Some keyboard keys have stopped working.

[starry]

• Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium. 64 bit
  
• Make and Model: Sony Vaio - vpceb1eOe
  
• Have I changed/installed anything recently? No, but windows essentials picked up some malware shortly after.
  

Hi guys,

 

 

This morning when used my laptop it was working fine. A couple of hours I came back to use the computer and some keys were not working. The up key was stopped on and the following keys were not working :

r

u

y

Two

Four

Zero

[

cap lock

Number pad enter

Number pad zero

 

 

I've tried to restart the computer but that didn't fix it. I've checked device manager and there does not seem to be any problems there. I haven't installed any software recently. The only possible issue could be the malware windows defender spotted. Have also tried cleaning my keyboard which didn't help any.

 

 

I don't have a USB keyboard to test with. At the moment I'm using voice recognition to type, which is effective for this purpose but unhelpful long-term. Never had any issues with this laptop before.

 

 

I'm hoping some of you might have an idea of how to help. I can't think what else to try.

 

 

Thank you so much in advance, for any advice you may have for me.

 

 

Danielle

[KenB]

Hi Danielle and welcome to ExTS

 

How did you try to clean the keyboard?

I usually recommend a can of compressed air - take the laptop outside :)

 

Does it work normally in Safe Mode?

Switch on / Restart then constantly tap F8 about once per second.

Select Safe Mode from the list of options.

[starry]

Hi Ken,

 

Thanks, I tried compressed air and the vacuum, neither seemed to make a difference. In safe mode I have the same problem with the keyboard. Tomorrow I will go into town and try and get a USB keyboard.

 

I really cant think what it could be :(

[KenB]

You could try the following:

 

Start > type in .....devmgmt.msc .....ENTER

Click the + next to keyboards

Right click on the keyboard listed > update drivers

[starry]

Hi Ken,

 

I tried that and it just told me my drivers are already up to date. I got a USB keyboard and that works fine so do you think that means the machines keyboard is shot? I wouldn't even know how to go about replacing it. My last laptop was easy there was just one screw in the back but this is all built in...

 

Thanks so much for the help.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, if a USB keyboard is working OK I am afraid it is looking that the machines own keyboard is faulty.

Has it had anything spilled on it that you know of? stored in either a damp or extremely cold place in the time you have had it?

any of those could cause eventual oxidation of the key contacts resulting in failure to work.

I have had a look for any form of service manual for that model and the best I can find is actually on a favourite site of mine 101 laptop repairs, have a look here, although the manuals listed are not for your exact model, there may be enough similarities to help.

 

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2008/01/07/service-manuals-for-sony-vaio-laptops-notebooks/

 

Scrolling down the page, there are many requests for different help in dismantling Sony Vaio machines.

 

If they are not much help I suggest a look round the rest of the 101 site via the menu on the right of that page.

Nev.

[KenB]

In addition to Nev's suggestion ....

 

Go back to Device Manager and uninstall the drivers.

Windows will automatically re-install them on re-booting.

 

There is a "Fix It" here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Troubleshoot-keyboard-problems

Just click on the button.