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Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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My keyboard doesn't work anymore after I cleaned it.

I cleaned my keyboard with cotton and a liquid computer cleaner. It seems like a few drops spilled from the cotton into the keyboard. Te keyboard was fine because I started using my laptop after that. Around 30 minutes later, the Caps Lock started turning on by itself, then it would turn off when I pressed the Delete and Space buttons, etc. It got worse (qwerty would come out as q1w2e3r4t5y6) until, finally (the next morning), the first two lines of the keyboard don't work anymore. The trackpad is working fine together with some buttons around the keyboard.

I'm contemplating on having it repaired/replaced but maybe I could just have it dry out? Does this damage sound like it needs a keyboard replacement or just drying out?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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mayer: thanks! so it isn't too late to let it dry out? this happened yesterday afternoon. after i cleaned the keyboard, I scanned it with a virus scanner which left the fans spinning at top speed. I was wondering if the heat worsened the liquid inside?

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Has it been overheating? Was there a reason for this virus scan, unusual behavior? What virus scan did you use and how was it done?

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It was overheating because I ran the virus scan. It usually does that with graphics-intensive programs or similar programs, then it cools down after I stop. I ran ClamXav 3 because I thought the erratic behavior was due to a virus, but my laptop turned out to be clean. Then I realized it could be the cleaning liquid.

I've already loosened the keyboard, but it won't budge on the optical drive side. Do I take it out completely or can I just leave it that way to dry?

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Read the removal instructions about getting the optical drive side off, it's a little tricky sometimes.

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Just take off the top case and let it dry out for a couple of days. Here's how: MacBook Core 2 Duo Upper Case Replacement

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Okay, I got it out already. Sorry for my incessant questioning, but is it necessary to remove the black tab that attaches the cable to the motherboard? I'm afraid if I take it out, it won't have any adhesive left for me to put back. Or worse, I might not be able to put it back properly. Thank you!

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Did you get your keyboard sorted?

I cleaned mine yesterday, and got very similar results ( q1w2e3r4t5y6 ). Now the macbook won't even turn on if the keyboard is plugged in to the mother board :(

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dyancuevas will be eternally grateful.
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