B and N keys on keyboard do not work most of the time

[todd_raleigh]

My B and N keys on the keyboard do not work most of the time.  Sometimes I reboot and that may or may not temporarily fix the problem.  I've searched the forum and it seems to be a common problem without any resolution (that I could find).  Don't tell me it's a hardware problem becuase I don't think that's the case.  I couldn't find a keyboard driver on the HP website either.  The driver says Standard PS/2 Keyboard. Microsoft. 6/21/2006. Driver version: 10.0.17134.1

Thoughts?   Thaks.

[EddyK]

Hello @todd_raleigh,

There are certain symptoms that point to a keyboard hardware vs software issue.

The info you've provided simply points to that there may be something like a piece of dust stuck underneath the key which is obstructing the keypress.

I would advise taking a can of compressed air and blowing underneath the keyboard or taking it as far as opening the laptop and seeing what is under the key if that does not work..

Kind regards,

Eddy

[todd_raleigh]

Thanks, Eddie.

I went into device manager and uninstalled the keyboard driver and rebooted.  So far it works.  I will post the progress as time goes on.

fyi...  A few months ago I replaced the motherboard because  I was having this issue, along with "disk" errors that appeared to occur due to overheating.     I'm starting to get the same issues pop up every now and then.   We keep the vents clear and clean.   Not sure what is going on.   

[EddyK]

You should try testing the hardware in the HP UEFI Diagnostics:

1. Repeatedly press Esc upon startup
2. Select F2 (System Diagnostics)
3. Select the desired language
4. Navigate to system tests
5. Select Fast test

You can also test specific components in Component tests

Kind regards,

Eddy

[todd_raleigh]

oth the keys o the keyoad stopped workig agai.

i'll try the UEFI tests.

[EddyK]

The UEFI tests are to simply to diagnose the hardware motherboard issue you were mentioning.

If you want, you can try the Keyboard test under Component tests although I do feel that the keyboard issue is most likely due to something underneath the keys.

Kind regards,
Eddy

[todd_raleigh]

Thanks for all the help, Eddy.

I rebooted and went into the command prompt of the Recovery Manager section and the two keys (also delete key) didn't work.

Do I have to totally disassemble the notebook to get to the bottom of the keys or is there a way to remove the keys on top of the keyboard?

thanks!

[todd_raleigh]

So, I took the key covers off and they were clean.  I sprayed them will compressed air. no change.  They still don't work. This seems to be a wide spread problem with HP noteooks.  I'll go to ebay or Amazon and purchase a new backlit keyboard for about $30.  Its not worth my time troubleshootig it any longer.   Thanks again for your assistance.

[todd_raleigh]

You gotta love Amazon.   I purchased the keyboard yesterday (Saturday) and it arrived today (Sunday).  I may install it tonight or tomorrow.  Will keep everyone posted. 

[EddyK]

That's great to hear.

I'm just hoping that the keyboard is actually the right fit and that it solves your issue considering that I could've recommended an original replacement.

Steps to replacement of the keyboard on your laptop are located on pages 92-94 of your computer's Maintenance and Service Guide.

- Eddy