My HP Pavilion Laptop Keys Won't Work

Keyboard issues

Laptop owners will find it irritating when they try to type a letter and find that random keys, or the entire keyboard, fails to operate. When this type of failure occurs, investigate why. This could be a simple issue like sticky keys or something small caught inside the keyboard.

Things You'll Need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Replacement keyboard

Instructions

1. Assess where the problem may lie by testing the entire keyboard. On some Pavilion model laptops (N5241), the "E" key fails first, followed by "D," "J," "L" and "I," although there is no specific pattern. Often keys fail due to overuse. Replacing a desktop keyboard is simple, but it is not so easy with a laptop. Before you decide to open the laptop and take it apart, be positive that all other avenues have been exhausted.

2. Update the driver for the keyboard. Click "Start," then "Control Panel," and "System." Locate the "Device Manager," which in XP is in the hardware tab. Open the "Device Manager" and click the + sign next to the keyboard in the list. You will see the type of keyboard installed in your HP laptop. Right-click the type of keyboard and click "Properties." The second tab from the left is titled "Driver." Click that tab and you will note four options available to you. At this point, you should click "Roll Back Driver," which will reinstall an earlier driver that may have worked better. Sometimes updates can affect the performance of drivers if there is a conflict.

3. Restart the laptop and test the keyboard. If a problem still exists, click the "Update Driver" tab. This will install either the latest version of the driver or the previous version you had installed (whichever is newer). If this makes no difference, open the laptop and examine the keyboard for cable failure or problematic keys.

4. Turn off the laptop and remove the power cord and battery. Close the laptop and look on the back edge for two hinge screws. Remove them with the Phillips screwdriver. Open the laptop by pushing the screen all the way backward. Take off the keyboard cover with the flathead screwdriver. It will pry off from underneath the "F1" key, with four other clips evenly placed the length of it. Release the cover and expose the LED plate. There are four holding screws attaching the keyboard to the base. Loosen those and lift the keyboard at a slight angle away from you until it slides from the bottom of the frame. Turn the keyboard toward you and remove the flat tape cable from the motherboard.

5. Clean the keyboard and remove any loose debris caught under the key pads. You can opt to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush nozzle or a dry brush. Slide the keyboard back into the bottom slot and reattach the copper flat cable to the motherboard. Lay the keyboard down to line up the screw holes. Screw the screws back in place and reattach the keyboard cover. If you still have problems using the keyboard, purchase and fit a new one.

Tips & Warnings

• If you own a Pavilion, check the manual for your computer or go to the HP website for information on your exact model.

References

• HP: HP Notebook PC Reference Guide