Noel

[puggit]

The 'l' key has stopped working on my Sony Vaio laptop - it went through a short phase where it would work when pressed down for a long time, but has now left the building.

I have to ctrl-v every time I need an 'l' :(

Any ideas how to fix, can I lift the key like on a normal desktop keyboard?

[spivvy]

laptop keys are a real pig to take on and off so don't attempt unless you are really confident of getting it back together

[TheExcession]

Assuming this is not a mechanical failure....

Flush the keyboard with switch cleaner -

You can buy it professionally in aerosol form, or otherwise ask your friendly pharmacist for some IPA - Iso Propyl Alcohol -

Unplug the lappy, perhaps even remove the battery, give the 'I' key a good dose of said spirit, rattle it about a bit (like it had been to a good night club and danced all night) and hopefully after letting it dry out it'll wake up working again.

I know it says alcohol but despite what it says on the tin but please don't try drinking it!

best
Ex

[puggit]

TheExcession said:

Assuming this is not a mechanical failure.... Flush the keyboard with switch cleaner - You can buy it professionally in aerosol form, or otherwise ask your friendly pharmacist for some IPA - Iso Propyl Alcohol - Unplug the lappy, perhaps even remove the battery, give the 'I' key a good dose of said spirit, rattle it about a bit (like it had been to a good night club and danced all night) and hopefully after letting it dry out it'll wake up working again. I know it says alcohol but despite what it says on the tin but please don't try drinking it! best Ex

It's ok - I have a chemistry degree

Thanks for the advice

PS - it's the L key, not the I - hence the title

[TheExcession]

puggit said:

Thanks for the advice

puggit said:

PS - it's the L key, not the I - hence the title

Sorry, rarely read post titles, just dive straight into the actual gossip.

Of course, this changes everything, IPA won't work on an 'L' key, it only works on 'I', you might like to try some 1,1,1-Trichloroethane instead.

Don't blame me if the keyboard melts, but then if you spill enough of it you probably won't care....