After a Spill, Windows Won't Load After BIOS Screen!?

Question

Hey all,
I have a fairly old IBM T22 laptop - A few days ago I spilled a little beer on the keyboard. I immediately shut it off, turned it upside down, took a few drives/battery out, etc. When it dried out and I turned it on, all I saw was the "IBM Thinkpad" BIOS screen (with those F1/F12 options). It won't load windows (98SE) past that point.

The hard drive still works, as I managed to recover data from it. After opening it up, none of the components were really that sticky - just a few very small drops of stickiness in one place, which I cleaned up with water and a Qtip. I think the keyboard might be shot because I can't enter the BIOS screen because the F1/F12 keys don't work. I tried an external keyboard and that didn't work, but I don't think the comp detects it at that point. I'm wondering why it won't load windows-would a shorted out keyboard prevent this or something? Doesn't sound like I fried the motherboard since the BIOS screen still comes up Any suggestions on whats wrong

@victoria: well, I can't actually enter the bios because the keyboard is broken. All I see starting up is the IBM logo with the option to enter the bios using the F1 key. It holds there for about 5-7 seconds, then goes to a blank screen where windows would normally load. I plugged the external keyboard into its proper port. Not sure how I would check conductivity though.

@treving42: for the drives that I took out, there were no wires. Just slide in/slide out stuff (hard drive and dvd drive).

Answer 1

EDIT!!!!!
EDIT: The only other 'trick' I can think of is to flash your BIOS as you may well have shot some static when inside your laptop and this may clear your problem boot - earth yourself first.

Answer 2

If it is not getting past the intial Bios screen then it is probably either memory or processor. If you have not already removed the memory chips and cleaned the contacts on those, that would be the next step.

After that, you are looking at resetting the processor. If you are not familiar with the process, I recommend you get "geek" help. (Bribe your favorite Geek - going rate for a processor reset is a pizza and a couple video rentals).

Frankly, the age of the laptop is such that it is not worth what you would have to pay someone professional to have a look at it. A replacement of either the system board or processor were be nearly as much as a new entry level laptop.

Answer 3

Bios to The Blue Screen of Death... I see...
I was talking over your issue with a friend, and there are two things that would cause you symptoms.

A. While in you disconnected some thing, or something is not making appropriate contact. or

B. You static zapped it while inside.

Check for the first, if it appears to be the second, email me. (Or make another comment.)

For conductivity.. do you have a ohm meter? Try connecting you keybourd directly, bypassing external ports, while checking for what you have blown (if it comes to that).

Answer 4

you don't get into the BIOS jointly as living house windows is loading, you enter a BIOS in the previous an working equipment lots. the main you press relies upon on the make of the pc/motherboard. for many, that's the delete key. BTW, F8 isn't the main for a BIOS, that's the main for entering into "risk-free Mode" in living house windows XP.