I knocked over a small glass of water on my laptop last night, most of the water skirted off. I dried the computer by taking the keyboard out, opening the case from one side and using a hairdrier on low. Here are the problems: Keyboard is typing by itself, types double letters/number and some keys dont work at all. I tried reseating the cable, but this did not help the problem. Power - The main power button does not work. I can get the pc to power on by taking the battery out, unplugging the power cord from the back, then plugging it back in. If the battery is in or the pc has been shut down without the battery installed and with the power cord in, the pushing the power button does not power on the pc. Please let me know how I can approach fixing these problems. I have a dell 1504, thanks.

Unfortunately laptops in almost all cases are difficult to repair following spills. Your best option is to take it to a Dell-authorized service center. I hope you have purchased all-risk insurance at the time you bought this laptop. If you have Dell will replace it for free. i_Xp/VistaUser

I think you big mistake was using a hair dryer to dry it; you should have left it to dry by natural evaporation. Hair dryers create static and static and computers do not go together. Normally plain water should no be a problem as it should evaporate leaving no residue behind. It is orange juice and coffee that causes problems. Stuart

It sounds like some of the circuits shorted out from the spill. If it isn't a problem to you, with the power button you could always get an external keyboard, that is if your USB ports aren't fried also. Or take the advice from above and bring in your computer to see how badly damaged it is and if they can fix it. One other word of advise: Don't Keep food or drinks around your computer

Thanks for the suggestions, I did plug a external keyboard into the computer. Im able to enter my password and login. So based on this info, is the likely problem the motherboard. Do you think a new motherboard install would fix the problem? Also, what is the name of the component I need to fix the power issue, since the spill happened around where I turn the power on an off, should i replace the board under the power button? thanks