Keyboard-Problems
Keyboard problems crop up, because keyboards catch dirt, take some abuse, and get spilled on! But, the good news, they are cheap and easy to fix.
Keyboard-Problems are smilar to mice problems, except that normally you do not have to reboot for a PS-2 keyboard, in most cases. Why not all cases? Re-boot magically fixes many problems! Click for information about mouse problems.
PS-2 Keyboard
|
|
|
The PS-2 keyboard |
PS -2 Connector |
PS-2 connection |
The PS-2 keyboard was very popular for a long time, and is still rather common. When they suddenly fail, it is often with the connection. By pulling out the connector, and putting it back in, (called “re-seating”) you are actually “cleaning’ the contacts. I usually will reseat the connector 2-3 times. You must re-boot the PC, after re-seating, as the mouse is “discovered” during boot-up only.
If “reseating” doesn’t solve your keyboard problems, then replace the keyboard. The connection failure is part of the motherboard, which is very expensive to replace!, So I use a USB keyboard for replacement, or even wireless mouse/keyboard combination instead.
Note: Another "repair trick" ..... Turn your keyboard upside down, then "tap" it on your desk a few times (not too hard, don't break it!) This may knock out cookie crumbs or dust bunnies. It helps, sometimes. If you have some air spray in a can, you could try that to clean your keyboard. I wouldn't buy a can just to clean a keyboard, though! If you break it, just buy a new USB keyboard. Even Walmart has them.
USB Keyboard USB connection
 
If your keyboard is not working, get a USB keyboard. These are much more common now, and some PC’s do not even have PS-2 connections. USB keyboards do not require a re-boot to be “discovered”. These are inexpensive, and easily installed. Windows XP normally does not require that a disk be used for installation.
Note: Some keyboards have a lot of extra features. To make sure that these extra features work, you should load the software drivers provided by the manufacturer. If you've lost your drivers, you can get these from the manufacturers website.
Wireless Mouse (and keyboard)
Wireless mouse and keyboards are becoming quite popular, and really cool! As the price is now reasonable. The most common cause for failure is “batteries!” The batteries don’t last long, (only a few months, in most cases). Another cause for failure is having the “receiver” too far from the keyboard of mouse. I keep mine on the desk, within 1-3 feet from my keyboard and mouse. Remember, the connection is “line of sight” infrared connection.
If you want to order a keyboard on-line, click above link.
If after all this, you still need help, click ... Computer Support
|
