Some keyboard keys not working

[Paula819]

Some keys have stopped working on my keyboard after some strange bing.com ad started coming up from Internet Explorer and when I stopped the ad so did my keyboard keys...  I have reset my laptop to factory settings with no change to keyboard. Tried opening up the device manager and it does work with esc key but I can't choose the BIOS option because most of the F1-F12 keys don't work even after installing the keyboard drivers. Did anyone have an issue like this?

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@Paula819 

Wish I had good news for you, but I don't.

Unlike external keyboards, the ones on laptops are not made to be rugged, but instead, to be light. Thus, if you get five years out of a laptop keyboard, you're doing very well.

Individual keys are generally not replaceable, but if the keys are not broken, then the issue is more likely with the membrane underneath the keyboard and that has to be replaced as a unit.

Here's some troubleshooting steps you can try: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03738933

If you are experienced at laptop repairs, you can often replace a keyboard for $25 for a new one and a half-hours work. I have done this on older HP laptops.

But, if you're NOT, there is a serious risk of breaking fragile connectors and cables doing this -- so I do not recommend it.

Instead, I would recommend you hunting down a local laptop repair place to have THEM replace the keyboard. Should only be an hour's work or less.