards, hard drives and screens seem to be commonly broken items on laptops. Try looking for youtube videos on repairing your model of laptop, has worked so far for me on phones and tablets.

[Domestic_Ginger]

I wouldn't use the laptop until you're 100% sure its dry. As it heats up some gloop may become mobile again.

[excalibur2]

Thanks guys.....can you just connect the desktop keyboard to USB and it will bi-pass the laptop keyboard OR do I have to open the laptop to disconnect the laptop keyboard then connect the desktop one (to USB) ?

[scaryjim]

Thanks guys.....can you just connect the desktop keyboard to USB and it will bi-pass the laptop keyboard OR do I have to open the laptop to disconnect the laptop keyboard then connect the desktop one (to USB) ?

Just connect the USB one - both will be connected, but Windows should ignore the laptop one if it isn't working.

CAVEAT: I recently loaned a keyboard out to a friend who had a similar issue, and she kept having odd key-press issues from the laptop's keyboard and ended up having to open up the laptop and pull the cable that attached the keyboard. If you have that kind of problem, I'd definitely take to ebay and get a replacement keyboard, because once you've opened the laptop up you might as well do the job properly

[excalibur2]

Just connect the USB one - both will be connected, but Windows should ignore the laptop one if it isn't working.

CAVEAT: I recently loaned a keyboard out to a friend who had a similar issue, and she kept having odd key-press issues from the laptop's keyboard and ended up having to open up the laptop and pull the cable that attached the keyboard. If you have that kind of problem, I'd definitely take to ebay and get a replacement keyboard, because once you've opened the laptop up you might as well do the job properly

Thanks...Indeed it is best to get a new keyboard, ATM he is missing a few key strokes and windows on startup is complaining but he needs to use the data on his hardisk in the meantime, and I can rig up a computer setup (well without a case) with a spare monitor so he can use it once I get the hard drive out.....Anyway connecting a desktop keyboard will show what damage has been done to his laptop and will go from there.

[GoNz0]

The bios may allow you to disable the internal keyboard. What make and model is it?

[excalibur2]

The bios may allow you to disable the internal keyboard. What make and model is it?

Well silly me.... I sent him an email about what you guys recommend and for details and realised about an hour ago he can't read it if his computer is not working and now I can't reach him by phone for some reason....but I sure he knows about internet cafes\libraries or must have a friend with a computer so as soon as I get the info I can post it up.
Thanks

[TechTorpedo]

Take it into a local repair shop, they should be able to take it apart and clean it,
I first learned how to take computers aprt when i threw up on my old Amiga computer. Had to take it all apart and clean it, (it stunk) before the parents found out.

[excalibur2]

Well thanks guys I can't conclude this thread as my son was supposed to bring his laptop over to my house last sunday to try a spare desktop keyboard and he forgot, and what's worse he forgot to take the keyboard and mouse when he left...h'mm so I'll let him get on with it his own way.