How to check the keyboard operation. The keyboard on the laptop does not work. We are looking for the reason. Online services for testing keyboard keys
Hi all. Today we will repair the laptop ASUS K52JR with a faulty keyboard.
Background.
According to the owner, coffee was poured onto the laptop, after which the keyboard stopped working. For repairs, the owner took the laptop to a service center, where it sat for several months. As a result, the laptop was returned to the client without repair. The service center employees reported that some expensive part had burned out, and there was no point in buying a new keyboard, since it would not work. As a bonus, they sold an ordinary USB keyboard, which the client successfully used for several months.
A year after this story, they brought me this laptop for cleaning and asked me to restore the keyboard if possible.
Laptop diagnostics.
I will not describe the process of disassembling and cleaning the laptop, but will focus on diagnosing the functionality of the keyboard. Let's determine whether the motherboard is really faulty, or whether the problem is only in the keyboard.
During disassembly, I tore the keyboard away from the case, as it was simply stuck with old coffee.
Coffee residue on the laptop lid
same thing on the keyboard
The same story happened with the case cover itself. Dried sweet coffee almost tightly glued the DVD drive with the lid.
Coffee on DVD drive
Here I began to assume that the laptop was not even disassembled, since during the repair these traces should have been removed. The motherboard itself was covered in dust, but fortunately it was not flooded. No traces of repairs were found on it either.
Since it was claimed that the new keyboard was tossed in and did not work, I decided to check the health of the laptop itself, namely, whether the motherboard responded to key presses. For these purposes, I needed to make a small sample.
Making a sample for laptop keyboards.
The sample will consist of the following parts:
Probe parts
The manufacturing process is clearly visible in the photographs. Wiring is soldered to the ears of the needles, and a resistor is soldered to the ends of the wires. You can solder a resistor to the needle and wires to it, this is at your discretion.
Probe making
This will not affect the operation of the device in any way. For aesthetics, I wrapped the whole thing in heat shrink.
Final version
Checking the functionality of the keyboard connector on the motherboard.
First of all, you need to download a program to test the keyboards on the laptop you are testing.
Program interface for testing keyboards
I attach the Exe file of the program at the end of the article. Also, you need to make sure that there is access to the connector contacts on the solder side. If there is no such access, then you need to disassemble the laptop and remove the top cover. In my case, there was access, but since the laptop needs to be washed, I completely disassembled the laptop.
Now let’s learn more about how to check functionality. Each pin on the connector is responsible for certain letters and numbers. If we connect several pins to each other using a probe, we will simulate keypresses on a laptop. The resistor protects the motherboard from short circuits, but its value is enough to detect a key press.
The program on the computer will show which keys were pressed and which were not.
Procedure for working with the probe.
We place one needle on the first pin of the connector, after which we touch the remaining pins (2,3,4, etc.) in turn with the second needle. Next, we transfer the first needle to the second pin, and with the other needle we go through all the others (3,4,5, etc.). We move the first needle to pin 3, with the other needle we touch 4, 5, 6, etc. Thus we reach the end of the connector.
Keyboard connector. The first arrow points to the first pin
Verification Process
This is how the program reacts to button presses. Pressed buttons are highlighted in blue, buttons that were not pressed are highlighted in black.
As a result, if the motherboard is in good condition, all keys will be pressed. I did not press the keys: Scroll Lock, Insert, the second Windows key. This is correct, since I do not have these keys on my native keyboard.
View of the program after closing the last pin
Conclusion
Thus, we checked the health of the motherboard. I ordered a new keyboard, after installation everything worked great. In the previous service, the laptop was not even disassembled, as can be seen from the photo.
Be careful when choosing a service, and good luck with your repairs!!!
You can download a program to check the health of your laptop keyboard here:
(749.5 KiB, 599 downloads)
The statement that equipment you take care of lasts longer and breaks less often is also true for computer peripherals. Especially for mechanical input devices. You should regularly disassemble (remove the buttons) and clean the keyboard.
This, at a minimum, will avoid the inconvenience associated with incorrect typing and sticky keys. It is better to clean with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol. To avoid corrosion of plastic and other materials used in manufacturing, acetone-based solvents cannot be used. Before cleaning, record the order of the keys in a photo or other way.
Prevention is necessary, but does not provide iron-clad guarantees, and for one reason or another, a breakdown may occur.
Check your connection. Make sure that the keyboard is properly connected to the computer, first try reconnecting it and restarting the PC. Disconnect it for 10-15 seconds, and then try to connect again. Use a different USB connector.
When connecting through a hub or KVM switch, the reason for the failure may be in this intermediary. If you are using a PS/2-USB adapter, check whether your device supports it.
Make sure there are no mechanical damages. Turn off your computer. Disconnect the keyboard from the socket and check the cable for any kinks. If it is connected via a PS/2 port, you need to carefully inspect it and if you notice that the contacts are bent, carefully fix them with tweezers.
Try using the device on another computer. Among other things, the PS/2 port on the motherboard may be faulty and you should try connecting the keyboard to another PC. When the connection is made via USB, located on the front panel of the system unit, there is a possibility that the contact of the port with the motherboard is broken.
The worst case scenario is that the USB controller fails, but this can be easily checked using a flash drive.
Keyboard malfunction due to software glitch
The software is already integrated into the Windows operating system distributions required for most devices used. But if your new multimedia keyboard does not respond, then the reason for the inoperability lies, most likely, in the lack of drivers or a malfunction in its operation.
First of all, check whether the system correctly detects the device. To do this, right-click on the “Start” icon. In the dialog box that opens, select the “Control Panel” line.
If there is a problem, an exclamation mark will appear in the window that appears next to the “keyboard” line. However, even if it is not there, it is worth trying to reinstall the driver.
In addition, it makes sense to right-click on the “keyboard” and update the hardware configuration, or perform an automatic driver update. The OS will automatically begin searching the Internet and installing the necessary software.
Use programs that make the search process automated and do not require active intervention. Free: Driver Pack Solution, Driver Booster, Device Doctor or paid: Driver Detective, Driver Genius, Driver Reviver are also useful when you cannot find the software yourself.
Manual update. Having selected manual update, we see a new dialog box that prompts you to enter the address to search for update files. Specify the location of the driver, click next. First, make sure that the required driver is available on the . To do this, you should visit the manufacturer’s website and download the software corresponding to the marking of your device.
The package includes a disc. Insert the disc into the drive, autorun will work, install the necessary programs in accordance with the prompts that appear. If “autorun” did not work, then open the distribution folder and find the executable file. Launch it by double clicking. The file has the extension .exe, in order to see this, enable the display of extensions in your computer settings. To do this, we follow the path: “Control Panel”? “Design and Personalization”? “Show hidden files and folders”.
In the window that opens, uncheck the “Hide extensions for known file types” checkbox. "Apply."
Also, the “software reason” may be related to the USB controller of the motherboard chipset. In this case, you need to update the drivers for it.
The operating system is infected with a virus. We scan the OS with an antivirus installed on the computer or select it from the appropriate service.
The keyboard must be connected in the BIOS. This case is typical for a situation where you need to connect an additional keyboard to a laptop.
We reboot the OS, press the F2 button or the Delete button, other options are possible (depending on the manufacturer), at the moment of loading, a hint appears at the bottom of the screen.
In the BIOS we find a tab that displays a list of input/output devices (see). Find the USB Controller item and activate it by selecting Enabled. Next, in the USB Keyboard Support line, select the same value – Enabled. Changes are saved by pressing the F10 button.
Keyboard Repair Frequently Asked Questions
Has your wireless keyboard (and mouse) stopped working?
Replace batteries. Try placing the Bluetooth adapter closer to the device (use a USB extension cable).
Why doesn't the keyboard and touchpad (mouse) work on my laptop?
A common malfunction associated with the failure of the south bridge on the motherboard (in this case, devices connected to USB do not work correctly or are not detected). Other explanations are possible - the cable has become frayed.
The device does not work or does not work correctly in the game, program, browser?
You need to go to the settings and assign keys responsible for control yourself. This problem may be due to a specific application not working or due to the use of a counterfeit version of the software. Reinstall your browser.
Some keys, F-keys on your laptop don't work?
Check to see if sticky mode has turned on. This can happen when you press the Shift key five times. On some laptops, the F keys are blocked with a special button. If the numeric part of the buttons located on the right side of the keyboard does not work, press the NumLock key. The active state will be signaled by a lit diode.
Are the lights blinking but nothing happens?
- The device has failed;
- The motherboard USB controller is damaged;
- The cable or connectors for connection are damaged;
- Liquid got inside the keyboard, causing contact between the touch film and the controller to be broken.
Keyboard not working in bios?
- Outdated BIOS version - requires flashing.
- Microcontroller malfunction - reset CMOS.
If you are faced with problems related to the operation of the keyboard, then the best decision you can make for yourself is to first try to solve the problems yourself, and if nothing works, then with a clear conscience go for the purchase of a new device.
You are about to type something and suddenly find that the keyboard is indifferent to your actions. Are you wondering what can be done in such a situation?
There are many components in a computer that could theoretically cause the system to fail. The keyboard is one such component of computer hardware. For example, some or all of the keys suddenly stop working. If you are facing any issue with your keyboard, we suggest you try some troubleshooting steps.
Troubleshooting keyboard problems
If the computer keyboard does not show any signs of life, then the first thing you should do is check the connection between the keyboard and the system unit. Find the keyboard connection location, usually the back wall of the system unit, remove the connector from the socket, and reinstall it. Check if the keyboard works. If it doesn't work, restart your computer and check again. You can test the functionality of the keyboard or PS/2 (or USB port) by connecting the keyboard to another computer, or vice versa, by connecting another keyboard to your system.
If you notice that some keys on the keyboard have become difficult to press or do not work at all, then particles or dust may have gotten into the space between the keys or inside. Try cleaning the keyboard, turn it with the keys facing down, and tap lightly. You can even, in particularly advanced cases, use a vacuum cleaner.
If some keys don't work even after you clean them, you may need to replace them. This problem mainly occurs with frequently used keys. If any liquid accidentally gets on the keyboard, immediately disconnect it from the port. Turn it down with the keys and hold it there for a while until it dries. It’s a good idea to use a fan or hairdryer in such a situation. After it is completely dry, check its functionality by connecting it to your computer.
Some keys on the keyboard may not work if the device has been left in a cold room for an extended period of time. If so, warm her up and wait a few minutes. Then check its work by typing a few sentences in a program.
If the keyboard is not working, then updating the appropriate drivers may solve the problem. To update drivers in Windows, go to Start->Control Panel->Hardware and Sound->Keyboard->Hardware->Properties->General->Change Settings->Driver->Update Driver. Updating drivers is a good way to get rid of keyboard problems.
In order for you not to experience problems with the keyboard, typing should be smooth, especially in the case of laptops. If your wireless keyboard is having problems with functionality, then the first thing you should do is make sure that the batteries are not dead.
These are, perhaps, all the measures that you can take in case of problems with the keyboard. If none of the above helps, then you will probably have to purchase a new device.
The keyboard is the main mechanical device for entering information into a PC or laptop. While working with this manipulator, unpleasant moments may arise when the keys get stuck, the wrong characters are entered that we press, and so on. To solve such a problem, you need to know exactly where it lies: in the mechanics of the input device or in the software in which you type the text. This is exactly where online services for testing the main tool for working with text will help us.
Thanks to the existence of such online web resources, users no longer need to install software, which is not always free. The keyboard test can be performed in different ways and each of them will have its own result. You will learn more about this below.
Online input device testing
There are several popular services for checking the correct functioning of the manipulator. They all differ slightly in methodology and approach to the process, so you can choose the one that is closest to you. All web resources have a virtual keyboard, which will imitate your mechanical one, thus allowing you to identify a breakdown.
The first tester in question is English-speaking. However, no knowledge of English is required because the site provides just the right amount of features you need to test your typing device. The main thing when checking on this site is attentiveness.
Note! The service does not distinguish between duplicate buttons on your keyboard. There are 4 of them in total: Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Enter. If you want to check each of them, click them one by one and look at the result in the virtual manipulator window.
Method 2: Key-Test
The functionality of this service is similar to the previous one, but has a much nicer design. As with the previous resource, the functional essence of the Key Test is to check whether each key is pressed correctly. However, there are small advantages - this site is Russian.
The virtual keyboard on the Key-Test service looks like this:
As in the previous method, you need to press the duplicate keys one by one to check their functionality. On the screen, one of the duplicates will be displayed as one button.
Testing your keyboard is a simple but painstaking process. To fully test all keys, time and extreme care are required. If faults are found after the test, it is worth repairing the broken mechanism or buying a new input device. If the tested keys in a text editor do not work fully, but did work during the test, then you have problems with the software.
How to diagnose and repair or replace a laptop keyboard with your own hands.
If you have a laptop rather than a desktop PC, you can't just go out and buy a new keyboard. And replacing the built-in one will be a difficult (or expensive) task. So it’s wiser to first try to find the problem and repair it yourself. And as a last resort, think about replacing the device.
If you haven't bought an external keyboard yet, buy one. Of course, this is an unequal replacement for the built-in one, but with it you can log in to the system using your password. In addition, in some cases such an external device is useful, for example, in games. After all, it is much easier to replace a broken external keyboard than to repair a built-in one.
The first thing you need to do is determine the source of the problem. That is, what is the problem: hardware or software. To do this, boot into a Live Linux drive or flash device. (Live Linux allows you to boot the operating environment without installing it on your hard drive.) Moreover, which Linux distribution you choose does not matter, for example, Ubuntu. What is it for? This way you will work with your hardware bypassing the Windows OS.
Once you boot into Linux, launch any text application, that is, an application in which you can write text. It doesn't matter the browser, notepad or text editor. For example, Ubuntu comes with LibreOffice. Try typing all the keys.
Software problem
If you can enter text on Linux but not on Windows, the problem is most likely in the driver for that device. Replace it with the original one included with the laptop.
Boot into Windows and open Device Manager. From the desktop: This PC - Properties - Device Manager.
In Device Manager, find and expand (by clicking on the arrow) the “Keyboards” section. Double click on your internal keyboard.
Attention. If you have connected an external device, make sure you click on the internal one. If you are confused, turn off the external one.
In the dialog box that opens, click on the "Driver" tab and click on the "Delete" button to remove it. Naturally, after the removal process, the device will not work. Reboot your laptop. And during reboot, Windows will automatically reinstall the original . Did this solve your problem?
Hardware problem
If only a few keys stop working, dirt and dust may be the reason. Try cleaning the keypad. You will need a can of compressed air, they are commercially available. Turn off your laptop. Clean the gaps between the keys and under the keys. Use compressed air and a thin brush or straw to do this. Concentrate on the problem keys.
If repairing your keyboard doesn't work, you'll probably need to replace it. Contact a professional, or do it yourself.
Replacing a laptop keyboard
First of all, make sure you buy the appropriate keyboard. Place it on the device and see if it is the correct shape and size. Then, prepare the necessary tools: a small screwdriver, tweezers and a knife with a thin blade.
Turn off your laptop. Not only by shutting down Windows, but also by unplugging and removing the battery.
Pay attention to the panel between the keyboard and monitor. Most often, access to the keyboard is located under it. Carefully inspect and remove the screws holding this plate. Please note that some of its parts can also be secured with small screws on the back of the device.
Before removing the top plate, check whether there may be a data cable attached to the back of it connecting it to the laptop. This train is very important and usually has little to no slack, so be careful. Otherwise you will tear it or destroy the connector.
After freeing the panel from the screws, carefully remove it. If necessary, use a thin knife. The panel should come out easily with little force, do not use force. If it cannot be removed, check again to see if there are still any screws that have not been disconnected, even under the device, and unscrew them.
After removing the panel, carefully set it aside. If it is connected by cable to the laptop, ensure its integrity. Then locate and remove the screws holding the keypad in place. Usually these are two to five screws located in the upper part of it.
Before you remove the keyboard, again look at the back of it, where it may be connected to a data cable that is connected to the computer itself. This cable also usually has no slack, so be careful when working. It is extremely important to avoid tearing it and destroying the connector.
Carefully remove the keypad and disconnect the data cable, mirroring the small tab on the connector. After disconnecting the cable, set it aside.
Take the new device, align it (without inserting it), and connect the data cable to the connector on the laptop. Usually by inserting a flat cable into the connector as far as it will go, and clicking the small latch that is mirrored in the connector onto it. With the cable connected, place the keyboard in place. Do not pull or damage the cable. Insert and tighten the screws holding the device. Replace the top panel. Usually this does not require much effort. Tighten all previously removed screws securing the top panel.
After that, insert the battery and boot the laptop. If you did everything correctly, you now have a completely working keyboard.
