Keyboard issue on laptop

I did a search of this part of the board with the word "keyboard" but received no matches - so I apologize if this has been discussed earlier.

Laptop specs
MS XP SP2
HP Pavilion ze4501us
Celeron CPU 2.40 GHz
2.39 GHz 192 MB of RAM

When typing either a document (Word) or email, etc. I often have to hit buttons on the keyboard 2 or 3 times before the document shows the letter on the document.

The computer has always done this - and it is really nerve wracking. I have looked without success for maybe a sensitivity setting that needs to be adjusted.

The laptop was purchased new - and I hardly use it - which part of the reason is because of this.

The second is another issue which I will make the topic of another post.

Suggestions how to correct this issue?

Thanks

 

Only one or two "maybe" suggestions.

Boot to a floppy disk or bootable CD to see if the problem is in Windows or with the machine.

In Windows check the Keyboard settings in Control Panel. Check that it is set to a standard (US) keyboard. Read about Accessibility in Help and Support for if some of those functions may be running.

There will probably be settings for the keyboard in the BIOS settings, like setting the typematic(?) rate. It may also have settings for the onboard keyboard or a plugin (BTW, have you tried plugging in an external keyboard? Does it do the same?)

Check if there may be FAQs at the manufacturer's website regarding the keyboard. Check the BIOS upgrade information, there may be something that deals with that problem. It may be a glitch in the BIOS, a BIOS upgrade may fix the problem.

If it seems totally isolated to the onboard keyboard, it may be just a loose connection from during shipping.

Matt

 

Also, send an email to the HP support, if their reply is that it is out of warranty and they cannot help you, obviously consider another brand next time.

Ring or contact a local HP service center. The ones I have dealt with here have been extremely helpful.

Matt

 

Mattman,
Thanks for the reply. I checked the keyboard and accessibility settings again. No problems. Bios - really not sure so I figured better not mess with it.
Sooooo...
Here is what happened.

Did the online chat support.
Of no assistance with the exception of saying it was a hardware failure, I am out of warranty, anything else I can do for you?

Next day emailed HP support with a brief note of not appreciating the lack of follow thru, copy of the chat transcript, and explanation of what I can do.

Received later same day a reply of apology for the chat lack of customer service, explanation of hardware, part number and instructions how to change out the keyboard.

Today I followed the instructions and somehow the ribbon had become damaged (no the laptop was never dropped or abused). So I removed it and ordered the new keyboard and ribbon which should be here in around 3 days.

Once I install the new keyboard I will post an update.

 

Thanks for all the detail. Seems like you have discovered the source of the problem and it's great that you could do it yourself.

As a cost cutting method, many companies will downgrade the Support service first. HP do not seem to be one of these (yet). I have always known them to reply to emails, many other companies don't. They have a good support website and knowledgebase for doing your own troubleshooting. I think they understand that people want a reasonable lifespan from their products and that will bring loyalty to their brands in the future. Support should not finish the day the product runs out of warranty (especially in your case where the product seems to have been faulty to begin with).

It will be good to start using your "new" (fully functioning) laptop .

Matt

 

The promised update....

New keyboard received and I installed it.

That was the problem - it works better than it ever has.

Thanks for the help

 

Well done! Better make up for lost time.

Matt