Lower row keys of the keyboard not working correctly

[js35]

My HP G6 2102au laptop has developed a keyboard problem where Z and cap lock seem to be shorted, the C key brings up the help screen, x key doesn't work and B and N give bv and nm.

It is NOT a hardware fault, I have applied all the measures suggested by HP and none of them work, it's a BIOS issue.

Up dating the BIOS from F.26 to F.2A fixed the problem, however after turning off the machine and restarting the next day the problem reappeared.

I have tried to reinstall BIOS F.2A but it no longer installs and I get a dead screen until I restart the machine.

The system will not allow me to reinstall the older BIOS and the update again.

This seems to have happened from time to time to other clients in the past few years, I have done a deep root kit scan with AVG just in case  but came up with nothing.

Is there still some BIOS battery that could have died? I would think that it would use FLASH memory.

I hope it's not HP trying to get me to buy a new laptop and inserting garbage to cripple the machine like Aple has now confessed doing with some older phones.

[sandytechy20]

@js35

Welcome to the HP Forums, this is a great location to get assistance! I read your post and see that lower row keys on your HP Pavilion g6-2100 Notebook is not working and you have already done some preliminary troubleshooting. I would like to help you resolve this issue.

However, I will need a few details to provide an accurate solution,

Did you try connecting a external keyboard and check if that is working?

Meanwhile:

Start with a hard reset to release any excessive static on the PC: 

• If Windows is open, click Start and then Shutdown. 

• If Windows is not open and the computer has power, press and hold the power button on the computer until the computer shuts off. 

• With the pogo through the were off, disconnect the power cord from the back of the computer. 

• With the power off and the power cord disconnected, press the power button on the computer for 5 seconds. The power light indicator on or near the power button might turn on briefly but then go out. 

• Reconnect the power cord and turn on the power. 

Attempt to reset or recover the existing BIOS (if the recent update was interrupted): Click here 

(restoring BIOS on notebook: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02693833)  

Reply with the result of the above-mentioned steps, for further assistance.

Cheers.

[js35]

What the heck happened to my extensive reply??? aarrgghh start again!

I don't have a keyboard to try but as I mentioned the keyboard worked perfectly for a while after I managed to flash the new BIOS.

The rest of the points mentioned have been tried several times before in the past 6 days, I don't understand what "With the pogo through the were off," means. The problem occurs before Windows starts and while in BIOS mode. ie pressing Z turns the Cap lock on and off etc.

Trying to make a BIOS image on a USB stick is not possible as the BIOS utility (InsydeFlash 4.30) doesn't give the option to do so. When I click on the file name and the utility appears and I press start it checks the old BIOS (F.2A) and the new BIOS (also F.2A), reads a file and then restarts the laptop, apart from the brief message "Press esc" nothing else happens but a blank screen. I have left it on for more than 10 minute hoping it would restart but nothing, I have to press the power button to turn off and then turn on again.

[sandytechy20]

@js35

Thanks for the reply.

I appreciate your time and effort.

It seems to be a hardware issue issue.

I would personally suggest you contact our HP phone support for further assistance. If your product is Out of warranty then remember to choose the paid options to get the tech support number.

They might have multiple options to help you on this.

Please use the following link to create yourself a case number, then call and it may help speed up the call process:

Step 1. Open link: www.hp.com/contacthp/

Step 2. Enter Product number or select to auto detect

Step 3. Scroll down to "Still need help? Complete the form to select your contact options"

Step 4. Scroll down and click: HP contact options - click on Get phone number and phone number appear.

They will be happy to assist you immediately.

Keep me posted for any other assistance,

Cheers