Member Avatar for wilsonho

So, the right alternate button, right arrow key, fullstop/greater than, and right-clicky button on my keyboard have failed me.

I am currently using ctrl-v to paste fullstops, and stinks.

So, I took out the fullstop and right arrow keys (they are the more crucial ones) and cleaned them and even pressed the sensor directly with a toothpick in a hope that it would work. Well, it did not and this problem has been around for like 2 days, and I don't even know what caused it!

I'm currently having Ad-Aware SE to scan my computer, then I'll be having Spybot - S&D to scan as well. I think I'll be downloading AVG anti-virus since my anti-virus is expired.

The anti-virus software I have is Norman (NOT NORTON) Anti-virus. Also, I don't think I can uninstall it. I think the Control Panel for Add and Remove Programs does not contain it. I could be wrong, but what would be the best way to uninstall it to make way for AVG, since I heard that only on anti-virus should be on a computer at any one time.

Is a HijackThis log needed? I will install it and post the full log if necessary.

I guess the last resort is to get the right control key to replace my fullstop button using a software, but there's no good alternative for the right arrow key, so I would not really like this option.

Anyway, I'm using a Fujitsu T4010 Tablet PC since 2004, and even though it has been wet a few times (only a few dead pixels which went away for a few days) and dropped it a few times, its only major problem is that the fan is a bit noisy and slow, which I can understand, but for certain keys of the keyboard to fail me so unexpectedly is, well, unexpected. I chanced upon this website, and I hope that you all can help me. I shall be very thankful.

If anybody need extra information pertaining to my system, I will gladly post it. Will be checking it daily, and thanks a million to everyone out here, and I mean it!

Sincerely, Wilson.


EDIT: My Ad-Aware has finished scanning and found only tracking cookies, which I deleted. Gonna do Spybot now.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jbennet

Dani AI

Generated

Good suggestions already from , and . Below is a short, practical checklist that walks from the least-invasive checks to the ones that actually fix most partial-keyboard failures.

  • Test outside the OS first. Plug a known-good external USB keyboard and reboot into BIOS or a Linux live USB. If the external keyboard works and the same keys still fail at BIOS/Live-USB time, the built-in keyboard is almost certainly hardware-failed. If the keys work outside Windows, the problem is likely software/driver-related.
  • Try simple software workarounds while you diagnose: the platform On-Screen Keyboard and a remapping tool will buy time. Only use registry remaps or third-party installers if comfortable; they are workarounds, not repairs.
  • If you suspect software interference (AV or drivers), boot Safe Mode and uninstall the suspect software using the vendor’s official removal tool from their support site. Vendor removal utilities are safer than forcing removals from Add/Remove Programs.
  • For a likely hardware fault: power off, remove AC and battery, discharge any residual charge, then gently reseat the keyboard ribbon. Unlock the connector, slide the ribbon out, clean the contacts with high‑purity isopropyl (let it dry), and reinsert. Inspect the connector for bent pins or corrosion. Only open the unit if comfortable; if not, stop and get professional help.
  • If cleaning/reseating fails, partial failures often mean damaged membrane traces or corrosion from liquid exposure; replacement of the keyboard assembly is usually the next step. A local repair shop can confirm and replace the part, or an external USB keyboard is a reliable long-term workaround.

HijackThis is only useful if there’s reason to suspect malware altering input. For this symptom set, start with the external-keyboard/BIOS test and physical reseating before chasing malware logs. Handle internal work carefully: disconnect power first and avoid liquids.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for vicec64

Sounds like you need a new keyboard, and I would repost this in the security section if you want them yo help you with a HJT log and have the moderator possibly delete this post. Good luck :)

Member Avatar for Serunson

To get rid of the old anti-virus prog, it may have it's own uninstall system in the start menu -> programs, if it is not there, have a hunt in the Add/Remove Programs section.
Also what where you doing on the computer when the buttons stopped working?

Member Avatar for jbennet

USB or PS/2?

One of the pins was bent on my PS/2 mouse before and it did wierd things (like not moving along the Y axis)

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