Keyboard nonresponsive

[GreatDayDan]

The keyboard on my 2-3 yr old laptop has, frequently, stopped working under Windows.Usually, have to boot to the BIOS. I have found that pressing F2 will call the diagnostics. Then I just Exit & let it boot up. Then the KB works.

The KB non-responsiveness can happen while using the 'puter or after waking up.

I have searched for this issue without luck. Yesterday I re-installed Win 10 using a newly created 1803 build installer. This morning the KB was not working. Had to enter and exit the BIOS menu.

Is there a solution for this?

[A4Apollo · Accepted solution]

Hi! @GreatDayDan, 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?

Please provide the product number of your PC to assist you better.

Check if any key on the keyboard has got stuck or pressed.

Try updating the BIOS on your PC and check if it helps.

Update the BIOS using this link. Click Here

Try the steps recommended below.

Try restoring the BIOS to default.

1. Turn off the computer and wait five seconds.
2. Press the Power button to start the computer and repeatedly press the F10 key to enter the BIOS setup menu.
3. On the BIOS Setup screen, press F9 to select and load the BIOS Setup Default settings.
4. Press F10 to Save and Exit.
5. Use the arrow keys to select Yes, then press Enter when asked Exit Saving Changes?
6. Follow the prompts to restart your computer.

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.

1.) Turn off the computer.
2.) Disconnect all connected devices and cables such as Personal Media Drives, USB drives, printers, and faxes. Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware. Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or power cord.
3.) Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second, until Recovery Manager opens.
4.) Under I'd like to identify any problems, click on Run Computer Checkup.
5.) Now select the radial button next to Open a Command Prompt and then click on next.
6.) In the Command Prompt Windows please type and check the functionality of all the keys if not then it's for sure hardware issue. So contact HP Technical Support and get the keyboard replaced/repaired.
7.) If it works fine in Command Prompt then, try creating a different User Account with Administrator privilege and check the functionality of the keyboard.
8.) If nothing works out then please try system recovery(install Win7 OS) to set the NB back to its Factory Original settings.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot keyboard issues with your laptop. Click Here

Also, try running a system diagnostics test on your PC and check if the hardware components on your PC to assist you better.

Refer this article to know more information about using system diagnostics. Click Here 

Hope to hear from you soon!

Have a great weekend ahead! 🙂

Please click “Accept as 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!

[GreatDayDan]

After trying many of the steps you suggested, flashing the BIOS with the upgrade seems to have worked. I hope it is a permanent fix.

[A4Apollo]

@GreatDayDan, Thanks for your prompt response and time.

I appriciate your efforts for writing back to us.

As you mentioned after updating the BIOS your issue got resolved.

I am happy to hear that your issue got resolved.

If you have any queries in future related to any HP products, you can always reach out to us.

We will try our best to help you out.

Take care,
Have a great day! 🙂

[GreatDayDan]

It's done it again, so the "Solution" is not the solution.

I have discovered that if the screen is opened more than 190 deg (going to tablet mode) the Rotation Lock button is greyed out (disabled) and the keyboard works. When I bring the screen down towards the keyboard, the keys quit responding. The Rotation Lock button is enabled, Turning Rotation Lock on or off makes no difference.

So, when the Rotation Lock button is disabled, the keys work. When it is enabled, the keys do not work.

How do I fix this?

[A4Apollo]

Hey there! @GreatDayDan, thanks for your prompt response and time.

I appreciate your efforts for writing back to us again.

As you mentioned the issue still persists after trying out the steps.

Please try the steps recommended below and check if it helps.

Press the Windows key + R - On the Run command type in regedit and then click on OK.

Now goto path -> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AutoRotation

Check the value of Enable file if it is 0 rotation will be OFF, if 1 rotation will be ON.

Restart and Auto rotation will work. 

Note: The lock rotation button in display settings will still be disabled

If the issue still persists try performing a system reset on your PC.

Refer this article to know more information about performing a system reset. Click Here

Let me know if this helps!

Take Care! 🙂

Please click “Accept as 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!

[GreatDayDan]

Nope. Changed the A/R value to 0. Rebooted. No change.

Keys work only if the Rotate button is disabled (greyed out).

I have already tried all the other things you suggested. Even a COMPLETE restore to OOTB. 

Updating the BIOS seemed to work but after 2-3 weeks keys are AWOL again.

Is there anything else I can try or is the laptop now a waste of money.

[A4Apollo]

@GreatDayDan, Thanks for your response again.

I appreciate your efforts for writing back to us.

As you mentioned the issue still persists after trying out the steps.

It certainly looks like a hardware issue with your PC.

I will share you few details through a private message about the service options for your laptop.

Please watch your inbox for more information.

Have a blessed day ahead!

Take Care! 🙂