Certain keys on laptop keyboard stopped working

[sreigle]

Erico, I did not run that diagnostic. I tried after the problem kept occurring for awhile. I don't remember now exactly what I saw. Don't remember if it said it could not run the test or if there was no keyboard listed. All I can tell you is the keyboard reset method worked for me. And for at least some other people, too, based on their online comments on other non-HP forums.

[erico]

If you are happy with your laptop, so am I.

[sreigle]

Thank you. I am happy with it and hope what I posted helps someone else who finds none of the other "solutions" work for them.

[sreigle]

Update. The method I outlined above worked perfectly for about 3 weeks then the problem was back. The above method sometimes seems to work, now, for a couple of hours and then the problem comes back. I am at my wit's end. I do have a usb keyboard and it does not have the problem even when the native keyboard does. I understand replacing the keyboard in this model is very, very, very, very difficult. I have replaced a keyboard in a different brand laptop but this one apparently is not something I should attempt. I prefer not to use the usb keyboard. That reduces the advantage of having a laptop in the first place.

The laptop is an HP 15 EG1073CL purchased at Costco on 11/2/2021.

[Kush01]

You can check once on the online keyboard tester to see if your keyboard works properly or not. 

[sreigle]

Thanks. Have saved the link to give that a try next time the keys act up. The problem is sporadic. Usually when the keys fail to work if I push them repeatedly then eventually they all start working again. At the moment they are working. FYI, I do have a usb external keyboard. When I initially had trouble I connected that external keyboard and it worked fine while the native onboard keyboard failed but only on those certain keys. And it is the same set of keys every time. Will save this link to report back when I am able to use the online test. Thanks.

[erico]

Replacing the keyboard is not difficult if one has the requisite skillset and patience.

Otherwise , having the keyboard replacement done at a shop or by someone who knows how to do it, would seem to be your only reasonable options.

You can source another laptop and that is dependent on your budget.

You can upgrade to a laptop that has better specifications that the one you are using and stay within a reasonable amount by considering a certified refurbished laptop.

One reliable supplier that I have used with great results on numerous occasions is NewEgg,com.

Take a look at the ZBook or Spectre model series.  They are affordable when they are the two or three year mark.

[sreigle]

Thank you for the exhaustive list of options. I have to give this some thought. I have replaced a laptop keyboard in the past but understand on this particular model it is much more involved, due to how the keyboard is attached to the frame. Having the needed tools is more likely the problem with my changing out the keyboard.

Meanwhile, the problem comes and goes. It has been fine for several days, then yesterday acted up again. Pressing one of the offending keys repeatedly eventually seems to cause it to work again. It will work for a few seconds, then quit again. After a few times it will be fine for a few days or sometimes a few weeks. 

I use the Del, Home, End keys now and then but the left and right arrow keys are the ones that I use most often, of those with this problem. I use those keys to back up and move forward when watching videos, such as football games. I can use the mouse, too, but it's not as quick and simple as the arrow keys.

Thanks for the suggestions. Will give them some thought.

[sreigle]

Did this test last evening when the problem occurred. The usual offending keys were not working on the test. After making sure the test was working, by pressing keys known to work, I started pressing one of the offending keys repeatedly for several seconds until it started working. Once it worked I continued pressing the key. It worked sporadically. I kept pressing until it worked every time. The keys are still working but will stop working again sometime between the next few minutes and a few weeks. So far, repeatedly pressing the key gets them working again. Once one works, all work. When one quite, all 5 (?) keys quit.

[erico]

Ok.

You have options to consider,

Now you know the issue is hardware.