Spilled Coffee On My Key Board

Ok, so I freakin spilled coffee on my keyboard at home and no longer have use of the v,b,n, or space bar.

I have a DELL computer, can I use any keyboard to replace it or do I have to buy a whole new Dell keyboard?

Also, I am NOT tachie at all, providing I get a new board, do I have to do anything beside plug it in?

I am at the office now, so any help would be great

When I had a Dell several years ago, we replaced the keyboard that came with it with a wireless keyboard - I don't remember the brand name but it wasn't Dell.

I think we had to install drivers but that was easy enough - I think you have to do that before you plug in the new keyboard, though.

I'm as far from a tech person as it gets, just thought I'd share the info until someone who has a clue comes along.

I have an HP and I bought a wireless keyboard/mouse at Costco - Logitech brand. Installed the driver disk and everything is perfect. Except my son takes off with the mouse and keyboard though

Nope, just go down to Wal-mart and buy any keyboard you like. Unplug your old one and plug in the new one. It's as easy as can be.

Ok I am going to see what I can find local, thanks guys. Are keyboards insanely expensive?

Originally Posted by ironbutterfly Ok I am going to see what I can find local, thanks guys. Are keyboards insanely expensive?

No, I just saw Best Buy has a Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard for $19.99.

Originally Posted by 216amyc No, I just saw Best Buy has a Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard for $19.99.

Oh GOOD, I was afraid it was going to be a buttload. I have 2 office stores near me, so Ill check there first. Thanks for the replies. As a non techie I'm sure you could imangine my manic panic at no space bar

my keyboard is a mess. im thinking about buying a flexable, washable keyboard.
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trk...All-Categories

Originally Posted by ironbutterfly Ok, so I freakin spilled coffee on my keyboard at home and no longer have use of the v,b,n, or space bar. I have a DELL computer, can I use any keyboard to replace it or do I have to buy a whole new Dell keyboard? Also, I am NOT tachie at all, providing I get a new board, do I have to do anything beside plug it in? I am at the office now, so any help would be great

I would not have believed it had I not seen this, but you can actually wash your keyboard. Refer to link below:

http://mindprod.com/bgloss/keyboardcleaning.html

Desperation Keyboard Cleaning

If a drastic cleaning and drying fails to revive your keyboard, you can resort to a desperation cleaning. For a desperation cleaning you will need the following:

1. Dawn dishwashing soap.

Now you are ready to start the desperation cleaning:

1. Put the complete disassembled keyboard in a sink of warm water with little Dawn Dishwashing detergent in it.
2. Let it soak for a while to remove grease that may have worked its way inside. Everything is submersed, including the electronics.
3. After it has soaked an hour, give it a going over with the toothbrush but don’t scrub the electronics.
4. Rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse in clear, soft, warm water. You don’t want any soap residue fouling the contacts.
5. Let it dry overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer on warm or the lowest setting of your oven.
6. Replace the keycaps and continue as per a thorough cleaning,

----------------

• The most important thing to remember is to use a keycap-puller. Almost any other tool will damage the keycaps or keyposts.
• Never pull the back off an IBM keyboard. Little spring and flapper plates will jump out at you and you will never get it back together again.
• If the keyboard does not work when you are done. Don’t panic. Give it overnight to dry.
• If a key is behaving intermittently, pull the cap off and poke all around it with a toothpick. Usually you will find a little tube of dust blocking the key from sliding smoothly.
• If that does not work, give the the key post a blast of compressed air to blow out any dust you cannot see, both with the key up and depressed.
• Double check your keycaps with a map of the keyboard. It is pretty easy to get Ctrl and Alt reversed or your arrow keys on incorrectly.

Uh oh, I popped a couple of this AM with a plooker ( long skinny metal thing) not a key puller

I have a dell as well and popped all the keys off .Put them in a net onion bag and put the keys and board into the dish washer .(No Soap) I did not let it go to the dry cycle . I removed everything layed out a towel for the keys and and took the board an put it out side to dry in (Good weather) . I had took a pic of the key board before . I have had the same key board for 7 years washed it two times . I also bought a $1.00 key board at a garage sale for back up and used it while the other key board dried ... Any key board will connect with your dell. Hit a second hand store .

Wal mart has some keyboards starting at 10$ know I have a SO who likes to fry keyboards. *LOL*

Sorry to hear that

HoneyI'mSweepin has a good idea--my thrift stores often have keyboards.

And yes, I have washed mine before too--popped off all the keys (just used a screwdriver), washed them with soap, and cleaned the main part with Q-tips and rubbing alcohol. That's fairly time consuming, though.

Thanks for the ideas guys, I knew I could count on you