Keyboard is malfunctioning

[Bilal211]

i tried switching fully to cachyos but then mid install cachyos installation failed due to network issues so i restarted the installation with better network but then noticed keys u, i, o, p, j, 1, 2, 3 etc stopped working even in bios not all keys on keyboard stopped please help. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Bilal211,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're stoked to have you on board! 

To help us get started on resolving your issue, could you please share the model name of your device?

Meanwhile, you can try the steps.

1. Check for Physical Damage

Power off the laptop.

Inspect the keyboard for visible damage, debris, or liquid spills.

Gently clean the keyboard with compressed air or a soft brush.

2. Test an External Keyboard

Connect a USB or Bluetooth keyboard.

If the external keyboard works fine, the issue is likely hardware-related on the laptop keyboard.

3. Reset BIOS / CMOS

Power off and disconnect the laptop from power.

If possible, remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes to reset BIOS settings.

Reinsert and power on, then check if the keys respond.

4. Check Keyboard Layout & Drivers (After Boot)

If you can boot with an external keyboard:

Check keyboard layout settings in your OS.

Reinstall or update keyboard drivers once OS is operational.

5. Consider OS Interference

Since the issue appeared mid-installation of CachyOS, a corrupted installation or driver conflict may have affected keyboard functionality.

Boot from a live USB of another OS (like Ubuntu or Windows) to see if the keys work.

If they do, it’s likely software-related; if not, hardware damage is likely.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Bilal211]

Alright will try such it's a hp elitebook 840 g3 and which is the cmos battery the main battery or it's different is it that clock like battery i see when i open the laptop near the hdd slot