Dell laptop keyboard doesn't work

Question

I'm trying to fix my in-laws laptop, it's a Dell Studio 1745 that's running Windows 7 64 bit.

The problem is that most of the keys on the keyboard do not work. The function keys work and the caps lock and numpad keys work, but no other keys do.

If I hit the F2 key enough times when starting up, I can get to the BIOS, but after that even the function keys stop working.

If I let it go all the way to the Windows login screen, I can see that the caps lock and num lock work - little images on screen actually appear, but they don't toggle the state of the key, i.e.,capslock is always off, numlock is always off.

Using the fn+function combo works, so changing the brightness, etc. works fine. I'm stumped. I've tried disconnecting power and battery and leaving it for an hour or so before starting up but that hasn't helped either.

Also - this might be a red herring - the touchpad is failing as well, the MS Device Manager says that it's failing with status 10, "unable to start device"

Solution

This is most likely due to moisture damage. You could replace the keyboard, but if the touch pad is also not working, it may be a very pricey repair.

If the laptop is no longer under warranty and you're feeling up to it, you can try replacing the keyboard yourself. Dell replacement parts are fairly easy to find (and relatively cheap), especially in the United States.

Comments

[Paul Lammertsma]

Actually, it might seem that one of the keys is stuck, and that keyboard processing is subsequently disabled. Try removing all the keys from the keyboard and cleaning the contacts with rubbing alcohol. I had this some time ago with my girlfriend's keyboard: the s key was stuck; you'd notice this in the Windows login screen. After some time, the keyboard would stop working altogether. Since it's not producing any characters, it might be a function key instead.

[HaydnWVN]

Cheaper solution is a USB/PS2 mouse & keyboard :)