Number 5 key on number pad does not work until I press it a bunch of times

[SalukiMatt]

Hi.  This problem has been bugging for long enough.  I hope someone knows what setting I need to change.  When I use the number pad on my laptop, every number works fine except for the 5.  I have to tap the '5' key a bunch of times and then it starts working every time.  It's been this way since I bought the laptop.  I immediately upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 10 so I don't know if it was introduced by the software update or not.  I've turned off the mouse setting OFF for "Use numeric keypad to move mouse around the screen".

[Riddle_Decipher]

@SalukiMatt

Thank you for joining HP Forums. 

I'll be glad to help you 🙂 

As I understand one particular key on the number pad (5) isn't working unless its used multiple times,

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details: 

First thing to do, is to identify whether is this a software or a hardware issue, the best way to do that is, using an alternate/external keyboard, hence...Have you used an external keyboard to verify the issue?

While you respond to that, here's what you need to do:

• Clean the keyboard with compressed air (blow compressed air in the gaps between keys). This removes some lint and dust.  

• Shut down the laptop, remove the battery and cable for a moment, press and hold the start button for 60 seconds 

• Replace the battery, restart the notebook, 

• if the issue persists, Contact HP to set up a repair/replacement order (free of cost if covered within the HP Warranty). 

HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link:  

1) Click on this link - www.hp.com/contacthp/

2) Click on "Continue as guest".

3) Enter the serial of your device.

4) Select the country from the drop-down.

5) Click on "Show Options".

Fill the web-form. A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

They will be happy to assist you immediately. 

If the unit is under warranty repair services under the manufacturer's warranty will be free of charge.

If you would like to thank me for my efforts to help you, 

feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, 

Followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution".

Have a great day!

[SalukiMatt]

* Number 5 on the numbers above the keyboard letters work just fine.

* When using an external keyboard, both '5' keys work just fine.

* The issue only occurs with the number keypad on the right side.

* Pressing certain sides/corners of the key doesn't guarantee it will work each press.

* Pressing with different amounts of force doesn't guarantee it will work each press.

* Compressed air does not seem to make a difference.

* What seems to always work is if I hold down the key, it will start printing out lots of 5's.   This led me to try changing how long I press the key for.  If I tap the key as fast as I do for any letter/number, they key doesn't work often.  However, if I press the key for no more than a half-second each time, I get the 5 to work.  If I start tapping the 5 really quickly, it doesn't print out the first ~5 presses but then it starts printing it out what appears to be every key press.

I'm an embedded software developer.  All the bullets except for the first one made me think it was a software issue.  However, the last bullet point leads me to believe that there is a hardware issue with resistor/capacitor/etc. for this key.

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@SalukiMatt

Thank you for replying with this detailed response 😉 

I appreciate your time and efforts,

You are right, going by what you've described so far, this seems to be a hardware malfunction,

And hence, you may want to Contact HP as advised before, and get the device repaired, accordingly!

If you would like to thank us for our efforts to help you, 

 feel free to give us a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, 

Followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" button.

Have a great day!