What To Do When Your Keyboard Fails

If you think your keyboard isn't important, try using your computer without it. Your computer will be almost useless without a keyboard. And like all other PC peripherals, the keyboard can and will put you into the dreaded down-time.

The keyboard is a simple peripheral and when it does go on the blink, you will be much better off pyrchasing a new one rather than considering repairing it, unless the problem is something simple like a stuck key.

TROUBLESHOOTING BASICS

As we look into problems with the keyboard, remember to check the obvious first and as with all problem-solving procedures, don't be tempted to take shortcuts. Follow these procedures to resolve common keyboard problems.

KEYBOARD WILL NOT RESPOND

First - Restart the computer. This sometimes will resolve a computer that has frozen or locked up during the first boot up.

Second - Look behind the system unit and check to see if the cable is fully inserted into the connector. Check to see if it is in the keyboard connector and not the mouse connector.

Shut the computer off and remove the cable from the system unit. Check to see if any pins or connectors have been bent or broken.

If all pins and connectors are good, try connecting another keyboard and restart the computer. If the new keyboard works, replace the old keyboard.

CHECK FOR KEYBOARD ERRORS IN WINDOWS

If the new keyboard should fail as well, check the resource conflicts if your operating system allows, such as Windows 98 or XP. Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, and Device Manager Tab in System Properties.

Windows displays your devices attached to your PC. Click the plus sign and scan the list for the keyboard. If you notice an exclamation point or a red X beside the keyboard, the keyboard has a problem.

Now highlight the keyboard, click the remove button, and click OK in the confirmation window. Close the Device Manager and restart the computer. The operating system will reconfigure the keyboard.

WINDOWS DID NOT FIX THE KEYBOARD

You have restarted the computer and the keyboard still does not work. It's possible you have a faulty keyboard port. This may prove true if the second keyboard failed to work on your computer as well.

Though it rarely happens, an error message will appear if the keyboard gets hot. Stuck keys are also causes of error messages appearing on your monitor at bootup.

POOR KEYBOARD PERFORMANCE

Keeping the keyboard free from dirt and dust is essential to good keyboard performance. Liquid spills are common and can be cleaned with a can of compressed air (before they dry on their own).

Your settings in Windows may also be the culprit in poor keyboard performance. To check your keyboard performance, click on Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double click keyboard.

On the Speed Tab, you have the option to control the Repeat Delay, Repeat Rate, and the Cursor Blink rate.The Repeat Delay is the delay between the time you press a key and when it responds. The Repeat Rate controls just how fast the key repeats after it begins repeating.

Windows gives you the ability to control features of your keyboard which will boost its performance, allowing you to perform your tasks quicker.

While the keyboard is usually replaced, rather than repaired, it is imperative that you learn troubleshooting steps to correct most keyboard problems. You may have problems with the keyboard late at night and you may need to get it working to complete a document you may need for work. Knowing how to correct problems and help others that may experience keyboard failure can be very beneficial.

 

 

If you have an old system - that still functions - we will clean it up, refurbish it and donate it to a local charity or school.

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