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I haven't spilled anything on my HP Pavilion DV6 laptop, but suddenly the "t" and "y" keys do not work. I've tried deleting the keyboard in Device Mgr and letting Windows 7 Home Premium refind and install the device. Didn't work. I've got compressed air and shot air under the keys. Didn't work.

The laptop is 3 yrs old. Do they just crap out - planned obsolescense?

Where can I find instructions on how to take the keyboard out and clean the whole thing?

Judith

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by CimmerianX

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Short, practical follow-up to the thread: since has already tried the driver reinstall and blowing air, the next step is to isolate hardware vs software. Quick tests: try an external USB keyboard and the Windows On‑Screen Keyboard; reboot into the BIOS/UEFI or a bootable Linux USB and test the keys there. If T/Y fail outside Windows (BIOS or Linux), it’s almost certainly a hardware/contact problem. If they work outside Windows, focus on OS-level causes.

If it’s hardware, there are two realistic repairs: cleaning/reseting the connector, or replacing the keyboard. Before ordering parts, try these careful steps (general, not model-precise):

  1. Power off, unplug and remove the battery.
  2. Find and remove any screws on the laptop base marked for the keyboard (or remove the service cover) and gently lift the keyboard top edge.
  3. Locate the flat ribbon cable and the small ZIF clamp. Photograph orientation, flip the clamp up and slide the cable out.
  4. Clean the gold contacts on the ribbon and connector with a lint-free swab and high‑purity isopropyl alcohol; let dry completely.
  5. Reinsert, lock the clamp, reseat the keyboard and test before fully reassembling.

For individual sticky/non-working keys you can also carefully pop the keycap (small scissor clips). Clean crumbs and gunk with a soft brush and a tiny amount of isopropyl; don’t force the clips. Use ESD precautions and keep track of screws and plastic tabs — those parts are fragile.

If cleaning and reseating don’t help, is right that replacement is common and inexpensive. Match the exact DV6 submodel and keyboard layout when ordering. As a short-term workaround, remap the broken keys to unused keys with software or use an external keyboard. If unsure, a local shop can replace the keyboard quickly and safely.

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

Keyboards, like any machine, can break and wear out over time.

Find the same model laptop on ebay or 2nd hand, or just buy a replacement keyboard. If you buy a model from ebay, even a non-booting one will do since you just want the keyboard anyway as a spare part.

Follow this guide to switch the KBD:

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