Laptop Keyboard - Certain Keys Not Working Intermitently

[gavm99]

Hi all,

I have a Compaq n1015v Laptop. A month or so ago a few keys starting playing up. Sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn't. If you pressed really hard on the key then you would have more chance of getting it to work.

I have now replaced the keyboard but I still have the same problem with the same keys.

Any ideas what the problem is and what I can do to overcome this?

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"Nobody cares how it works, as long as it works

 

[CiscoRC]

Have you checked the cable from the kb that connects to the mobo? Improper insertion can cause erratic keys and becomes dysfunctional. If nothing else then it must mean you got a bad socket to your mobo. What I used to do is test it on another laptop same brand and model to see if the kb is doing the same thing, if not then it's your mobo. If yes then you got another defective kb.

Just my 2 cents


***************
R. Corrigan Jr.
Network+, (working on CCENT+CCNA)

 

[kestrel1]

I would agree with CiscoRC. If the cable is faulty or miss aligned this can cause these types of problems.
Ribbon cables are a pain. ensure that it is connected correctly at both ends.
It could be that it is note seated correctly on the mobo if the same keys are being troublesome.

 

[gavm99]

It's working ok at the moment but I can predict it will playing up again tomorrow!

I will check the lead out tomorrow, thanks.

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"Nobody cares how it works, as long as it works

 

[burtsbees]

Actually, I had a keyboard once that did the same thing---it was the keyboard both times---a manufacturing flaw affected the same model keyboard for a certain number that were produced for a certain time. Free warranty replacement, but I changed brands.

Burt

 

[kestrel1]

I had a real good one with a keyboard replacement.
Had an HP laptop that had a bad keyboard, got it sent off & repaired under warranty.
Sent back within a few days. Gave it back to the user, who contacted me a few hours later wondering why the keys where in different positions. They had replaced the keyboard with a US style, when we are in the UK. Got it sorted by sending it back again. How stupid was that?

 

[paparazi]

Faulty keyboard.
If you are a handy person, some keyboards can be seperated and the membrane and contacts can be carefully cleaned and re-assembled.
Unfortunately many are sealed or just too damm difficult to take apart.
Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[kestrel1]

Most laptop keyboards I have come across are of the sealed type. A new keyboard shouldn't cost that much. As the keyboard has been replaced once though, I would look at the cable next.

 

[gavm99]

Hi all,

I have a further update:

1) I kept using my replacement keyboard and the same kept occuring, the sames which wouldn't work on the old keyboard kept stopping working.

2) I have cleaned the contact where the cable connects on the motherboard.

3) I have tried both my original keyboard and replacement and the same occurs, the same keys stop working.

4) What I have noticed is that if I leave my laptop on for 15mins or so and don't use it then the keyboard will work ok after this time, it is like it has to get 'warmed up'

I'm reaching the end of my patience with it now. I could buy yet another keyboard but I can't believe that the same keys on 2 different keyboards have failed at the same time. What's more is the fact that work fine once 'warmed up' so this would imply the keyboards are ok.

I'm now considering replacing my laptop.

What are your thoughts?


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"Nobody cares how it works, as long as it works

 

[kestrel1]

It could be that when the laptop warms up that a contact is expanding & making the proper contact. It may just be the where the ribbon cable connects to the motherboard has worn or is not properly seated.