Member Avatar for Ritesh_4

Hello
I am currently facing an issue with an HP laptop running Windows 10, whereby the following keys are not responding at all when typing: R, T, F, G, V, B.
Sticky keys and other similar features have been turned off.

Any fix for this issue?

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Dani AI

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Solid troubleshooting so far — the external-keyboard and alternate-OS checks already reported by , and point away from Windows and toward a hardware fault in the built-in keyboard. When multiple keys that sit on the same part of the matrix fail together, the usual culprits are the keyboard flex/connector, damaged PCB traces, corrosion from a spill, or a failing keyboard controller.

If comfortable opening the machine, try these safe, methodical steps before buying parts or booking a repair:

  1. If the laptop is under warranty, stop and contact the manufacturer first.
  2. Power down, unplug the charger and remove the battery if possible. Ground yourself.
  3. Locate and inspect the keyboard ribbon connector (usually under a bezel or bottom cover). Release the retaining clip carefully, slide the flex cable out, look for dirt, bent pins or corrosion.
  4. Clean the contacts with high‑purity isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free swab; let it dry completely, then reseat the cable evenly and lock the clip.
  5. If you have a multimeter, check continuity on the flex traces or between connector pins and the keyboard board to isolate a broken trace.
  6. Reassemble and test. If the fault persists, the keyboard (or top‑case assembly on many HP models) will likely need replacement.

Temporary workarounds: continue using an external USB keyboard or enable the on‑screen keyboard/remap affected keys until repaired. If you see visible corrosion or smell dried sugar/coffee, professional service is recommended — continued power-on can spread damage. Reseating/cleaning often fixes intermittent matrix/connector problems; if not, replace the keyboard/top case or seek a repair shop.

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

The next test I try is to see if the issue follows with some USB PC Keyboard.

However the keys are in what looks like a few scan lines of the common matrix decoding so it looks like a hardware issue from here. What about the number keys? 4 and 5 here may fail too.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

I have repeated problems with Dell Hardware Support in trying to convince them that a problem is hardware (warranty) rather than software (not covered). I have found that the easies way is to boot into Linux and demonstrate that the problem still exists. Download a Linux (I find kubuntu the friendliest) LiveCD and burn a DVD. Bott into the DVD (select try instead of install) and see if you have the same problem. If you do then you know the problem is with the keyboard.

Edited by Reverend Jim
Member Avatar for rproffitt

To Reverend Jim. On Dells we have Dell Diags (varies with model) so try this. Boot the Dell and hold down the D key. See if there's a keyboard test.

Member Avatar for Reverend Jim

Most Dells these days do come with a diagnostic partition that yu can select if you tap-a-tap-a on the F12 key while powering up. I think POWER+D just boots into a special (undocumented) video diagnostic. Can't say if HP has something similar.

Edited by Reverend Jim
Member Avatar for Ritesh_4

@Reverend Jim - Tried booting with a linux live cd, still got the same issue with the same keys. Number key 5 however is giving something bizarre on Windows however when typing on notepad, it starts a loop with the full date and time and stops only when I press the "Enter" key.
Will try to test with a usb keyboard and revert back asap.

Member Avatar for Ritesh_4

USB keyboard working well. So indeed it's a problem with the matrix itself it seems, and thus a change required...

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