Resolved several keys on keyboard not working

Just recently acquired an older Compaq Presario 1275 Notebook computer. But have found that several of the keys on the keypad don't work (6,7,y,u,i,j)

I have tried "cleaning" under them (popped them off) but didn't notice anything really too dirty under any of them. I there something else that I can do or look for to resolve this issue? I've tried to search for possible solutions, but haven't really come up with anything other than what I've tried (cleaning).

I did read somewhere that the "ribbon cable" might need to be reseated?? No explanation found on how to do that. Might this be an option and would it be difficult to do?

Thanks to anyone who could offer any help!

Vicki

 

Hi Vicki,

It's not for the faint hearted

But if you want to have a go you can download the service manual from here, it's a PDF in a rar archive so you'll need a RAR extracter (7-Zip is good) and a PDF reader which you probably already have.

You're interested in page 53 of that manual and follow the links on the right for preparation etc.

Let us know how you get on,

 

I wonder if a bit of contact spray, on the ribbon connector, would help here?

 

Possibly (especially if Vicky changes "i,j" to "h,j ")...

The issue is directing Vicki to the ribbon cable.

 

Thank you Wildfire for directing me to the service manual. I did try to download the 7-zip extractor, but it causes my internet service(?) to crash (msn encountered an error and needs to close). Tried it several times with the same result. Wouldn't even let me try to use their direct download or mirror site. So haven't downloaded the service manual (figure I wouldn't be able to read it anyway).

Any ideas why I can't download that extractor?

Thanks for your help!
Vicki

 

No idea at all, try vanilla Internet Explorer or better still (IMO) FireFox

 

try to change your keyboard

 

Tried using IE to download that extractor, but came up with the same results (IE has encountered and error and needs to close). Guess I must be one of those considered "old school' as I'm skeptical about downloading FF.

Not sure what you meant blutag about trying "to change your keyboard "?? (This is a laptop computer--keyboard built in).

Thinking I may have to resort to finding a local repair shop and maybe having them investigate?? Although I know this is an older computer that I'm tinkering with, it may not be worth the expense in having that done? Opinions?

Thanks,
Vicki

 

A USB/PS2 keyboard may be an option though it isn't as convenient as the keypad.

Vicki, give me 10 minutes or so and I'll upload the PDF to another site and post the link.

 

Ok, a little longer than 10 mins

Anyway, try this. It's not archived so should download easily.

 

Vicki, let us know if you successfully dl'd the manual!

 

Thank you for the link(s) you provided to download the service manual! (I actually used the one PeteC provided as I had read his reply first). But thank you too, Wildfire for providing one as well!

You were correct in saying it wasn't for "the faint hearted " But with the proper instruction manual, it really helped considerably! (The hardest part was finding the correct tool to remove the screws! Fortunately, my hubby has a wide variety of specialty screwdrivers!) I did get it taken apart and "reseated" the keyboard....but didn't make any difference! :-( So I'm thinking the next option might be to replace the whole keyboard?

But like a "beginner ", I forgot to write down any pertinent information about the model/part number of the keyboard (I had seen it on the back of the keyboard when I had it apart, but neglected to write it down--dummy me!!) So I took it all apart again (and verified it with the part number that was listed on the service manual--just to make sure and for my own peace of mind!)

So with that conclusion (i.e possibly having to replace the whole keyboard) is there anywhere that I could look to purchase one (that would be reasonably priced and considered a reliable source?) I have even contemplated e-bay, but not knowing if that would be considered "risky" (in case I were to purchase the wrong one)?

Any further guidance you fine folks can offer would be greatly appreciated!!

~Vicki

 

Replaced the keyboard

Just wanted to update everyone here that helped me with this issue (of my keyboard letters not working). I did purchase a new keyboard (took a chance and bought one off e-bay! ) Only cost me $9 (including shipping!) I was VERY excited about that!

I was able to get the new keyboard installed and thus far it seems to be working just fine! (All the keys that I previously stated that were inoperable are now working!)

So many, many thanks for those offered their help (especially with the locating the service/repair manual for me to download!!) I never would have been able to do this myself without that manual!!

I'm still toying with that laptop, so will no doubt have several other issues that will need to be resolved, but wanted to have a functioning keyboard before I proceeded any further!

Thanks again to all you wonderful BBS members!!

~Vicki~