Make a broken laptop into a server

[SeanTater]

I've got a broken laptop I have not used in quite a while, yet there are only two things wrong with it:

The down key acts like it is pressed 24/7, yet I've even removed the key and lifted the contact that completes the circuit -- it still acts like it's being pressed down.

Also, my dog thoroughly enjoyed chewing the power cord to it. The dog is still in one piece; the cord is not. I checked; I have about 30 seconds of battery left if I choose to turn on the computer.

I was thinking I could run FAH, and perhaps a web/backup/ssh/ftp server on it...

Anyone know any way I might be able to fix these problems? I'm looking for cheap, since I doubt this computer is worth that much.

It's a Dell Inspiron 2600, about 1.7 GHZ Celeron, 256 MB memory, about 30 GB HD.

[McLogic]

I would just remove the keyboard and plug in a $10 external keyboard. You may have to change bios settings to keep the laptop from halting on keyboard errors. You will also want a new power adapter to keep your system reliable.

First you should see if your adapter was recalled:
https://www.delladapterprogram.com/Main.aspx

Then you may have to buy a new power adapter:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=Dell+Inspiron+2600+power+supply&hl=en&lr=&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=title

The keyboard is here:
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl=en&lr=&q=Dell%20Inspiron%202600%20keyboard&btnG=Search&sa=N&tab=wf

The manual will tell you how to replace/remove the keyboard:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins2600/en/sm_en/keyboard.htm#999636

The full man:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins2600/en/index.htm

It should make a good machine. It is overkill, and you might save money by selling the laptop (for about $450) and buying a P3+ off of craigslist -- you see them selling for under $50.
http://www.craigslist.org/

I just got a gateway with a 500mhz P3 for $30!
(plenty fast for ssh/ftp/print)

:D