Keyboard problems are usually easy to pinpoint, there are 2 types of interface that are used today, the newer type USB and the older type PS2 or Mini Din.
Keyboard problems – not Working at all ?
Firstly check all connections from the keyboard to the computer making sure they are fitted well.
Try the keyboard in another computer, this will show if it’s the computer or the keyboard itself which has the problem.
If you are in the process of installing an operating system and get prompted for a driver, or if the keyboard problems seem to revolve around DOS program but then the keyboard or mouse fails to respond then you need to make sure USB legacy support or compatibility mode is enabled in your computers BIOS.
Keyboard Errors
Older PS2 type keyboards have very small pins in the keyboard cable connecter, these can be squashed or bent out of shape very easily causing keyboard connection problems which can be real difficult to fault find, care needs to be taken when plugging them in or removing them.
Something Spilt on Keyboard
Check on the keyboard for signs of fluid spillages or anything stuck under the keys.
As keyboards work via a series of contacts, for example you press a key a contact is made and the relevant character appears on the screen, it only take a very small amount of liquid to ensure the contact is made and then you will get that character all over the screen.
If this happens to several keys (and it does not have to be a lot of liquid to do this) the results can create interesting keyboard problems to say the least with spurious characters appearing all over the screen.
If something has been spilt on the keyboard disconnect it from the computer and if possible fold a piece of kitchen tissue into a pointy shape to soak up the liquid, then put the keyboard in a warm place to ensure all moisture evaporates.
Software
Many keyboard problems can be software related. Remove and allow Windows to reinstall the keyboard, from control panels – system – hardware – device manager Right click uninstall and Windows will re-install it.
Wireless Keyboards
- Check the batteries
- Try re-connecting by using the little button, usually situated on the bottom.
- Make sure the keyboards receiver is plugged in
- If you have a Bluetooth keyboard remove any security codes and try connecting this way.
- If you are using a USB keyboard and it has extra USB ports try with nothing plugged into them.
- Many keyboards come with extra software for extra keys and buttons on the keyboard.
- Lastly ensure the wireless receiver has not moved out of range of the keyboard (I often have this issue as one of my cats sits on top of my tower pc, which is where the wireless receiver is located, and he often moves it out of his way)
If all has failed so far the final fix is the system restore which is part of Windows XP and Vista, checkout our article on this for more.
computer adviser keyboard errors article
on my laptop when typing a letter in excel or word the word gets jumbled up