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    MacBook coffee spill

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by [email protected], Jul 19, 2011.

  1. turneyreed@netzero.n

    [email protected] Newbie

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    Friends, a friend spilled coffee on her keyboard. Everything seems to be dry; pulled key covers and back and checked. However, now what is displayed by a key is not what the key is; alphabetic keys now type characters which are not another language. Any ideas? Thanks
     
  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    If the laptop is not covered by AppleCare, I'd recommend dismantling the computer and making certain that the parts to dry. However if the malfunction continues, try to ascertain whether the coffee reached the logic board and/or the keyboard. Based on that, you could then check the price of the necessary parts out on eBay.
     
  3. turneyreed@netzero.n

    [email protected] Newbie

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    Thanks, Bog... I started to check things out, but really need a link for info on the sequence for dismantling. i found one listed on another site, but the link only came up as a error page, no info. i'm pretty good with fixing things, but would feel better with some guidance. Built my own desktop, and that was fun; but there was a lot more room. Again, thanks for the help and your time. Reed

    Everyone, Thank you for your time; I found a link for the dismantling of the unit. From now on it's nothing but fun!!
     
  4. formerglory

    formerglory Notebook Evangelist

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    ifixit.com is your best bet. Also, consider using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol, 90%) when cleaning the motherboard. It's great for getting rid of gunk without damaging the board or solder joints.

    Just be careful with it, and let everything dry.
     
  5. turneyreed@netzero.n

    [email protected] Newbie

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    Thanks 'Former Glory' I'll see if I can find a 90%; 70% is what I've got (I live in a town of 3,500 that is 200 miles from anything else (Eastern Sierra Nevada area). From what I can tell, the board looks good-except that in removing all the cables, I managed to break off the socket for the fan cable. Going to be fun putting that back on. The keyboard itself is where the dried coffee shows itself. Also managed to blow off half of holder for a key when I used a can of clean air to help clean off the keyboard. But I take it that you can't get behind the keys themselves; the back seems to be hot glued or something. And I really do appreciate everyone's help. These forums are sometimes the only source of information to be had! Any home improvement questions out there? I'm a good source for info in that area... Thanks again Reed