NationStates Jolt Archive


Laptop Problems

Leistung
30-09-2008, 20:16
I received an Averatec 2100 about 3 years ago, and was generally satisfied. However, about a year ago problems started coming up, all related to the keyboard. When I turned the laptop on, the caps lock key toggled on and off rapidly, and the keys, "0", "b", and "/" (a few others too) started typing, despite the fact I wasn't anywhere near the keyboard.

I decided that it wasn't a software issue and got to work destroying my warranty (ie, taking it apart). After not seeing anything super-wrong, I put it back together and the problem vanished for about 12 months, before resurfacing again about a month ago.

Here's an example of what happens this time around. It seems to be the cap lock, p, 0, home, and o keys mostly, and only when I type, unlike last time.

woing onWE\is is my example of what thoe WE\HELL IS G0Thp0

If anyone has ever had this problem, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HELP ME.
Lord Tothe
30-09-2008, 20:25
get a repair tech to replace the keyboard. It's apparently a common issue. I'll talk to my laptop repair tech brother-in-law to make sure of that fix this evening, though, and maybe he'll have some better ideas. maybe some part sources, too.
Blouman Empire
30-09-2008, 20:29
Hire a priest your laptop is obviously possessed by some sort of devil and an exorcism needs to take place.
That Imperial Navy
30-09-2008, 20:51
Have you tried offering it flowers?
Blouman Empire
30-09-2008, 20:53
Have you tried offering it flowers?

And saying your sorry and you will never behave like that again.
That Imperial Navy
30-09-2008, 20:54
Exactly. It'll work when you love it.
Leistung
30-09-2008, 20:56
Sigh...sadly my love has been spent on my desktop...that must be tWEE PROBLEM

Crap, see?
That Imperial Navy
30-09-2008, 20:59
Try the full works. Candlelit dinner, soft music... and if that fails, I got a six-pack of champaigne and a funnel.
Leistung
30-09-2008, 21:04
Yeah, seriously though, if anyone else has any ideas...
That Imperial Navy
30-09-2008, 21:06
Well on that note I shall depart, for I cannot help you. I've never used or owned a laptop.
Khadgar
30-09-2008, 21:22
If you can take the keyboard apart, and I haven't a clue because I don't own a laptop, do so. Check the connections internally, maybe clean it with some alcohol.
Blouman Empire
01-10-2008, 03:29
Yeah, seriously though, if anyone else has any ideas...

Keep trying surly someone on here has some proper expertise. But laptops are a bitch sometimes, mine is just over 2 and half months old and just does stuff randomly much to my annoyance, I call my laptop Pandora.
BunnySaurus Bugsii
01-10-2008, 03:38
Since I hate typing on a laptop keyboard (no ergonomic split, bad positioning relative to screen) I have no hesitation suggesting that you try plugging an external keyboard in. If your laptop doesn't have a PS/2 port (old keyboard or mouse) try a USB keyboard.

(I think you need a reboot to make a PS/2 kb work ... or is that PS/2 mice ... anyway.)

If you're still getting random nonsense from the built-in keyboard, it should be OK to disconnect it inside the machine. Usually a strip connector, disconnect by pulling the little locking bar out where the strip (plastic strip with conductors on it) attaches.
Velka Morava
01-10-2008, 10:16
get a repair tech to replace the keyboard. It's apparently a common issue. I'll talk to my laptop repair tech brother-in-law to make sure of that fix this evening, though, and maybe he'll have some better ideas. maybe some part sources, too.

This. Actually you should have done it before voiding your guarantee by opening the thing by yourself.

If you are tech savvy. Get a bottle of air compressed and a bottle of deoxidizer/antioxidant. Take out the keyboard, clean it, clean the connectors, deoxidize. Mind that it also could be the keyboard connector getting loose because of internal temperatures.
Rambhutan
01-10-2008, 10:25
Have you tried offering it flowers?

Flowers...pah... a problem of this magnitude requires a blood sacrifice.
Zombie PotatoHeads
01-10-2008, 10:39
The problem here is your laptop keyboard has gotten dirty. I suggest soaking the laptop in a bucket of bleach for an hour, followed by sticking in the dishwasher on rinse cycle.
You can then dry it out in the microwave - or, if it doesn't fit, in the oven on Gas mark 4 for 20 minutes.
Blouman Empire
01-10-2008, 11:37
The problem here is your laptop keyboard has gotten dirty. I suggest soaking the laptop in a bucket of bleach for an hour, followed by sticking in the dishwasher on rinse cycle.
You can then dry it out in the microwave - or, if it doesn't fit, in the oven on Gas mark 4 for 20 minutes.

I prefer to hang dry mine, just place it over the Hills in the sun and then your keyboard will be good as new.

If you are going to chuck it in the oven may I suggest sprinkling some oregano and lemon juice over the top.
Zombie PotatoHeads
01-10-2008, 11:54
If you are going to chuck it in the oven may I suggest sprinkling some oregano and lemon juice over the top.
That goes without saying. If you haven't got any Oregano, I find Thyme or dried Basil works just as well.
Peepelonia
01-10-2008, 13:04
I received an Averatec 2100 about 3 years ago, and was generally satisfied. However, about a year ago problems started coming up, all related to the keyboard. When I turned the laptop on, the caps lock key toggled on and off rapidly, and the keys, "0", "b", and "/" (a few others too) started typing, despite the fact I wasn't anywhere near the keyboard.

I decided that it wasn't a software issue and got to work destroying my warranty (ie, taking it apart). After not seeing anything super-wrong, I put it back together and the problem vanished for about 12 months, before resurfacing again about a month ago.

Here's an example of what happens this time around. It seems to be the cap lock, p, 0, home, and o keys mostly, and only when I type, unlike last time.

woing onWE\is is my example of what thoe WE\HELL IS G0Thp0

If anyone has ever had this problem, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD HELP ME.

Wait you have a laptop that is three years old and giving you problems, and you have not bought a new laptop?


Buy a new laptop!
Blouman Empire
01-10-2008, 13:45
That goes without saying. If you haven't got any Oregano, I find Thyme or dried Basil works just as well.

Mmm sounds nice, I might just try that next time.
Blouman Empire
01-10-2008, 13:45
Wait you have a laptop that is three years old and giving you problems, and you have not bought a new laptop?


Buy a new laptop!

Maybe he can't afford one.
Peepelonia
01-10-2008, 13:48
Maybe he can't afford one.

Well perhaps, but £300 aint too much to find, save up for it. Sell the car, hell sell a kidney!
Intestinal fluids
01-10-2008, 14:15
Buy a Mac.
Rathanan
01-10-2008, 14:17
Have you tried offering it flowers?

If flowers don't work... Try a lamb. If a lamb doesn't work, go for drastic measures and give it a human sacrifice.
Peepelonia
01-10-2008, 14:23
Buy a Mac.

Bah, a Big Mac, and then only if Burger King is shut!
H N Fiddlebottoms VIII
01-10-2008, 14:29
Try the full works. Candlelit dinner, soft music... and if that fails, I got a six-pack of champaigne and a funnel.
That's entirely the wrong approach. Sure, bribery might fix your current problem, but it will only resurface again the moment you and your laptop have a fight. What you need to do is slap the bitch around a bit, maybe destroy some other, less valued, appliances as an example. Once the laptop is working properly again, you can offer it some minor, conciliatory gift, but make sure that it knows who's the boss and who's the hunk of plastic and wires.
It is better to be feared than loved, and one need only avoid being hated.
Blouman Empire
01-10-2008, 14:33
Well perhaps, but £300 aint too much to find, save up for it. Sell the car, hell sell a kidney!

Is £300 what you might expect to pay for a good quality one, or a cheap model one?
Blouman Empire
01-10-2008, 14:41
If all else fails take it to this guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLxq90xmYUs&feature=user
Katganistan
01-10-2008, 15:32
Perhaps carefully cleaning under the keys with a paperclip (unbent) and a soft artist's brush?
Peepelonia
01-10-2008, 15:34
Is £300 what you might expect to pay for a good quality one, or a cheap model one?

Ohh no a cheap one.
Blouman Empire
01-10-2008, 15:41
Ohh no a cheap one.

ok yeah, I was about to say I get jacked considering to get a decent one is about $1800-$2000 but a cheap one for 300 pounds sounds alright.
Leistung
01-10-2008, 22:53
Perhaps carefully cleaning under the keys with a paperclip (unbent) and a soft artist's brush?

Yeah, that sounds reasonable. One of my friends has a bottle of compressed air used for cleaning keyboards, so I might try to grab that.

I have a bad feeling that this is more of an internal problem, though...