keyboard can't move left right using arrow buttons

[monkeyCK]

Hi, I have a similar issue with my netbook: on my keyboard, the Delete key, the Left Arrow key, and the Right Arrow key, all no longer function. The rest of the keys are fine.

I have an HP Mini110-3135DX, product number: XH024UA#ABA , running Windows 7 Starter.

It happened sometime around Christmas. I was surfing the web when I thought my browser got hijacked; an FBI/Interpol web page appeared claiming I was being recorded by that agency and faced charges. I immediately suspected foul play (virus/malware/etc) disregarded that site's message and attempted to close that window, but closing it only made that page reload and a new tab would open with that same FBI/Interpol site. I opened task manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) and ended the process for my browser because there was no other way to close that suspicious window. I had also restarted my netbook. I began to notice those three keys, listed at top of my message, stopped working.

I used google to research possible causes. I found many sites discussing that FBI/Interpol virus and that it may lock your keyboard, block access to Safe Mode, and other issues. But nothing specific to that virus affecting ONLY those three keys and I had no other issues with my computer after I used Task Manager to end the browser process.

Following the general consensus of advice from several blogs discussing FBI virus removal, I used "cleaning programs" (AVG antivirus, Malwarebytes, Spybot) to do full thorough system scans and registry cleaning, and eventually restored my computer to a restore point that was made in the beginning of Dec.

Those keys still did not work. I followed your suggestion using the HP Support's "Notebook Keyboard Troubleshooting (Windows 7)" web page as a guide to restore defaults in BIOS, and Uninstalled the Keyboard driver through Device Manager.

So far nothing has remedied the lack of function of those 3 keys.

I will pickup a can of compressed air and see if there is possible dust/dirt issue.

Do you have any advice?

Thanks.

[Mrstenter]

Hi @monkeyCK ,

Thank you for visiting the HP Support Forums and Welcome. I am sorry that you are experiencing any issues with browser or viruses. Here is a document for you to help with the Virus.

I have located a Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. You can download it here.

I would remove yourself from the Internet then scan the complete computer and it should remove any virus for you. You can just unplug the router.

Have you tried to clear temporary files?

If you are using Internet Explorer  then go to Tools, Internet Options, Delete Browsing History. check all boxes except the Passwords, click the delete button.

Have you tried another browser?

Have you tried to turn on the computer you start to press F11 repeatedly till the menu opens. You can do a system restore. System restore will help if something automatically updated and did not go well on the Notebook or when it was not working correctly.

Hope this all helps.

Thanks.

[monkeyCK]

Hi,

Thank you for your quick response.

I followed your advice and (per the document on viruses) ran Windows Defender and the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. Both came up with nothing.

Now, I suspect my computer is NOT infected with that FBI/Interpol virus. Why? First: I never engaged that suspicous website other than to try to close that Tab/Window. Second: I have ran numerous virus and malware scans and other "cleaning" tools to thoroughly investigate and cleanup my computer including the registry and temporary folders, etc. and the only alert I ever saw was just standard tracking cookies. Third: my computer doesn't have any issues other than those 3 keys on the keyboard not responding (Delete, Left Arrow, Right Arrow).

So, to remphasize, I do not believe the issue has to do with virus infection.

In regards to browser issues, those 3 keys don't work at any time (BIOS, Windows Login start page, Windows Explorer, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc.).

Also, I took the liberty to detach the keyboard and remove those problems keys, clean the keys and blow out dust/debris from inside the laptop/beneath the keys and keyboard with a can of compressed air. Result: a feeling of a cleaner computer but those 3 keys still do now work.

1. Do you have any other suggestions on making those keys work? Or does it look like the keyboard needs replacement?

This netbook is somewhat aged; purchased during a Black Friday sale in '10. So I can understand hardware starting to break down at this point.

In fact several months ago, I noticed I could not use the netbook running only on battery for very long, regardless of how much charge the battery said it had. After several minutes of usage the netbook would just shut off; not log off or power down, but just turn off. I would have to plug the charger into an electrical socket and then turn on the computer. With the charger connected, I could use the netbook 24/7.

2. Do you have any suggestions on this battery issue?

Lastly, I noticed there is a small button cell lithium battery (a CR#### type battery) in the bottom of the netbook.

3. What does this battery power, and does it ever need replacement?

Thanks again!

[monkeyCK]

 I forgot to mention: I had also completed a System Restore to a date earlier than the date which both contact with that FBI/Interpol website pop up and my keys not working. I had done this restore prior to my first message to you.

[Mrstenter]

Hey @monkeyCK ,

This document explains how to reset the computer to its original factory state and is divided into sections based on the different ways of performing a system recovery.  Don't forget to read the document in full before starting.

Please note remove any and all USB devices. Disconnect all non-essential devices, as these could cause some issues.

Thanks.