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- Keyboard works but starts programs instead of typing letters

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09-04-2017 06:17 PM
I have a 15" spectre x-360 with a keyboard issue. While typing the keys on the keyboard will cease to type letters. Instead the keys on the keyboard will open up programs on my task bar at the bottom of the screen. (i.e. chrome, kindle, email, windows explorer, and the app store) After some playing around, I have found out the by pressing the windows key on the keyboard will temporarily fix this issue. It will usually happen around twice a week. It happens with both the keyboard on the touch screen and the physical mechanical keyboard. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance
09-07-2017 09:28 AM
Hi! @Mustangguy, Welcome to HP forums.
I understand you have keyboard issues with your laptop.
Don't worry I'll try to help you out.
Did you make any software or hardware changes on your laptop?
Have you tried checking with an external keyboard?
As you mentioned when you are typing the letters instead of typing the letters it brings up taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Check if you are pressing the touchpad while typing and it is bringing up the taskbar.
Try few steps recommended below.
In Device Manager, uninstall and reinstall the keyboard software:
In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
Click View and select Show Hidden Devices.
Click the arrow next to Keyboards, right-click the keyboard device name, then select Uninstall to remove the device from Windows.
Continue removing device names in the Keyboards category until all device names have been uninstalled.
Restart the notebook. Right-click Start (), select Shut down or sign out, then select Restart.
Wait for the computer to restart and open Windows.
Refer this article to further troubleshoot keyboard issues with your laptop.
Also, update the BIOS and other drivers on your PC using HP support assistant and check if it helps.
Refer this article to know more information about using HP support assistant.
If the issue still persists after trying out the steps. It is a hardware issue with the keyboard, please contact HP support for service options.
Link to contact HP.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Have a great weekend ahead! 🙂
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A4Apollo
I am an HP Employee