by: otis f cooper
Do you think the keyboard is important?Try using yourcomputer without it.Your computer will be almost
useless without the keyboard.And like all other PC
peripherals,the keyboard can and will put you down.
The keyboard is a simple peripheral and when it does
go on the blink,you will be much better off pyrchasing
a new one rather than considering repairing it,unless
the problem is something simple like a stuck key.
TROUBLESHOOTING BASICS
As we look into problems with the keyboard,remember
the check the obvious first and as with all problem
solving procedures,don't be tempted to take shortcuts.
Follow these procedures to resolve common keyboard
problems.
KEYBOARD WILL NOT RESPOND
1st. Restart the computer.This sometimes will resolve
a computer that has froze or locked up during the first
boot up.
2rd. Look behind the system unit and check to see if
the cable is fully inserted into the connector.Check
to see if it is in the keyboard connector and not the
mouse connector.
Shut the computer off and remove the cable from
the system unit.Check to see if any pins or connectors
have been bent or broken.
If all pins and connectors are good.Try connecting
another keyboard and restart the computer.If the
new keyboard works,replace the old keyboard.
CHECK FOR KEYBOARD ERROR IN WINDOWS
If the new keyboard should fail as well,check the
resource conflicts if your operating system is Windows
98 or Me.Click on Start,Settings,Control Panel,System,
and Device Manager Tab in System Properties.
Windows displays your devices attached to your PC.
Click the plus sign and scan the list for the keyboard.
If you notice an exclamation point or a red X beside
the keyboard,the keyboard has a problem.
Now highlight the keyboard,click the remove button,
and click OK in the confirmation window.Close the
Device Manager and restart the computer.The
operating system will reconfigure the keyboard.
WINDOWS DID NOT FIX THE KEYBOARD
You have restarted the computer and the keyboard
still does not work.Its now possible you have a faulty
keyboard port.This may prove true if the second
keyboard failed to work on your computer as well.
Though it rarely happens,an error message will
appear if the keyboard get hot.Stuck keys are
also causes of error messages appearing on
your monitor at bootup.
POOR KEYBOARD PERFORMANCE
Keeping the keyboard free from dirt and dust,is
essential to good keyboard performance.Liquid
spills are common and can be cleaned with a
can of compressed air.
Your settings in Windows may also be the culprit
in poor keyboard performance.To check your
keyboard performance,click on Start,Settings,
Control Panel,and double click keyboard.
On the Speed Tab,you have the option to control
the Repeat Delay,Repeat Rate,and the Cursor
Blink rate.The Repeat Delay is the delay between
the time you press a key and when it responds.
The Repeat Rate controls just how fast the key
repeats after it begins repeating.
Windows give you the ability to control features
of your keyboard which will boost its performance,
allowing you to perform your tasks quicker.
While the keyboard is replaced rather than repaired,
it is imperative that you learn troubleshooting steps
to correct most keyboard problems.You may have
problems with the keyboard late at night and you
may need to get it working to complete a document
you may need for work.Know how to correct problems
and help others that may experience keyboard
About the author:
Otis F. Cooper is the author of the award winning
PC Super Pack,the Computer Training By Video
course.For hundreds more free PC repair tips,sign
up for his bi-monthly newsletter and learn the PC
free at http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com
