Troubleshooting For Keyboard Problems
By Z. Perry
Problems with your computer keyboard can often be easily fixed if the appropriate troubleshooting measures are taken. If your keyboard isn't working properly, please find the heading which applies to the problems you are experiencing and follow the troubleshooting steps below it...
KEYBOARD IS ENTIRELY NON-FUNCTIONAL
1. Make sure it is plugged into your computer and the wire has not become loose from the computer or the keyboard itself (some keyboards have cords which can be unplugged at either end). If it is loose, you may have the turn off the computer and re-boot it before it will start working again.
2. If your mouse and keyboard are both the PS/2 type, verify that you did not accidentally connect them to each other's jacks on the computer. If so, turn the computer off and re-connect them properly.
3. Look to see if the keyboard has an "AT/XT" or "A/X" switch on the side or bottom; unless your computer is over fifteen years old, the switch should be in the "AT" position. If it has a "Lock", "Pause", or "Hold" key, you might have pressed it accidentally (pressing it again should unlock the keyboard and/or computer). Some old XT-only keyboards will fit newer computers, but are incompatible with them.
4. If you are attempting to operate a USB keyboard (these are relatively new and have rectangular plugs at the end of their cords), you need to download or otherwise obtain an appropriate USB driver before it will respond.
ONE OR MORE KEYS FUNCTION IMPROPERLY
1. If the keyboard has remained in a cold room for a long period of time, or hasn't been used for weeks, use it for several minutes and be sure to press all the frequently-used keys repeatedly; a text editor like Notepad can be opened before doing this. It might start functioning better after this, at least to some extent.
2. If the keys are producing incorrect letters, check to see if the keyboard has any switches which could be set to an alternative layout (such as Dvorak). Try troubleshooting it by using different keyboards with the computer to determine if the problems are caused by the software or operating system. It could also be a programmable unit (such as the Gateway Anykey); you will have to determine how to reset the programmed keys if this is the source of your problems.
3. If more than one of the same letter or number appears when you press a key once, this is called "key bounce." One way to decrease these problems is to reduce the key repeat rate and/or repeat delay, in your computer's operating system. If you have Windows 95 or later, this can be decreased in the "Keyboard" section of "Control Panel."
4. The keyboard may require cleaning. The best method of doing this varies for different types; some have keys which can be easily removed and re-inserted, others don't. People speak of putting keyboards in an automatic dishwasher, but this is not safe for some types of keyboards.
If none of these troubleshooting steps will fix your keyboard problems, it might be necessary to get it repaired or replaced. Be sure to confirm that your problems are associated with the keyboard, and not the computer or operating system, before taking this step.
Comments
Foopaw:The "Scroll/lock" function key is on the right, not the left...Here is a condensed version:
Internal keyboard: Double-layered, blue/white function keys at the top.
See the function key with the white "Scroll" on the upper layer and the blue symbol that looks like a lock beneath.Press the "Fn" key on the lower left of the keyboard and hit the "Scroll/lock" button.Test the keys that were producing incorrect results. If they are now unstuck, you win!
Hi... there is something wrong with my keyboards (obviously, since I am writing in this section). When I press [Shift] + ['], ["] is supposed to come, but instead [@] comes. The reverse happens with [Shift]+[2]. Obviously this is very problematic while typing. Please help!
Hey.... its been ages - nobody has said a thing and i cant figure out the "@!£$%^&*" problem. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!
p.s. sorry, but the censorship was required!
Hi - British style keyboards have a quote symbol on the "2" key, so your operating system may be set to use a British keyboard and you're using an American style keyboard. If your computer has Windows, try checking under "Languages" in the "Regional and Language Options" in Control Panel.
Thanks a lot Z. Perry!!!! It was a great suggestion - exactly as you said... Thanks again!
my keyboard doesn't work. All 3 lights are on but nothing types on the screen. I can't log in to get on computer. I got a new keyboard but when I pluged it into usb nothing turned on. HELP PLEASE
Occasionally when I try to type on my key board some letters work but others seem to be executing key commands. I think It's sticky keys but somehow it disappears as soon as it appears but is very annoying.
I had just posted a hub on a similar theme and noticed your post. I added a link to yours because I had forgotten to mention a few things you do cover here.
Hi, I got a keyboard problem with my Toshiba A135-S2276 laptop. Everytime I press any key windows media player pops up and the keyboard become useless. I already replace a new keyboard, uninstall the keyboard driver but still doesn't work. What should I do? pls. help
additional: I already checked the device manager and it says the keyboard is working properly. My OS is Windows Vista Home Basic SP2. I need help, thanks
Thank you Prof. Scott. You saved my day and my keyboared from a very ill fate.
Waterhasbeenspilledonthekeyboardgotallofitworking
correctlyexceptthekeyboardasyoucanseeitwillnotspaceneed
help
hi,
I have a problem regarding my keyboard, i already confirmed that the problem is indeed my keyboard.
I will now typ without correcting it (or using onscreen keyboard)
tnhe quick brown fox jum6ps ov5er tnhe laz@y dobg (in addition, pressinbg tnhe x button sends m6e to firefox nhelp pabge.)
Any help would be appreciated
problem keys:
m6 (m)
bg (g)
nh (h)
,= (,)
x
Tnhank you
Hey,Guys..whenever i type these letters,and numbers,
(3,e,d,c) they become (23,we,sd,xc) man, they really bug me.But i'm kinda used to typing it, but still it's really tiring to edit everything up..:( PLSD HWELP
HI, KEYBOARD IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IF I PRESS H IT WRITES H6,IF I PRESS G IT DISPLAY G5,IF I PRESS H IT GIVES H6,IF I PRESS,\ IT OPENS MS HELP.AND ENTER BUTTON AND AEROWS KEYS ARE PERMANETLY NOT WORKING.....PLEASE HELP ME
REGARDS, SAMSON
I HAVE SAME PROBLEM LIKE SAMSON
My wireless keyboard starting to enter numbers in a zero thru nine rotation; replaced it with new wireless keyboard, same...
Went into Device Manager, multiple virus scans, all the usual stuff. I just thought now to borrow a wired one, but..
Any ideas?
my keyboard doesn't work. All 3 lights are on but nothing types on the screen. I can't log in to get on computer. I got a new keyboard but when I pluged it into usb nothing turned on. HELP PLEASE
I have a laptop with a built in french keyboard and for some reason it has just started to use the english keys!! So a lot of the keys don't type what they say!!
Please HELP!!
my keyboard is functioning occasionally , couldn't understand the problem. Please help!!!
sir i had a problem... the keyboard is working while its pressing more force to keys... Every keyboard i tested its works like that so plz give me some solutions.....my email address is bboy.sajid@gmail.com
my keyboard doesn't
work. All 3 lights are
on but nothing types
on the screen. I can't
log in to get on
computer. I got a new keyboard but
when I pluged it into
usb nothing turned
on. HELP PLEASE
My Keyboard problem is sd we xc 23 how i fix it help meeeee!!!!!!
my keyboard have a problem.. when i open the properties of my keyboard it say's that it work properly.. but when i tested it in note pad.. some of the key are not working...
it's(A,Z,Q,!,esc and `(~)..).. somethimes it's working somethimes it won't..
what should i do? should i replace my keyboard? please answer..
PS: i type this message using "on screen keyboard"
sorry i need help for my keyboard is stile not work what is the problem ]
Prof. Scott 3 years ago
Thanks for your keyboard tips.
My internal keyboard became faulty after using an external usb keyboard. The right side of the internal QWERTY keyboard would produce incorrect outputs. After much troubleshooting and reinstalls, I found that your post caused some rethinking about the issue.
This eureka moment produced the best results with an easy way to always fix this problem. Evidently, it was not the software or hardware. As far as I know, the problem is caused by some incompatibility when using two keyboards, USB, or, it happened when I accidently turned on/off a function. Here is how the human-error problem was solved:
My internal keyboard has the function keys separated by blue and white layers at the top. Toward the left, notice the function key with the white "Scroll" on the upper layer and the blue symbol that looks like a lock beneath.
Press the "Fn" key on the lower left of the keyboard and hit the "Scroll/lock" button.
See if the keys that were producing incorrect results becomes unstuck.
Mine did. After months of stress, this is no longer a problem hindering my dissertation progress. I am now a happy camper. Hopefully, this is helpful to many suffering from this issue.