Troubleshooting The Keyboard
Do you think the keyboard is important?Try using yourcomputer without it.Your computer will be almostuseless without the keyboard.And like all other PCperipherals,the keyboard can and will put you down.
The keyboard is a simple peripheral and when it doesgo on the blink,you will be much better off pyrchasinga new one rather than considering repairing it,unlessthe problem is something simple like a stuck key.
TROUBLESHOOTING BASICS
As we look into problems with the keyboard,rememberthe check the obvious first and as with all problemsolving procedures,don't be tempted to take shortcuts.Follow these procedures to resolve common keyboardproblems.Always keep the keyboard clean and don'tset anything on the keys
KEYBOARD WILL NOT RESPOND
1st. Restart the computer.This sometimes will resolvea computer that has froze or locked up during the firstboot up.Be sure nothing has fallen into the keyboard.
2rd. Look behind the system unit and check to see ifthe cable is fully inserted into the connector.Check to see if it is in the keyboard connector and not themouse connector.
Shut the computer off and remove the cable from the system unit.Check to see if any pins or connectorshave been bent or broken.
If all pins and connectors are good.Try connectinganother keyboard and restart the computer.If thenew keyboard works,replace the old keyboard.
CHECK FOR KEYBOARD ERROR IN WINDOWS
At times,a stuck key on the keyboard will producean error message.Notice any keyboard errors thatmay show on the monitor and look at your computermanual to correct the problem.
If the new keyboard should fail as well,check the resource conflicts if your operating system is Windows98 or Me.Click on Start,Settings,Control Panel,System,and Device Manager Tab in System Properties.
Windows displays your devices attached to your PC.Click the plus sign and scan the list for the keyboard.If you notice an exclamation point or a red X besidethe keyboard,the keyboard has a problem.
Now highlight the keyboard,click the remove button,and click OK in the confirmation window.Close theDevice Manager and restart the computer.Theoperating system will reconfigure the keyboard.
WINDOWS DID NOT FIX THE KEYBOARD
You have restarted the computer and the keyboardstill does not work.Its now possible you have a faultykeyboard port.This may prove true if the secondkeyboard failed to work on your computer as well.
Though it rarely happens,an error message will appear if the keyboard get hot.Stuck keys arealso causes of error messages appearing onyour monitor at bootup.
POOR KEYBOARD PERFORMANCE
Keeping the keyboard free from dirt and dust,isessential to good keyboard performance.Liquidspills are common and can be cleaned with acan of compressed air.
Your settings in Windows may also be the culpritin poor keyboard performance.To check yourkeyboard performance,click on Start,Settings,Control Panel,and double click keyboard.
On the Speed Tab,you have the option to controlthe Repeat Delay,Repeat Rate,and the CursorBlink rate.The Repeat Delay is the delay betweenthe time you press a key and when it responds.The Repeat Rate controls just how fast the keyrepeats after it begins repeating.
Windows give you the ability to control featuresof your keyboard which will boost its performance,allowing you to perform your tasks quicker.
While the keyboard is replaced rather than repaired,it is imperative that you learn troubleshooting stepsto correct most keyboard problems.You may haveproblems with the keyboard late at night and youmay need to get it working to complete a documentyou may need for work.Know how to correct problemsand help others that may experience keyboardfailure.