Keys on Laptop Keyboard Not Responding

[ksitar2727]

There are a few keys on my keyboard not working (The x,c,v,m, ; , 9 , and ctrl buttons to be specific). I tried cleaning the keyboard and it did not do anything. So I bought a brand new keyboard to replace it and this did nothing as well. I've reconnected the keyboard ribbon about 10 times and no difference. I've tried turning it off, taking out the battery, holding down the power button for 10+ seconds, and rebooting. No luck. I've tried pressing F2 on startup and then pressing F9 enter and F10 enter (This was suggested in the Toshiba Forums I was following to get my PC back to default settings or something like that), and this did nothing. I've ran multiple softwares looking for maleware or viruses and have found nothing. I've tried updating my drivers and they are all up to date. I have no idea what to do and it's frustrating the crap out of me. I have to use a usb keyboard to access my keys. PLEASE HELP ME!!! I am using a Toshiba Satellite a505-s6960 laptop.

 

[plaintuts]

Thats the numlock...

See the blue keys on the keyboard, fn+6 (I think)

Check your laptop manual.

 

[ksitar2727]

Umm, no it's not the num lock that's the problem.

 

[plaintuts]

Since you already bought a new keyboard then, the ribbon clip could be the problem..

Actually thats kinda weird because it should not work entirely, check if a usb keyboard still produces the same problem.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

What happens if you plug in a usb keyboard?

 

[ksitar2727]

USB keyboard works just fine

 

[plaintuts]

then the ribbon connector is damaged or connected improperly..

you must lift up the ribbon connector latch then insert the ribbon cable...

 

[ksitar2727]

As I described above I have done that about 10 different times and the same keys are still unresponsive. The ribbon itself is not damaged because its the same keys on 2 keyboards, one old and one brand new with a brand new ribbon. I guess it could be the connector, but it looks fine and most of the keyboard works.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

I have had this issue with laptops before, and yes the issue is the connector (which you need a lighted magnifying lamp to see with) on where the ribbon connects to on the Mobo, especially if you repeatedly had disassembled and reassembled the laptop, the connector gold connections that the ribbon is supposed to press against, is worn enough to negate full connectivity causing some keys to not work.

This is why even with a new keyboard the same keys fail. The only solution is
A) use a USB keyboard - cheapest solution
B) replace the mobo - most unreliable (used parts) and expensive solution
C) replace laptop - depends on needs, but basic user laptop i3 8GB DDR3 1TB laptop only $249

 

[ksitar2727]

Thank You Tom Tancredi