How to Troubleshoot Keys on a Notebook
The Windows Registry contains data that configures how the keys respond on a notebook computer. If the keyboard is outputting incorrect characters when typing, troubleshoot the keys by checking the Windows Registry. Certain settings in the database could be affecting the key response. Language settings and viruses can also affect keyboard output. If the keys are outputting the correct characters but it's difficult to press the keys on the notebook, dirt or dried-on liquid could be stuck underneath the key caps.
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Instructions
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Incorrect Characters
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Log in to Windows as an administrator. Click "Start." Input "regedit" into the search bar. Press "Enter" to launch Registry Editor.
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Click the arrow icon next to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE," "System," "CurrentControlSet," "Control" and "Keyboard Layouts" to expand each folder.
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Go to "00000409." Double-click "Layout File" from the left pane, then confirm that KBDUS.DLL is in the Value Data field. Click "OK."
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Return to "Control," then click "Keyboard Layout." Keyboard Layout and Keyboard Layouts are two different folders, so make sure not to confuse them. If a Scancode Map value is in the left pane, right-click the item, then select "Delete." Click "Yes."
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Minimize all folders and return to "Computer." Expand "HKEY_Users," ".Default," then "Keyboard Layout." Click "Preload." Double-click "1" and confirm "00000409" is in the Value Data field. Click "OK."
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Exit from Registry Editor, then restart the notebook if any changes were made. If incorrect characters are still appearing when using the keyboard, troubleshoot the keyboard language. Click "Start." Input "language" into the search box.
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Click "Change Keyboards or Other Input Methods." Click "Change Keyboards." If there are any other keyboards in the list other than your default keyboard, select each keyboard, then click "Remove." Click "Default Input Language," then click "English (United States)." Click "OK" to close each window.
Problems Pressing Keys
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Turn off the notebook. Disconnect the AC adapter. Pull up on the top-left edge of a problem key until a "pop" is heard, then pull up on the top-right edge of a key until it comes off the keyboard.
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Check underneath the key for dirt or residue. If the space underneath the key is dirty or sticky, use a cotton swab dabbed in rubbing alcohol to clean the area. The cotton swab should be only slightly damp.
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Wipe off the surface of the key cap with a damp cloth. Push the key cap back down onto its slot. Repeat the step for each problematic key on the notebook. Dry off the keyboard and the keys before turning the computer back on.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the resources if your native language isn't English to select the correct DLL file for your keyboard layout.
It's recommended you create a restore point before editing the registry. Type "System Restore" into the search box on the Start menu, then click "Create a Restore Point" and follow the on-screen directions.
If you're unable to input the correct characters to fix the registry, click "Start," then go to "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools." Click "Character Map." Double-click each character in the program to add it to the copy field. Highlight the characters, then drag and drop the selection into the appropriate field in the registry.
If the laptop still continues to output strange keys after troubleshooting the keyboard, run an anti-virus scan. If the scan comes back clean or doesn't resolve the issue, the motherboard or the keyboard contact sheets could be damaged.
References
Resources
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