tx2-1025dx Keyboard Problems

[K3-Cubed]

Hello,

I bought a tx2-1025dx touchsmart laptop around the 5th June 2009. I have used it about 3 times since I have bought it. The last time was in work to do some AutoCAD drawing. While using it, I noticed that some of the numbers (in the row just below the F1 to F12 keys) stopped working. As a matter of fact, only the number "5" and "6" keys work. I can only get the missing numbers by using the "Num-Lock" function on the keyboard. I notice that many users (over in the business forum) have problems with their keyboard being totally non-functional in some instances; with no reports of any being partially-functional. Nevertheless, I tried some of the following recommended solitions:

1) I tired re-booting.

2) I tried updating the BIOS to F.14

3) I tried uninstalling all the Keyboard and Mouse software from device manager and  re-installing them using the HP Recovery Manager.

3) I tried updating the HP-QuickButtons(?) software.

4) I tried unplugging the laptop and removing the battery, then sliding and holding the power button to the on position for three minutes (in one instance for a couple of hours with the help of a perfectly sized hex-bit), then re-plugging in the battery and AC-Power and re-booting.

5) I tried a system restore to factory settings.

6) I tried resetting BIOS to factory default settings, saving and rebooting (where I also found out the keys don't work, so it has to be something at the BIOS level, maybe hardware related).

None of these options have worked. The keys still do not function..... the funny thing is that I got them to start working ONLY ONCE at the logon screen and then into windows. After a re-boot however.... that was it...

Does anyone have any ideas (other than replacement under warranty.... which is where I think i will end up going). I just want to make sure I have really tried everything. 

[Bookworm]

Let me please clarify the troubleshooting you have already done, which seems comprehensive to me.
You have already updated your BIOS which resolves the whole keyboard not working issue you mention in your post.
Am I correct in reading that while you were in the F10 BIOS the keys still did not function?
Is it just the 2nd row of keys down that do not work?
You said that you were able to get missing numbers by activating “Num Lock” did that make the “7’, “8” and “9” on that 2nd row function?
Thank you.

[K3-Cubed]

Yeah it's no bigee, thanks for the reply though.

The keys that I have noticed not working on my keyboard are:

a) Numbers 1 through 4; in the row below the F11 keys (aka the 2nd row).

b) Numbers 7 through 0; in the row below the F11 keys (aka the 2nd row).

c) The "Left Alt" button.

d) The "Right Arrow" button.

e) The "Down Arrow" button.

These are the keys that I have confirmed are definitely not working, so from the statements above it is implied that only the number 5 and 6 keys are working in the row just below the Function Keys.

The only way I can use other numbers is by pressing the "Fn" key and the Function Key (or is it the page up etc keys... can't remember) corresponding to "Num-Lock". This will enable me to use the numeric keypad function which maps numbers for the letters "J", "K", "L" etc. However, the "Num-Lock" function does not bring any functionality to the non-working keys in the row below the Function keys, nor the arrow keys, nor the Left Alt key.

With the keys not working, I tried updating the BIOS from F.12 to F.14 using the WinVistax64 Insyder Flash program which successfully flashed the BIOS to F.14. This however did not get any of the non-functional keys to work.

When I went into the bios to try and load the setup defaults, I realised that I could not navigate using the left or down arrow keys, so I had to rely on using the Function keys to load the setup defaults and exit. From this, I assumed that the other related non-functional keys were also not being detected at BIOS level.

Following a troubleshooting Tip from HP tech support to test the keys, I booted into System Recovery mode (using F11), then pressed "Alt+D" (using the "Right Alt" since the Left didn't work) to access the command prompt. I tried using the non-functional keys here, but they still didn't work. I couldn't really say whether this was a true "BIOS Level" failure since a screen stating "Windows is Loading Drivers" shows up before the System Recovery section started.

I just know they ain't working. But if you have any suggestions or think you know what the problem is, feel free to let me know...

P.S. i not shouting or being angry in this e-mail eh, I just highlighting the key elements because I tend to put a lot of information and it tends to be easy to get lost in the sea of words/info.

[K3-Cubed]

I also wanted to ask one more thing.... I notice that The HDD area feels a bit hot (at least to me)... I am not sure if the laptop should be that warm.. I don't know if it is because of the size (320GB) and because it's so small. I know in my previous HP nx7400 laptop it didn't feel so hot, granted the HDD in that one is smaller at about 60GB I think....

[Bookworm · Accepted solution]

 

Thank you for the information, it was what I needed to help me make a decision.

I agree the best course of action for you at this point is to contact support and have your Notebook serviced.
The fact that those keys don't work anywhere including the BIOS is conclusive enough for me.
No point putting off the inventible, good luck.

[Bookworm]

I'm not sure if it's related to the hard-drive, I know when I pick up the tablets they seem warm, of course I pick them up more then regular notebooks.

I actually use chillpads with all my Notebooks including the tablets, and got them for my family too.

I still have to put them on a hard surface or the intake vents on the chillpads get covered up.

I will include a link to a document that I hope helps.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01657439&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_US...

[K3-Cubed]

Ok, thanks for the confirmation. I had actually polished it up, repackaged everything I got and had it sent back to the retailer yesterday to go on to servicing by HP. I really liked that laptop. WXGA means everything in a laptop to me. It clearly makes the screen comfortable and workable, even for the 12.1" and even in using AutoCAD. Specs were great too and it was so nice and neat to. Can't wait for the upgrade to Windows 7.

Nice little laptop, although I've noticed that most laptops don't give a nice color reproduction of certain things like webpages and pics. I wonder if it's related to color profiles. Anyway, doesn't matter... I really hope I don't get anymore problems with it when it comes back. I'm a bit scared because I seen users in different forums talk about some crazy problems. I'm crossing myfingers on this one.

Thanks for the reply.

[K3-Cubed]

I was just wondering. I know that heat can cause some strange problems too, especially when you don't know the source of it. I know about the dusty vents (that picture looks horrible... as a computer tech it crawls my blood.. lol), but I know that my laptopn wouldn't have that, I bouth it on 5th June 2009 brand new, and it started giving me problems on the 9th, so i was sure it wasn't dust. I thought it might have been related to somethign else. But, thanks again...

[fleecy]

Keyboard problems seem ubiquitous.  I purchased a Pavilion laptop  June, 2009 and last month the 1-4, tab and eventually the Alt keys didn't work. I spent 1-2 hours on the phone with HP tech support. sent it to HP, was told the motherboard and keyboard need to be replaced.  cost = to the price of the computer. the net is: my laptop has been shipped 2 x's, is still broken, HP won't honor the warranty. any suggestions?

[argo310]

sometime you need to deactivate the touch mode with the shift key.