2nd hand A1200, Amiga keys not working

[vic20owner]

The easy way is to remove the keyboard, pour rubbing alcohol in it everywhere and shake it out and then let it dry.  The hard way is to remove all the screws and take the entire keyboard apart, and then wipe down the keyboard contacts with alcohol.  I've done my laptop keyboard about 6 times (my cat sleeps on it).

BTW, I did my mouse too...poured it in the microswitches for the mouse buttons. Works great now.

[vic20owner]

It's just some residue left from whatever was spilled inside or maybe a dust bunny. Rubbing alcohol will work fine, and it evaporates fairly quickly.

I usually take the keyboard apart, wipe it down inside and then put it back together, but you don't have to.  Just don't go crazy with it, and make sure it's completely evaporated before you power up (shake it, blow in it, and then let it sit in the sun for a few minutes).