HP Laptop Keyboard Not Functional After Cleaning

[KT177]

Hello,

This afternoon I cleaned my laptop with some anti-bacterial spray applied to a microfibre cloth. I wiped the damp cloth across the keyboard, and then dried with the dry reverse side. After googling, I realise that this is a poorly advised way of cleaning your laptop. Hindsight is 20/20! 

After leaving this to air dry for maybe fifteen minutes, I had to run to a class. Taking my laptop out in the class revealed moisture on the screen in the pattern of the spaces between the keys. Not thinking much of this (often oils from the keyboard produce a similar effect), I powered it on and began to type. 

I quickly discovered that my keyboard was not functional. All keys respond when pressed, although one key will fire multiple nearby keys. The worst appears to be the cluster of gtr5, but the issue also occurs, non-exhaustively, for 23 and backspace/num lock. It is also autonomously adjusting my brightness and volume, and opening the tab that allows you to project your screen. 

Once class ended I raced home and began to desperately try to dry it out. I briefly used a hair dryer on cold setting, removed keys to wipe underneath, and left it upside down. It’s now been eight or so hours but the issue is persisting.

I had the laptop on for the duration of my one hour class, and for maybe a half hour this evening as I created an external back-up of all my most important documents. 

I recognise this is entirely my own fault, but it is a large issue for me. As a busy student, not having access to my laptop will see me fall behind on work and deadlines incredibly quickly. I also provide online tutoring, which I will have to cancel if the issue is not resolved. 

I phoned a nearby repair shop who informed me their earliest availability is tomorrow (Tuesday). Does anyone know if there is any hope that they will be able to fix it? If so, how long of a repair is it likely to be? I am supposed to tutor Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but if my laptop is away being repaired I will need to cancel with enough notice. Further, is it likely to be an expensive repair? A combination of being student and potentially having to cancel lessons means I will struggle to afford any repair over £50. 

Any advice would be much appreciated! I do not know much if anything about computers, so jargon will be lost on me. Further, I fully recognise that this is my own fault and a significant screw-up irregardless of the outcome - so please do not scold. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @KT177,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Alden4

HP Support