HP Model 3168NGW keyboard acting erratically (troubleshooting help)

[chizuo]

An HP Model 3168NGW laptop running Windows 10 Pro has a peculiar problem that I am not able to solve so easily:

• The keyboard output is erratic at best.  When pressing the numbers at the top of the keyboard, I instead get the alternative.  Ex:  ! instead of 1.  Pressing shift does not fix this.  
• The keys are in all caps.  When caps lock is activated, then the keys are in lower case.  No change with the numbers
• The numpad works on and off.  This is the only way to output numbers
• The on screen keyboard does the same thing.  
• A USB wired keyboard does the same thing

What I have tried: 

• Trying to navigate keyboard settings and sticky keys.  Nothing seems to provide a fix.  
• Installing a different drive with Windows 10 already on it.  Same problem.  
• Dusting out the innards (it was quite dusty).  
• Reseating the keyboard cable.  Cleaning the keyboard cable connection with a q-tip and isopropyl alcohol 

Any insight on solutions?  At this point it seems to be a hardware malfunction.  Thanks!

[Rainbow23]

Hi @chizuo,

Welcome to HP Support Community. 
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I see that you are facing issues with your HP keyboard.

Please follow the steps listed below to test the keyboard.
1. In Windows, search for an open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows, and then select Run as administrator.
NOTE: If the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows app is not available on your computer, download the latest version from this link

2. The app opens to the main menu. Click Component Tests.
3. The Component Tests menu displays. Your Component Tests menu might be different, depending on the components installed on your computer.
4. To run the test, click Input Devices, click Keyboard, and then click Run once. The Keyboard Test time is 3 minutes.
You may also check this document

I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[chizuo]

Hi, thanks for the reply.  The problem is just a faulty keyboard.  I was able to get a usb keyboard working well enough to reinstall Windows and now the problem is concluded to be a keyboard malfunction.  I have unplugged the ribbon cable from the motherboard and will replace as needed.  

As for the odd behaviour experienced prior with the usb keyboard plugged in, I can only say that I got it working through perseverance and patience.    I got lucky after and the keyboard worked well enough to be able to navigate through the Windows Install and wipe the HDD in dispark in command prompt.