Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
7 Posts
0
2990
Unconventional Keyboard Issue - Motherboard Fried?
Hi All,
I have a 2.2-year-old Inspiron 1525 that's out of warranty. My sister recently spilled a tiny bit of water on it which didn't seem like a big deal at first, so we continued using it. Now, however, the built-in keyboard, an external USB keyboard, and on-screen keyboard rarely work (it worked less and less often, as we weren't smart enough to just let it sit unplugged). If a button doesn't work on the built-in keyboard, it doesn't work on the on-screen keyboard either--bizarre. I've tried reinstalling the entire OS and updating the BIOS to no avail.
What should I do? I just unplugged it, carefully opened it up, and let it sit. Any ideas of what parts I might need to replace? I'm not too familiar with the parts of a laptop, though I know the basic gist of what each part does.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your help in advance.
Mark
topmahof
176 Posts
0
June 4th, 2010 18:00
keyboards on ebay go for about 25 bucks. go to categories, computers, computer components, and type in dell 1525 keyboard. that will bring up your choices.
markpan
7 Posts
0
June 4th, 2010 18:00
Thanks for the reply. However, it's my understanding that since neither an external nor on-screen keyboard works, simply buying a new internal keyboard isn't going to fix anything. Is that correct?
markpan
7 Posts
0
June 4th, 2010 19:00
Thanks, EJN63!
Are you implying that replacing the internal keyboard for ~$25 might fix the problem (of neither built-in/on-screen/external keyboards working)?
And by system board, do you mean the motherboard?
Thanks!
Mark
ejn63
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
June 4th, 2010 19:00
The only internal part that would cause the problem aside from the keyboard is the system board. On a budget system like this one, it may not make sense to replace that - it'll cost you upward of $300 without labor, and you'll get only a 90 day warranty on the part.
markpan
7 Posts
0
June 7th, 2010 17:00
Can anyone else help with this? Thanks so much!
ejn63
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
June 7th, 2010 18:00
It is odd that the on-screen keyboard doesn't work - you can try replacing the internal one but are likely faced with a mainboard replacement.