Re: keyboard

On Sunday 30 May 2010 12:59, Rose McGillicuddy wrote:
> Hi everyone
>
> When I turned on my laptop (Compaq presario) on this morning, it made a
> loud beeping noise, then when Pclinuxos loaded the keyboard doesn't
> work.  I'm using an external USB keyboard.  I've googled and saw replies
> about various solutions such as removing staples from under the keys
> etc, reinstalling drivers, but wondered what ideas you people might have.

Couple of solutions. 

Keyboards are cheap as chips. I usually keep a $20 PS2 Dick Smith one on hand 
for emergencies. I also have the USB adaptor plugged into it for any 
eventuality. If a higher quality one is needed, then the cheapo does 
meanwhile and I still have it as a backup once i replace the good one.

If you are the frugal type and you want to see if you can get it going again, 
I have pulled keyboards to pieces (unscrewed from underneath) and put the 
flexible plastic circuit board through the washing machine - yes you read 
that right - but that is usually for when the 'X' key stops working due to 
coffee, bananas or gravy.

OT ASIDE - favourite joke with a dead keyboard. 
 * Buy some alfalfa sprout seeds from Chantelle's. 
 * Pull all the keys off the keyboard. 
 * Place a layer of newspaper or tissue under the keys (I used cotton wadding)
 * Dampen it down
 * Spread the seeds relatively evenly
 * Put the keys back on (I reset them to spell HELP in the alpha's)
 * Wrap in Glad Wrap
 * Put it in the top of the hot water cupboard and wait a couple of days.
  - Check regularly it may need extra water sprinkled lightly into it if the
    gladwrap is not steamy.
 * When the sprouts are coming up between the keys; replace someones keyboard
  - DON'T plug it in.
 * Tell them they have a computer virus.

-- 
Michael