Laptop keys have done a switch around

J.B · 19 Aug 2008 at 18:00

Ok so was reformatting a laptop, started the vista installation, selected keyoard layout. When I put the product key in I noticboed that some of the keys werent working properly:
q became a
e became d
odd I thought but didnt dwell on it, so in windows, same problem. so I check the regional settings, thats right, uninstall the keyboard driver, reinstall same problem.

Im thinking windows is playing games with me so by a bizzare stroke of luck Id found a windows 98 boot CD earlier. Boot into DOS, same problem every key is fine but q and e. Plugged a USB keyboard in and it works hunky dory.

Im guessing its a hardware problem, but I dont know whats caused it as my girlfriend was using the machine the other day and it was fine!
Im guessing a loose connection of some sort. Any insight guys?

UKDTweak · 19 Aug 2008 at 18:01

Did your GF accidentally spill something over the keyboard perhaps?

J.B · 19 Aug 2008 at 18:03

mmm I havent asked her. She would normally tell me though. I'll have to quiz her. All the other keys work perfectly. just those 4 have switched. although they are in the same region so possible, got another laptop identical her, guess I better do some transplant surgery, i really cant be bothered though!

Ben Cole · 19 Aug 2008 at 20:18

Exactly what happened to me with an old laptop. Turned out the ribbon connector for the keyboard was buggered.

J.B · 19 Aug 2008 at 21:54

Ben Cole said:
Exactly what happened to me with an old laptop. Turned out the ribbon connector for the keyboard was buggered.

That was my thinking, unfortunatly couldnt get the laptop apart, I've taken a fair few laptops apart but just couldnt get into this one, also I dont have a work bench so was on my lap in the lounge, not ideal!

I've come up with a work around. I used MS key mapper app to remap the keys in question, jobs a gooden'!