Any tips on fixing a laptop keyboard?

[Arcadeslasher]

My sister brought me her Asus laptop yesterday and wanted to know if there was anything I could do to fix her keyboard. The problem is that it acts as if keys are constantly being held down so it won't let me do anything keyboard wise, but the mouse still works fine. I removed the keyboard and plugged it back in thinking maybe the ribbon cable was loose, but it's still doing the same thing. Every now and then depending on how I'm holding the keyboard it will work fine, but as soon as I clamp/install it back into the laptop it acts up again. To me it looks like a ribbon cable/connector issue which means she probably needs a new keyboard. Does that sound about right? I told her to spend a little more and buy a Dell, but it is what it is.

[ed12]

with the mouse
go to notepad
open notepad >file-new<
and see which key or keys are sticking
fix the stuck key/keys
the ribbon as a rule dose not cause this problem
common is space key,cap key/shift key
and
alot of times a child bang's on it
which makes the keypad bad.. or just replace keyboard

ed

[Xiaou2]

It probably has some gunk spilled on it.. that is shorting out a key(s), as well as possibly keeping the contact pad stuck to the surface.

 Take it out, and then hose it down with Electronic Component cleaner.  Immediately start pressing the keys rapidly for about 60 seconds.   After this, spray once more, and then hang or prop it vertically to dry.  You can use a hair dryer or fan to speed up the process a bit.

 Id still wait a day for it to be completely dry and safe..   but if you have sped up the dry time, and are certain, then you could probably get it back into the machine in a much shorter time.  Problem is that sometimes moisture can hide in places that are not easily seen.

 

[lilshawn]

^^^^^^^
this

also make sure you get a contact cleaner free of silicones or other protectants. you want just plain old cleaner.

if you can't source any cleaner...as a last ditch effort, go to your local pharmacy and get yourself a bottle of 99.9% isopropyl alcohol. you'll have to go to the counter and ask for it.

remove the keyboard and soak it down. and then...same... press all the keys and get things moving again. let it dry for a couple days.

failing all that, hit up ebay and buy a new one.

[Malenko]

just replace the keyboard.

[yotsuya]

failing all that, hit up ebay and buy a new one.

just replace the keyboard.

The truth will set you free....

[Arcadeslasher]

Well folks, it looks like I'll have to go the new keyboard route. I gave it a good bath in isopropyl alcohol as lilshawn mentioned and made sure it was completely dry before hooking it back up. As my luck would have it though the keyboard still has the same issue. The good news is that I found a new OEM replacement on Amazon for a little less than $30.00 including shipping. Thanks for the advice guys and also thanks for taking the time to help a dumba*s like me out yet again.

[Xiaou2]

Problem with Iso, is that its partially water, and also... when it dries, it leaves a white film.   Its also not nearly as aggressive as the component cleaner.  Plus, you have to press the keys repeatedly, even with the electronics cleaner, .. rather than just soaking / spraying.   Finally, there is the possibility that a short and or electrical discharge, caused a tiny surface mount chip or other component, to go bad.

 I use electronics cleaner to remove bearing grease & dirt, from trackball bearings.  (without taking them apart)   Takes two to four small applications, between 30 seconds of spinning each, after only letting it soak in for about 10 seconds each. Leave no residue, and eats everything ... plus helps flush anything solid out of the bearing.   Nothing Ive ever used worked as good.

[DaOld Man]

Ive never had much luck with cleaning the keyboard. I don't even try anymore, just replace it.