help- computer hardware folks

cskipper · 09-25-2008, 01:02 AM

Isthere anything I can do to salvage my laptop keybaord/ itdoesn't like to add spaces unless you hit the sweet spot on the spacebar. Doesn't much care for theleft shft or the "i" key either. i've sprayedit with "canned' air, but it seems the same. it also goesthrough phases of recognizing USB hardware.

i left the typing in the post just like i wouldnormally type, but then would edit so you can get the gist of the problems.

Bas · 09-25-2008, 01:05 AM

What model/ brand? Most likely, there is some gunk underneath the keys (sawdust?

). You may need to remove the keyboard entirely to clean it up. That's not too difficult, but the process varies by brand.

TracyP · 09-25-2008, 01:06 AM

The keyboard should be replaceable, depending on model and availability.

cskipper · 09-25-2008, 02:45 AM

Sony Vaio VGN=C140

rcorne01 · 09-25-2008, 08:05 AM

Based upon your avatar, I would say the dog has too heavy of a paw on the keyboard and let HIM replace it!

But seriously, it does sound as if the keyboard should be replaced. I have done that on my IBM laptop in the past, and it is not too challenging if you can get one of their service manuals. That manual will show you which screws need to be removed, and how to install the keyboard. It looks as if you can get them for about $50 based on eBay hits.

And where can I get said manual I hear her ask?

Well - just so happens this site has a free online version showing how to remove the keyboard for a Sony Vaio VGN-C series pc. The better news is that it is actually a pdf document so you can save a copy to your pc or print it off to have handy.

Good luck!

rcflyer23 · 09-25-2008, 08:35 AM

I agree with everyone else. If it is a laptop keyboard there is not much you can do other than replace them. You can get the keys off the keyboard to clean them up its the putting them back on that is the challenge. Replacing the KB on laptops is usualy not to difficult. I took a look at the manual and that one is pretty easy to change out. I would suggest that as you are taking the screws out you group them by where they came from. I will usually have a piece of paper close by and put them on that and then draw a circle around them and label where they came from you could also tape them together and label. That way you don't have extra when you are done and you don't put the wrong screw in the wrong place.

Good Luck!

Bas · 09-25-2008, 10:05 AM

Rick, terrific link! If cleaning the underside of the keyboard doesn't help, look for a replacement on e-Bay. When the stars align, you can usually pick one up for $25 - $35. As noted by others, installation isn't too difficult - no more than putting a new blade in a scroll saw.

steelwheel1999 · 09-25-2008, 10:06 AM

Cathy Ebay or the computer shopper is the way to go for replacement key boards shouldnt take more that a few minuets.
Mark

rcorne01 · 09-25-2008, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Bas

- no more than putting a new blade in a scroll saw.

And MUCH easier than changing the blade on a band saw! (Let alone recoiling one!)

Charles Lent · 09-25-2008, 11:27 AM

Cathy,

When you take your laptop apart to change the keyboard or just to clean it, take the battery out of it first. A friend blew up his laptop when he took it apart with the battery still in it. Even whth the power off, a laptop has many circuits that remain on and those batteries pack enough current to make a really big flash.

Charley

cskipper · 09-25-2008, 11:37 PM

Thank you guys - you're the best!

cskipper · 09-26-2008, 05:19 AM

[quote=rcorne01;178886]Based upon your avatar, I would say the dog has too heavy of a paw on the keyboard and let HIM replace it!

quote]

While the dog in my avatar looks a lot like my boxer did, it's just a wonderful avatar we tripped across somewhere. It was so fitting for me that I snagged it.

Residency requirements