Help with a laptop key, it's not working!
By sophiaraine
@sophiaraine (1113)
Philippines
October 17, 2012 1:11pm CST
I just found out that the left arrow key of my laptop's keyboard is not working. everything else is working except for the left arrow key. I've tried cleaning it and restarting to Safe Mode, but the problem's still there. Is this a hardware malfunction or is it a problem with the software?
4 responses
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
17 Oct 12
I suspect that this is most likely a hardware issue. A simple scan of the system by an antivirus program should confirm whether or not there are any Trojan or malware issues, once you have ascertained that the computer does not have a software problem, or after removing any virus, if the key does not work then it is a hardware problem.
One likely cause would be the ribbon cable connection the keyboard to the motherboard, a kink in the ribbon can develop over the years and would affect only certain keys. You could replace the keyboard if the ribbon is fine, but only attempt this if you are confident.
Apart from this it would be necessary for you to consult an engineer. I dislike advising people to consult a repair company due to the cost, but it could be the best solution.
@sophiaraine (1113)
• Philippines
17 Oct 12
I'll try to format the laptop if that'll fix it. But if not, after a little reasearch, just like what you said, it's probably the ribbon that connects the keyboard to the laptop. I've seen youtube on how to do it but I probablly on't be doing it myself. Maybe I'll just ask for a professional assistance. The last time I tried to pry open a laptop, it only got way worse so I probably won't be doing any laptop hardware troubleshooting by myself anymore. I'll do a desktop but not a laptop. Laptops are too delicate to experiment with unlike desktops. Thank you for your suggestion.
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
17 Oct 12
i think its a temporary glitch in the keyboard,try using it after some time it will surely work
@sophiaraine (1113)
• Philippines
17 Oct 12
I don't think so. But I sure hope that it's really something temporary.
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
20 Oct 12
but here there might be some glitch,try to rectify it or buy a portable keyboard,that will help you
@sophiaraine (1113)
• Philippines
20 Oct 12
Maybe I'll try to format m system first before buying or paying for something. Thanks. :)
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
18 Oct 12
You have to try a bunch of ways to pinpoint a problem. In my case, I have to get a brand new keyboard because I cannot have the time to strike the key in a particular way. I tested for malware and virus and found nothing. try every method but you might need a replacement keyboard if everything fails.
@sophiaraine (1113)
• Philippines
18 Oct 12
I probbly don't need to get a new keyboard. Maybe it just has something to do with the ribbon or it just needs a system cleanups.
@onlina2012 (6)
•
21 Oct 12
That may be the problem of your keyboard.To be more confirm try to connect usb mouse with your system and if the problem is still there then you can be rest assured that the problem is from the software......
@sophiaraine (1113)
• Philippines
22 Oct 12
I don't understand. What does the mouse has to do with the keyboard?
