Fix Computer Keyboard Problems

The following are some helpful hints for basic keyboard care, as well as some common troubleshooting problems and possible solutions.

When it comes to their computers, many people take their keyboards for granted. However, the keyboard is an integral part of your computer (read: it’s hard to input anything without one!), so some care must be exercised when using it. The following are some helpful hints for basic keyboard care, as well as some common troubleshooting problems and possible solutions.

Keyboard Is Dirty -How to clean up keyboard
Keyboards should be cleaned with "spray-n-wipe" cleaner and a cloth or tissue on a monthly basis. Ensure that computer is not powered up while cleaning the keyboard. Compressed air can also be used to clean between the keyboard keys. Another tip: clean the keys with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Compressed air is best way to clean computer keyboards.

Keyboard Not Found" Message
Your keyboard is not plugged into the computer securely. Unplug it and plug it back in and the problem should go away. If this doesn't work, follow procedure: “Computer isn't taking inputs from keyboard” (below).

Key Is Stuck - how to repair stuck keyboard keys
Most of the shift key got stuck in the keyboard. If shift keyon any other keyboard key does not work or is stuck in the down position, you may try to remove it with a CPU "chip puller" tool. These simple "L" shaped tools are great at pulling out keys. Once you've pulled out the stuck key, you can try to stretch the spring to "reanimate" its action.

Computer Isn't Taking Inputs From Keyboard

1. Is keyboard connected to computer? Ensure that the keyboard is plugged into the keyboard jack and not into the mouse jack. If the keyboard was unplugged, plug it back in and reboot the computer.

2. If the keyboard still doesn't work on boot-up, power down the computer and try to borrow a friend’s known-good keyboard for troubleshooting. Plug the new keyboard up and boot up the computer. If the new keyboard works, the old keyboard is bad and needs to be replaced.

3. If the known-good keyboard doesn't work, check your BIOS to make sure it sees the
keyboard. It should say, "installed." If the BIOS recognizes the keyboard, then you probably have a bad keyboard port.

I Plugged Keyboard Into Mouse Port

1. Many mice and keyboards today use a PS/2 connector. If you plugged your keyboard into the mouse port (or vice versa), follow steps 2 and 3.

2. Shut down the computer and plug the keyboard into the keyboard port. The keyboard port is usually marked with a "keyboard" symbol. Plug the mouse into the mouse port (usually marked with a mouse symbol).

3. Reboot the computer; the keyboard should work now. If keyboard doesn't work, check your BIOS to make sure the BIOS recognizes the keyboard. You should see the words, "installed" or "enabled" under the keyboard.

4. If the BIOS recognizes the keyboard but it still doesn't work, you may have a bad keyboard port.

I Spilled a drink on my keyboard!

1. If you spill any liquid in the keyboard, turn it upside down ASAP. Drain all the water out of the keyboard, shaking it if necessary. If you've spilled water into the keyboard, just let it dry. You may use a hair dryer to dry out area under the keys (remember, too much heat and you could damage the electrical components).

2. If you've spilled a soda into the keyboard, completely rinse it in warm water. No soap please! You may use a hair dryer at this point or just let it dry for 2 days. Ensure the keyboard is perfectly DRY before you attempt to use it again. Don't plug a wet keyboard into electrical equipment. Think safety.

3. If the keyboard still doesn't work, replace the keyboard.

Only Types Capitals

USUALLY THIS IS CAUSED BY THE "CAPS LOCK" KEY BEING LEFT ON. PRESS "CAPS LOCK" KEY ONCE to fix this problem.

Page Up/Page Down Keys Are Locked

Your "Scroll Lock" function may be engaged. Press the Scroll Lock Key once.

Letters on Keyboard Don't Work

Check to see if there are any obstructions to the keys. If other keys work, then your keyboard is going bad and needs to be replaced.