A very bizarre computer question

[HellCat]

Whilst visiting home for the bank holiday, I gave my laptop a clean up (I have a duster and such up here with me but I usually wait till I'm home to give it a thorough dusting). As usual I used spray window cleaner. A few squirts on the monitor, no problem. However, when I used it on the left 'mouse' key (which was a bit grimey), it seems to have eaten through the top layer! The mouse keys are made of rubber and the top surface is made smooth. It's not taken a huge chunk (probably not even a millimeter) and it's still usable but the key is now rougher and has a slight noticeable dip. So my bizarre question is, can I take any steps to fix this?

[Mog]

There's really no way to "repair" coating like on a mouse or any other type of surface. Sounds like the cleaner was concentrated enough on one spot to eat away some it. I would suggest not using the cleaner anymore, or at least watering it down.

Also, I really hope you're not using window cleaner on an LCD laptop screen. The same thing that happened to your mouse can easily happen to your screen. Just a warning.

[HellCat]

There's really no way to "repair" coating like on a mouse or any other type of surface. Sounds like the cleaner was concentrated enough on one spot to eat away some it. I would suggest not using the cleaner anymore, or at least watering it down.

Also, I really hope you're not using window cleaner on an LCD laptop screen. The same thing that happened to your mouse can easily happen to your screen. Just a warning.

"Ye cannae' change the laws of physics, Jim!" ?

Too true. Trust me, I didn't just say "Ooh, some sort of cleaner, this'll do!".

[solarflere]

"Ye cannae' change the laws of physics, Jim!" ?

Too true. Trust me, I didn't just say "Ooh, some sort of cleaner, this'll do!".The thing about cleaners on a LCD screen, is that it might leave a tint behind. Depends on the color of the cleaner. So your LCD colors might be off. Use regular wet cloth for LCD dcreens in the future.

[HellCat]

The thing about cleaners on a LCD screen, is that it might leave a tint behind. Depends on the color of the cleaner. So your LCD colors might be off. Use regular wet cloth for LCD dcreens in the future.

I will keep that in mind. Thanks.

As for the key, made some progress with some make shift 'filler'. That's kinda what I was getting at when I asked in the first place. I suppose doing model design gets you thinking about filler substance by default.

[HellCat]

When we bought the laptop we were convinced to take out one of PC World's infamous coverage plans, where as long as we're paying we get unlimited repairs and a voucher for a replacement if it can't be. Thing is, I've heard some stories the voucher only covers a certain amount (my laptop cost roughly £1000 when all was added up). I assume they could fix a fan easy enough (which has been noisy for months for no good reason) but I imagine buttons and such are something that can only be dealt with during the original manufacturing proccess. So what should I do, try and see if I can get the button repaired somehow or use the combination of this and the fan to try and get a replacement?

[solarflere]

When we bought the laptop we were convinced to take out one of PC World's infamous coverage plans, where as long as we're paying we get unlimited repairs and a voucher for a replacement if it can't be. Thing is, I've heard some stories the voucher only covers a certain amount (my laptop cost roughly £1000 when all was added up). I assume they could fix a fan easy enough (which has been noisy for months for no good reason) but I imagine buttons and such are something that can only be dealt with during the original manufacturing proccess. So what should I do, try and see if I can get the button repaired somehow or use the combination of this and the fan to try and get a replacement?Try to get the replacement. if not, try to get it repaired somewhere.

[HellCat]

Try to get the replacement. if not, try to get it repaired somewhere.

Am I wrong to be sentimental and hope it can just be repaired? :crying:

[solarflere]

Am I wrong to be sentimental and hope it can just be repaired? :crying:Yea pretty much. If your waranty is still in effect and covers the damage, they will most likely give you a new Laptop for same or greater value with updated specs, if they don't carry your laptops anymore. How old is it?

[Aquadementia]

Am I wrong to be sentimental and hope it can just be repaired? :crying:Yes. We're going on have to put this on your permanent record.

Are we talking about something like this (http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/repcap.html), or this (http://www.sofpoint.com/products.aspx)?

I wonder what kind of model design you do?

Somebody with a bit of talent could probably make a custom cap.
They must be some sort of silicon rubber or something.
It would be cool to have one with a unique logo or image.

Edit: Oh, for some reason I was thinking of the little pointy stick, but you mean the left mouse button. Never mind.
With good model making skills all sorts of things would be possible. (http://www.moderific.com/images/weblog/casemods_pokemonlaptop.jpg) But if it's covered and you're not comfortable with taking apart your expensive and fragile equipment, It's not worth thinking about.

[HellCat]

Yea pretty much. If your waranty is still in effect and covers the damage, they will most likely give you a new Laptop for same or greater value with updated specs, if they don't carry your laptops anymore. How old is it?

I got it last summer. It's a Compaq Presario V4000

[solarflere]

I got it last summer. It's a Compaq Presario V4000See there is no more Compaq, HP bought them and is phasing them out. So you can try and get a replacement.

[HellCat]

See there is no more Compaq, HP bought them and is phasing them out. So you can try and get a replacement.

When did that happen? I know the plug that came with it has HP on it.

[solarflere]

When did that happen? I know the plug that came with it has HP on it.You didn't know? O_o It happaned over a year ago if not longer.

[HellCat]

You didn't know? O_o It happaned over a year ago if not longer.

Looking at PC World's site, they list Compaq models that are cosmetically identical to mine with similar price and improved specs as 'Just In'

[solarflere]

Looking at PC World's site, they list Compaq models that are cosmetically identical to mine with similar price and improved specs as 'Just In'As I said, HP is getting rid of their huge Compaq stockpiles. There hasn't been a Compaq company in a year.
Look here (http://h18002.www1.hp.com/) Look at the URL, rhen look at the side bar on your right, under online shopping is says "Buy Compaq at the
HP Home & Home Office Store"

[HellCat]

As I said, HP is getting rid of their huge Compaq stockpiles. There hasn't been a Compaq company in a year.
Look here (http://h18002.www1.hp.com/) Look at the URL, rhen look at the side bar on your right, under online shopping is says "Buy Compaq at the
HP Home & Home Office Store"

Ok, I don't doubt you. I just want my facts straight so I'm not screwed out of a laptop all because I was trying to take care of mine.

[solarflere]

Ok, I don't doubt you. I just want my facts straight so I'm not screwed out of a laptop all because I was trying to take care of mine.Oh don't worry about that. HP will honor any deal you had with Compaq, they must. So if you still have your warranty, it will still be valid with HP.

[HellCat]

Oh don't worry about that. HP will honor any deal you had with Compaq, they must. So if you still have your warranty, it will still be valid with HP.

Well, I think I do have a warranty with HP/Compaq. But the actual one I'm referring to is with the store themselves where they say "You pay us so much a month and that covers any repairs you might need. Alternatively if we can't repair it, we give you a voucher which enables you to purchase a replacement from us".

[solarflere]

Well, I think I do have a warranty with HP/Compaq. But the actual one I'm referring to is with the store themselves where they say "You pay us so much a month and that covers any repairs you might need. Alternatively if we can't repair it, we give you a voucher which enables you to purchase a replacement from us".Oh I see, that even better IMO. You should defenetly take advantage of it.

[HellCat]

Sorry for bumping this up, but after watching this I thought it was worth sharing to show the infamous reputation of where I bought my laptop (the swarming thing is so true...):

http://www.weebls-stuff.com/wab/upgrade-pt2/

[solarflere]

Sorry for bumping this up, but after watching this I thought it was worth sharing to show the infamous reputation of where I bought my laptop (the swarming thing is so true...):

http://www.weebls-stuff.com/wab/upgrade-pt2/That was.......Desturbing. :sweat: