What Would Cause My Keys to Stick on a Compaq NC6400?
The Compaq NC6400 is notorious for sticky keys, but some common solutions as well as one particular to this laptop should keep you from putting in for a replacement.
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Causes
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Sticky keys are often caused by a buildup of debris between the keys and the bed of the keyboard. Dust, food crumbs, hair, spilled beverages---all of these can contribute to the problem. Hinge damage is another common cause. Beneath each key on your keyboard is a spring-type hinge that holds the key in place and moves it back into position when you remove your finger. Worn nubs can also contribute to the problem.
Also, in the case of the Compaq NC6400, a problem in the contact between the keyboard's ribbon cable and the chassis of the laptop can cause odd key behavior.
Fixes
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Fix sticky keys in a number of ways. First, simply clean your keyboard. If that doesn't fix the problem, repair or replace the hinges or nubs. You'll need to refer to your laptop's handbook for further details on what type of hinges you need. It may become necessary to replace your keyboard altogether if the problem persists; check with your manufacturer for details.
Finally, a quick fix for the Compaq NC6400's key-behavior problem is to insert a piece of four-folded printer paper between the keyboard cable and frame, making certain to avoid blocking airflow.
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Prevention
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Avoid eating and drinking near your laptop. Crumbs, grease and liquids are never good things to have in your keyboard. Also, clean your keyboard regularly to prevent problems before they start.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit notebook keyboard image by Alx from Fotolia.com
