4.8 / 5 ( 22 voices)
There are times when, after starting the operating room Windows systems 7 There are problems with the keyboard, not a single light is on.
Why does not it work
There can be only 2 exact reasons for this malfunction:
- Hardware (in the case when the device itself or the port to which it was connected failed);
- Software (failure to load the required driver).
If it fails, then there are only 2 ways: replace it with a working one or repair it.
- To begin with, of course, you can try restarting your computer. It is possible that after a reboot it will work again.
- If rebooting doesn't help, you can use the keyboard with the mouse (it should function fine).
Step by step steps to fix the problem:
- Start button -> then Settings -> after Control Panel -> System;
- Click System Properties -> then Hardware -> Device Manager;
- In the Device Manager window, select the large yellow circle with a black exclamation mark;
- Select Action -> then Delete from the menu;
- In the “Device Removal Confirmation” window, you need to authorize the removal of the keyboard by clicking OK;
- Close Device Manager;
- In the window called System Properties, on the Hardware tab, you need to click the Install Hardware button;
- In the New Hardware Wizard window that opens, click Next;
- After a short search for the hardware, your keyboard should be “found” (the Num Lock signal will turn on);
- After completing these steps, the Change system settings window should appear with the message “Installation of new devices is complete.”
- The last action will be to click Finish in the Add Hardware Wizard window.
What should be the action if several or one button stops working?
If some keys on your keyboard stop working, it is possible that its driver requires updating or is missing altogether.
If you purchased a software disc in the same package as the keyboard, use it when reinstalling the necessary drivers.
Otherwise, follow the instructions to update the drivers.
- Click the Start button and select Keyboard, Control Panel, and Hardware and Sound.
- In the Equipment window, you need to find the device you are using and double-click on it.
- Then on the Driver tab you need to click Update and follow all the instructions.
- Answer yes to the pop-up prompt to restart your computer.
What to do if the computer keyboard and mouse do not work
Why doesn't the keyboard and mouse work on my laptop? — This is another common malfunction that often occurs when an unexpected failure occurs in a south bridge laptop.
Often the south bridge burns out so that everything in the computer works except these specified devices.
But sometimes it happens that the laptop stops turning on or responding to the power button when the same south bridge in it burns out.
If the USB device stops working, it would be better to contact your service center or the nearest repair place.
All the nuances depend on the circumstances under which this trouble occurred.
Wireless keyboard stopped working
Why doesn't the keyboard print? In cases where a wireless keyboard stops working, you need to perform the simplest steps in strict order, and after each action, check the device for working condition:
First, if there is a switch at the bottom of the case, you need to make sure that the position is “On”.
Then restart your computer. The actions will help to eliminate the problem that has arisen for a short time in order to eliminate all the problems.
The next action is to move the device closer to the receiver.
Now you need to make sure that it is no further than 30 cm from the receiver.
If the receiver is firmly attached to the cable, you can position it so that it is at the same level with the device.
Try replacing the batteries with a good set of newer alkaline batteries and then make sure the drivers are installed correctly.
If that doesn't work, replace all batteries, even if the verified keyboard software indicates a charge.
How to cure a flooded device at home
At the very beginning, you need to cover the keyboard (from the buttons side) with small polyethylene and secure it with tape on all sides.
We turn it upside down.
Now you need to unscrew all the fasteners: that is, the screws.
Then carefully remove the top part (along with the keys) and set it aside.
We see the dirty surface of our keyboard film.
We take alcohol and a piece of cotton wool and begin to wipe the film, cleaning out all the “useless” minerals.
If the keyboard does not work on Windows computer 7 and after cleaning - then there is a problem with the electronics!
The keyboard, along with the mouse, is the main means of communication between the user and the computer, so its failure can cause many problems. In order to understand what the breakdown is and what to do if the keyboard on the computer does not work, you should first divide the probable causes of loss of functionality into two categories.
Mechanical damage
So, the user has to figure out why the keyboard on the computer does not print, and what to do in this case. The input device may suffer from any physical impact on it. When using a wired keyboard, you should first inspect the wire itself for damage. Stripping the wires or even simple electrical tape can solve the problem. Next, you need to inspect the plug that is connected to the system unit. The problem can sometimes be related to the PS/2 port, which is purple in color.
First you need to carefully examine this plug for broken or bent connectors. In the first case, unfortunately, you will have to change the keyboard or try to replace the connector itself. You can try to carefully straighten bent contacts with tweezers or pliers. The same steps should be performed with the USB port. In this case, the problem usually lies in the software part, but it can also turn off due to mechanical problems.
The wireless keyboard may no longer connect due to a low or faulty battery. In another case, sometimes it is due to the fact that Windows stops seeing its signal. The solution to this problem is usually described in detail on the website of the manufacturer of a specific device model.
Often malfunctions stem from the fact that some kind of liquid was spilled on the keyboard, even in a small volume. In any case, if the keyboard does not respond to presses, it is useful to disassemble and clean the device. For this you need to remove all the buttons, prying them up with a convenient object for this purpose, and clean everything from dirt and dust. Next, you should turn the keyboard over, unscrew the screws and see if all the rubber pads are intact and in their places.
Software problems
First, you should make sure that it is this part that caused the device to malfunction. You need to try to enter the bootloader, also known as BIOS. It is, of course, impossible to enter the BIOS without a keyboard, as well as to fully work with the computer, so you will have to find a working device. When turning on the system, you should try pressing the DEL, F2, F8, F10 or F12 key several times (depending on the BIOS type). If the login is successful, it means that the keyboard is mechanically OK.
In the BIOS settings, you need to find the USB Keyboard Support menu and set the value to Enable if there is another option there. If the problem is not resolved after starting the system and connecting the previously faulty device, then you will have to deal with the drivers.
A driver is special software, with which the operating system controls various devices. It happens that some installed program can corrupt the keyboard drivers, or something went wrong with the driver update. There are two ways to solve this problem.
System rollback
This method returns the operating system exactly to the state in which it was some time ago, which means there is a chance for the drivers to resume working. In order to perform this procedure, you must:
Performing this operation may delete recently installed programs, but will not affect user files. If this method does not help, you need to work with the software.
Driver Update
To do this, you must first go to Device Manager. This can be done in the same way as described above, that is, through the control panel, in which you need to find the corresponding tab. The further procedure is as follows:
- In Device Manager, expand the “Keyboard” item.
- Right-click on the device option that appears.
- Select "Update drivers".
If the update does not help, then you can try removing this device, disconnecting the keyboard from the system unit, turning off the computer, reconnecting the device and starting the PC. The system should automatically recognize and install the driver. Otherwise, you need to find the driver yourself and install it.
This is not a difficult task, you just need to know the manufacturer and model of the keyboard, find the required driver in a search engine, then download it (it is best to do this from the manufacturer’s website) and double-click to open the desired file.
Registry problem
Sometimes it may be that a certain parameter in the registry is buggy and does not work correctly. To fix it you need to go to the registry . You can do it like this:
It is worth trying to consistently apply all the methods to solve the problem, but if nothing helps, then it is more advisable to take the device to a specialized service.
This is especially true for laptops, which it is better not to disassemble without knowledge in this matter, since the structure of a laptop keyboard is an order of magnitude more complex than the external one.
By the way, don’t forget about the possibility of using the on-screen keyboard. Sometimes it can be a great help in situations when the main device stops turning on. It is located in the same “Start” menu, in the “Special Features” subsection.
Keyboard malfunction issues computer It’s easier to decide - there’s always an opportunity check the keyboard you are using on another computer or vice versa - connect it to your PC exactly working properly. Then act according to the circumstances.
WITH laptop Another situation is that the keyboard is built-in, that is, an integral part.
In any case, try first reboot device and go to BIOS(usually the key F2 at the time of initialization for laptops, Del or F10 for desktop PCs). It didn’t work out - there’s a high probability device malfunction, most likely you will have to contact a service center. Before that we recommend check the contacts - they may be oxidized or squeezed out(relevant for PS/2) or check cable integrity- perhaps he received damage(for example, it was pinched).
If you succeeded, then the keyboard OK, we are dealing with a software glitch.
In this case, boot the system, it would be better to do this in safe mode without starting drivers ( F8 while loading). The device is functioning, which means the problem is in the drivers. Start the OS in normal mode, right-click on the icon Computer – Properties.
Find a section Keyboards and delete everything that is in the subkey.
Then reboot computer and check if the keyboard works. In normal condition, the driver should install automatically. Here in Dispatcher you can update or reinstall driver - this option is suitable if there is an indication of unidentified devices with yellow exclamation point.
The next option is system rollback to the restore point to the date when the keyboard was exactly working.
To do this we go Start/ Control Panel
Run the program here Recovery.
Launch system recovery– choose point, to which you should rollback.
A more radical way would be complete reinstallation operating system.
You can enter characters when the keyboard is not working using on-screen application.
Start/ Special abilities.
By clicking the cursor on the image of the virtual keys, information will be entered.
This is a temporary measure will simplify finding and solving the problem. For a laptop, another temporary solution would be connection a regular USB keyboard to any free port.
For more advanced users, of course you can disassemble And check connection cable. We will not dwell on this in detail in this article.
The numbers on the right don't work
If only the numbers on the right do not work, first check if the Num Lock, some users may forget to turn it on.
Above is usually Num Lock mode enabled illuminated green LED turned on (in rare cases it may not be present).
If the numbers still don't print, check to see if the Num Lock button actually does the job. Sometimes this mode includes a combination Num Lock + SHIFT or another.
Also check if you have the option enabled mouse control from keyboard.
Start\ Control Panel\ Special abilities\ Mouse
There should be no check mark in the “ Keyboard control«.
The f1-f12 keys do not work
If we are talking about laptop owners, the key is responsible for turning on the function keys Fn.
Some types of PC office devices have a " Office", you need to check its operation. In other cases it should help reinstallation drivers.
Laptop keyboard not working? This cannot be said to be a typical situation for modern technology; this is a rather rare breakdown of laptops. And if in the case of a PC you don’t even have to figure out the cause of the breakdown, simply replacing one keyboard with another, then in the case of a laptop things are much more complicated, because its keyboard is an integral part of a single integral structure. What could be the reasons for the breakdown of a laptop keyboard, what consequences can presumably be expected, how to get out of a situation when you urgently need to enter text on a laptop that is not working - we will consider all these questions below.
1. Is there a blacklist of laptop models that are prone to keyboard failure?
Before we begin to directly consider the problem of a broken laptop keyboard, a few words about whether it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a situation. Is there a kind of black list of laptops - specific models, products from a specific manufacturer, which in practice would prove their tendency to cause keyboard failure? No. There are no models on the computer market that are prone to this particular breakdown in practice. A laptop keyboard from any manufacturer can fail. Moreover, this applies to both flagship models and budget ones.
2. Possible reasons for laptop keyboard failure
Before taking your laptop to a service center, you can try to figure out on your own why the laptop keyboard is not working. And if this is a software glitch or problems with the keyboard cable, your attempts may be successful and you will save on services service center. So let's get started.
2.1. Software glitch
The reason the laptop keyboard fails may be due to errors in the Windows operating system itself. As a rule, this happens when the drivers fail. You can check this in the BIOS. To enter the BIOS, restart the laptop and hold down the Del key. In some laptop models, the F1 or F2 buttons may be used to enter the BIOS. This point can be clarified in the laptop manufacturer's instructions. If the keyboard works in the BIOS itself, you can boot Windows in safe mode to further test whether the keyboard works without drivers and with a minimum set of system services.
You can get into the safe mode of Windows XP, Vista, 7 using the F8 key, which must be held while the system boots. A boot mode selection menu will appear, where you must select to boot in safe mode without drivers. In the case of Windows 8/8.1, entering the system's safe mode is somewhat different; some preliminary system settings are required. Follow the path:
“Control Panel” - “Administration” - “System Configuration”.
In the “Downloads” tab, set the value to “Safe Mode”, click “Apply”, “OK” and reboot. After rebooting you will be in safe mode.
You can return the settings to their previous state in the same way by removing the “Safe Mode” value.
So, you have entered Windows Safe Mode. Check the functionality of your laptop keyboard. If the laptop keyboard works in safe mode, then the problem lies in the drivers. If the keyboard is in safe Windows mode does not work, while the BIOS responds to data input, most likely the problem is in the operating system itself.
After returning to normal Windows operation, proceed to install or update drivers.
Download and install the driver pack. This is a special type software, designed to select drivers for specific hardware components of a computer device. Having scanned the laptop and determined the drivers necessary for installation, the driver packs automatically remove their installers from their database and carry out the installation. Driver packs on the Internet can be found in the form of a DVD with an existing driver database, but it is much easier to quickly download and install the driver pack software client, which, after scanning, will download from the Internet only the necessary drivers in the latest, most current version.
DriverPack Solution, Slim Drivers– client programs for these driver packs can be downloaded absolutely free on the Internet. These are the top two among driver packs; they are popular among users because they are free and have a regularly updated driver database. Scan your laptop using the driver pack and install (or update) the drivers that the program indicates.
You can install or update drivers without using driver packs. Download them manually from the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop model.
If the work of installing or updating your laptop drivers does not solve the problem with the keyboard not working, you can try reinstalling Windows itself. For example, Windows XP is today an outdated operating system, and perhaps with Windows installation 7 or 8/8.1 the problem with the keyboard not working will disappear.
2.2. Pressed out or oxidized contacts of the keyboard cable
If you have been using a laptop for a long time, perhaps the problem of the keyboard not working lies in the oxidized or pressed contacts of its cable. To check this option and attempt to solve the problem, the laptop will have to be disassembled. If this is your first time disassembling a laptop yourself, use the instructions from the manufacturer. Instructions for many device models can be downloaded on the Internet in electronic form, in particular, on the official website of the same manufacturer. You can also watch video tutorials on how to properly disassemble a laptop on YouTube or other resources.
Having reached the keyboard cable, disconnect it by sticking it out of the connector and carefully inspect it. If you see obvious damage upon inspection, then this is the reason for the laptop keyboard not working. And you can solve it by replacing the cable.
If everything is in order with the keyboard cable, wipe its contacts with an ear swab moistened with alcohol, or use a regular eraser. After cleaning, insert the keyboard cable back and test.
2.3. Microcontroller failure or liquid spilled on laptop
If the reason for the laptop keyboard not working is a burnt out microcontroller or spilled liquid, in this case you cannot do without the services of a service center. It is impossible to thoroughly determine which hardware components of the laptop are faulty and re-solder them at home (of course, if you are not a specialist).
When liquid is spilled on a laptop, if it gets on the board, over time this leads to oxidation of the contacts. As a result, the keyboard completely fails. If you accidentally spill liquid on your laptop, immediately turn it off, remove the battery, and dry it with a hairdryer on a gentle hair-drying setting. If your hair dryer model has a cold air button, use only cold air. This is necessary in order to, if not prevent, then at least slow down the process of oxidation of contacts, microcircuits and boards.
3. I urgently need to enter text on a laptop with a non-working keyboard – what should I do?
Your laptop keyboard isn't working and you urgently need to send a message. Or even to download the same driver pack from the Internet, you will need to enter its name into a search engine. What to do in such a situation?
3.1. Windows virtual keyboard
Windows OS has built-in functionality that emulates a physical keyboard - this is the standard On-Screen Keyboard application. Click the “Start” button, select “Accessibility”, and here – “On-screen keyboard”.
Click the desired keys with your mouse to enter characters. On screen Windows keyboard The “Options” button has been implemented; when you click it, you can make some settings to customize the application for yourself.
Windows 8/8.1 OS, in addition to the standard On-Screen Keyboard application, has an alternative in a slightly different format. This is a special touch keyboard for tablets and laptops with a touch screen - a smoothly sliding window with large buttons so that they can be easily reached with your finger. If your laptop has Windows 8/8.1 installed, on the panel Windows tasks call the content menu and select “Properties”.
The “Taskbar Properties” menu will open, go to the “Toolbars” tab and check the box next to the “Touch Keyboard” option.
3.2. USB keyboard
If we are talking about speedy typing of a test, of course, you can’t do much with an on-screen keyboard. You can connect a physical USB keyboard through the laptop's USB port.
3.3. Bluetooth keyboard
A Bluetooth keyboard is a physical keyboard that can be connected to a laptop via a Bluetooth module. Almost all modern laptop models are equipped with this module.
The main input device for a computer is the keyboard. If it does not work, then it is impossible to print and perform other actions in the operating system. The so-called “keyboard” often stops responding to key presses. You should not immediately change one device to another, as often the problem is of a completely different nature.
Wired
If you are using a keyboard with wires, then one of the options involves connecting via a PS/2 computer port, and the second using a USB connector. Despite the difference in data transfer methods, the reasons will be approximately the same.
Freezes due to software crash
A fairly common occurrence is the keyboard freezing when working on a computer. This is often due to some kind of software glitch in the operating system. Usually the keys do not respond to pressing during a working session. In most cases, the problem is resolved in a matter of minutes. For a device with a PS/2 port, you need to use the mouse and simply restart the computer. If the keyboard has a USB connector, then it should be reconnected by unplugging and reinserting the cable.
It is rare, but it happens that this does not give results. Then you can try to perform a system restore. In Windows 10 this is done as follows:
- Go to the Start menu and in the list of applications find the System - Windows tab. Click to open it and select “Control Panel”.
- In the computer settings window, click on the link titled “System and Security.” It's at the very top left.
- Next, go to the section called “Security and Service Center”.
- In the lower left corner there is the inscription “Recovery” - you need to move on to it.
- The second item from the top is “Run System Restore”, which is where you should go.
- In the window that appears, click on the “Next” button.
- All that remains is to select a restore point and continue the process following the instructions.
Attention: if, then you can also try to restore the previous state of the system. At different software failures this often helps.
Updating or reinstalling drivers
Problems may arise due to the driver, which is a system program through which the user interacts directly with the device. It needs to be updated or reinstalled.
Instructions:
- Click on the icon in the lower left corner of the screen. In the Start menu that opens, select the System - Windows tab and go to the Control Panel.
- In the computer settings window, you need to go to the “Hardware and Sound” section.
- In the “Devices and Printers” category, click on the blue link labeled “Device Manager.”
- A list of installed hardware will appear. In the “Keyboards” section you need to find the corresponding device and click on it.
- The window labeled “Device Status” should indicate that the device is working normally.
- If there are any problems, then you need to open the “Driver” tab, which is located at the very top.
- First, you should try updating the system program for the keyboard by pressing the appropriate key.
- If this does not give any effect, then it is advisable to remove the driver and install a new one by downloading it from the official website of the device manufacturer.
Interesting: anyone can do it. Its operating principle is quite simple. For production you will need to purchase several elements.
Poor connection quality
Very often the keyboard stops working due to lack of a quality connection to the equipment. It is imperative to make sure that the cable is connected to the device on both sides. It is also recommended to check the integrity of the wires. They are interrupted in some places. It is not always possible to notice this immediately. In such cases, it is usually not possible to detect the hardware in Windows Device Manager.
Wireless
As for the wireless keyboard, you can also check the driver and try to restore the system. However, there are other reasons that are not typical for wired devices.
Lost connection with signal receiver
If characters cannot be entered from the keyboard at all or they appear with a significant delay, then the data transmission signal may be of poor quality.
What should you do?
- Replace batteries in wireless keyboard. Often the problem is related to this. The compartment for them is on the bottom side of the device.
- Make sure that the keyboard is located at the optimal distance from the computer and is located at some distance from other electrical devices that can cause interference.
- Keep the receiver away from metal objects. This will improve the signal quality.
- If there is a power switch, make sure it is in the ON position.
Bluetooth not enabled
It happens that wireless connection Bluetooth, through which data is transmitted from the keyboard to the receiver, is disabled. In this case, the device will not function at all.
How to turn on Bluetooth?
- Go to the Start menu and click the Settings icon located next to the shutdown button.
- In the window called “Windows Settings”, select the section labeled “Devices”.
- At the top of the window there is a slider that needs to be turned on.
Let's sum it up
The following steps are worth trying if your keyboard doesn't work. Often problems are associated with them. If this does not help, then we can assume that the device itself has failed for one reason or another. However, this happens quite rarely.