How can I fix two dead keys on my keyboard?

  • Thread starter Thread starter exigeracer
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exigeracer

exigeracer

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I've got a Toshiba A200 AH6 laptop, bottom of the line POS. It's held up well but there have been some hardware problems. A Vista update commandeered my rather useful touchpad, reducing it to very basic operations, the T key is crooked and is insensitive as hell, but this last issue is unbearable.

Out of nowhere, the H and Y keys stopped working. I restarted, and they worked alright for a couple words, then nothing again. I mashed around the keys, sometimes either would work, then nothing again. I restarted just now, this time nothing.

Right now I'm typing with the on-screen keyboard, but it's already unbearably frustrating. Any ideas on the fix or should I just bring it in to get fixed? I think my warranty is still good for a couple more days. I'm also getting a new Toshiba Tecra M10 next week, so should I bother dealing with this one or just wait 'til I get the new beast?

PS - maybe I just need to take the keys off to clean it? I've tried when my T went crooked, but if I just try to peel them off, it feels like I'm going to break them.
 
There might be stuff stuck under the keys. I normally take the keys off to clean them. Usually happens when eating food around the computer. Or just random things can cause it.

Don't be afraid to take them off. They pop right back on.
 
I have a wireless keyboard, it has pretty big gaps inbetween each key. Occasionally some keys don't respond, it's usually because there's something stuck, food like bergauk said. I just shake the keyboard upside down and it usually comes out.
 
I'd say pick up a cheap usb keyboard in the meantime that hooks up to your laptop, an onscreen keyboard must suck.
 
I removed the problematic keys and cleaned them. There wasn't any obstruction or dirt, but I did manage to realign that crooked T key!

I'm thinking they're totally dead. Prodding the little key sensor didn't get anything either. I'll just wait for my new baby that comes in next week...
 
Can't believe I didn't think of this earlier, but I can just write in Latvian all of the time!

(The Latvian alphabet doesn't use Y and only uses H in German translations)
 

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