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sticking keys on my laptop

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Old Jul 25, 2020 | 08:00 AM
  #1  
Tedd Thompson's Avatar
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Angry sticking keys on my laptop

Is there a product that will clean my keyboard so the keys do not hang/stick up and repeat the letter or not release the shift application? This is driving me nuts. THe C and g are the worst.... Tedd
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 08:06 AM
  #2  
Vintage Chief's Avatar
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Your issue is dust, dirt, humidity, grime, sweat, etc. underlying those keys. Remove the offending key(s), use compressed air to blowout dust, grime, etc. and then use a good electronic contact cleaner.

EDIT: Ted, I should also note I've removed individual offending keys, used compressed air and than taken a cotton Q-Tip dunked in alcohol to swab the underlying metal where the key(s) attach. That works well, also.

Last edited by Vintage Chief; Jul 25, 2020 at 08:12 AM.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 08:11 AM
  #3  
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Or you can buy i new one keyboards are relatively cheap
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Tedd Thompson
sticking keys on my laptop
Originally Posted by JOHNNYOLDS442
Or you can buy i new one keyboards are relatively cheap
His keyboard is a LAPTOP keyboard. Those are not so easily replaced, and it's not necessarily easy to remove the key caps on a laptop. The thing to do try is blowing compressed air at the keys.

How old is the laptop computer? Over time, the keys can wear out. An alternative is do what JohnnyOlds essentially says, and that is get another, full-size, external keyboard with a USB connector (those are cheap) and plug it into a USB port on the laptop. Use that keyboard for your general computing, and use the laptop's own keyboard when you're traveling or are somewhere where attaching the external keyboard isn't practical.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
Your issue is dust, dirt, humidity, grime, sweat, etc. underlying those keys.
If the "etc" is coffee, soda, or similar then it may be a bit more difficult to clean and you may need to use a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol. If you do, be sure to dry it completely with compressed air afterwards.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 09:52 AM
  #6  
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First attempt to remove the offending key(s). This can't be any simpler. There is nothing to this operation. I don't know why people make this to be such a BIG deal. Often times you can simply go to your laptop manufacturers site and they'll have a step-by-step procedure based upon your laptop. One of the deltas over the years are there are SOME manufacturers who have gone to the all-in-one style keypads - where you remove the entire keypad as opposed to individual keys. Whichever is the case - this is not rocket science.

Old Jul 25, 2020 | 10:15 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
this is not rocket science
I wouldn't assume that just because you think it's not rocket science means it isn't rocket science for someone else. Those videos make it look easy, but you're working with small, delicate parts and small, precise tools. If you're older at all and might have some arthritis in your hands or fingers, it could easily become a difficult, if not painful, job, especially if you have to clean not one or two keys but 20 or 30 or all of them.

If Tedd or anyone is reluctant to tackle the job, it is no admission of defeat to take the computer to a repair shop and spend the money to have the keyboard refurbished.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 11:13 AM
  #8  
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Step one. Power down the laptop, or disconnect the keyboard before attempting any repair.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 11:33 AM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by 70W-32
Step one. Power down the laptop, or disconnect the keyboard before attempting any repair.
Frankly, anyone contemplating any repair to a computer who actually needs to be told this probably should consider taking the computer to a repair shop.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 12:04 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by jaunty75
Frankly, anyone contemplating any repair to a computer who actually needs to be told this probably should consider taking the computer to a repair shop.
But then, it would already be disconnected or powered down.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 12:16 PM
  #11  
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Often, stuff can be picked out by running a small stiff wire or probe around the edges. No need to pull keys. Also, blasting compressed air while holding it sideways will push stuff out.
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 03:33 PM
  #12  
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Thanks guys I have all kind of tools for holding pointing and pryin. I Will give it a try. I can see it I usually can fix it. I"ll let you know. This thing is probably 8 years old may
Old Jul 25, 2020 | 04:31 PM
  #13  
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That’s new compared to mine.
Old Jul 26, 2020 | 06:19 PM
  #14  
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Replace the keyboard. They're cheap.
I have an old HP Pavillion DV6T that's on it's 3rd keyboard.
First time took about 45 mins.
2nd time, 20 mins.
A few screws from the back/bottom, pry out keyboard assy, CAREFULLY disconnect the ribbon cable socket & replace.

I say CAREFULLY because those tiny flip-lock ribbon cable locks can be very fragile.

Like others posted, I'm sure you can find a guide for your Make/Model on YouTube.

For my main non-laptop keyboard that I really like but is no longer available (old MS Ergo), I disassembled everything, set the PC board aside, and ran all of the parts under hot water.
Shook it dry, let everything dry in the sun, reassembled, and Viola' - have may fave keyboard for another few years.




Old Jul 27, 2020 | 05:54 AM
  #15  
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On ebay you can get a new keyboard for less than $20, it's just not worth messing with.
Old Jul 27, 2020 | 11:24 AM
  #16  
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Well I'm back up and running

After a long non productive attempt (I had a few hours in to it) I figured this thing is smarter than me and took it to Office Depot and bought a new keyboard. Fixed for $25 bucke and it came with a wireless mouse. It's kinda clunky but otherwise it works fine.... Still lost in the fifties ...Tedd
Old Jul 27, 2020 | 01:06 PM
  #17  
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Many ways to skin a cat.
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