Strange problem - key presses are suddenly ignored - any suggestions?

[Globetrotter]

I noticed a strange problem, which started today. Sometimes when I type, the key presses are simply ignored and the characters don't appear. If I continue to press a key, it suddenly works again. Or if I press e.g. Shift-S, it won't do anything, or display a small 's' instead, or if I continue to press Shift-S, it will type 'S' eventually. If I type something else and then Shift-S, then it works. Sometimes when I type 'g' or 'm', the same thing happens. It ignores key presses at random. And the problem is intermittent.

What could be the cause of this? I first thought it could be a keylogger program that somehow got on my laptop (which I doubt) because keyloggers can delay typing as it records the keypresses. But the delay would have been constant. Anyway, I ran my anti-virus scans, Search & Destroy as well but didn't find anything strange.

I looked at the Processes list in Windows Task Manager and didn't see anything out of the ordinary and the CPU usage was normal. None of the processes tied the system down.

I then did a System Restore to 2 days prior, therefore before the problem started. But that didn't solve the problem.

So I thought I should do a clean install of Windows XP, still assuming the problem was perhaps software related. In preparation, I rebooted and entered the BIOS (F2) to change the boot order so the CD-ROM could be read first. However, I immediately noticed that I experienced the exact same problem when moving around the BIOS options. I would move down a few options in a BIOS menu but when I wanted to move UP, it would just ignore the key press, some sort of delay and then I'd have to press something else, and eventually the UP arrow would suddenly start working.
This proved (to me) that it's not the Windows XP OS at all because since I'm in the BIOS, the XP OS has not even loaded yet.

So what does this mean? The laptop's KEYBOARD suddenly broke? I didn't spill anything on it and the laptop does not get moved at all. Or does this mean... that the HARD DRIVE is about to give in?? (When the OS freezes completely for short periods while you type, that could be an indication of a hard drive problem but my OS does not freeze, it's just the key presses that are ignored, sometimes!)

I actually had to re-type quite a few words while typing this post since a few of the keypresses were simply ignored. Type 'ignored' but get 'ignred' instead. I get the problem while typing in any program (Firefox, Google Chrome, password manager etc.), so it's not program specific.

Any suggestions what the cause could be? Possible solutions?

 

[wHiTe*LiGhTnInG]

try and use the windows virtual keyboard and see what happens. I am pretty sure the keyboard is packing up though, could even be the actual keyboard controller, but eliminate all option until you find out what it is., might even be slightly out of its connection.If its under warranty take it back, if not then on the back unscrew the screw for the keyboard then turn it over again and unclip the top clips pull the keyboard out and check the plastic ribbon cable and push it tightly in its place.

 

[Globetrotter]

try and use the windows virtual keyboard and see what happens. I am pretty sure the keyboard is packing up though, could even be the actual keyboard controller, but eliminate all option until you find out what it is., might even be slightly out of its connection.If its under warranty take it back, if not then on the back unscrew the screw for the keyboard then turn it over again and unclip the top clips pull the keyboard out and check the plastic ribbon cable and push it tightly in its place.

Thank for the suggestions. I tried the onscreen keyboard and didn't get the problem but unfortunately it is difficult to test this way, since the problem is intermittent. I checked and the laptop is still under warranty, the 3 year extension now showing it's worth. It expires in April. So if the problem persists I'll have to send it back. I'm not comfortable opening up a laptop myself anyway. PC yes, laptop no.

Unfortunately I don't have a USB keyboard lying around because I could have used that too to bypass the laptop keyboard, to see if I get the same problem.
I have a regular 101 keyboard with a PS2 connection. Any idea what a PS2-to-USB converter cost? I don't want to spend a lot of money testing it, I'll rather send it back to Acer I guess, but it's a schlep since it means shipping it back to Johannesburg.

 

[froot]

Thank for the suggestions. I tried the onscreen keyboard and didn't get the problem but unfortunately it is difficult to test this way, since the problem is intermittent. I checked and the laptop is still under warranty, the 3 year extension now showing it's worth. It expires in April. So if the problem persists I'll have to send it back. I'm not comfortable opening up a laptop myself anyway. PC yes, laptop no.

Unfortunately I don't have a USB keyboard lying around because I could have used that too to bypass the laptop keyboard, to see if I get the same problem.
I have a regular 101 keyboard with a PS2 connection. Any idea what a PS2-to-USB converter cost? I don't want to spend a lot of money testing it, I'll rather send it back to Acer I guess, but it's a schlep since it means shipping it back to Johannesburg.

A PS2->USB is like R30 if you don't buy at Incredible Connection.

I had the same issue with my laptop. It can be caused by a finito key, or even just something dirty that's messing with the connection. If it was the keyboard controller/ ribbon connecting it to the laptop, other keys would have given this issue as well.
My suggestion: Try replicate this with an external keyboard. If it works, send it in under warranty. Don't wait.

 

[InTheCube]

Try blowing out your keyobard with one of those air pressure pumps, or take it to the local garage, have them unscrew the valve/connector on the tyre pressure filler thingies, and blow your keyboard clean with some high-pressure air.

I'm sure you could borrow a PS2 to USB connector from a friend or colleague or something. They usually come free with your keyboard, it's a small green connector. Just ask around - somebody will have it. No need to buy one.

 

[Globetrotter]

Thank for the replies. Definitely looks like faulty keyboard and/or controller at this point. Since it's still under warranty I logged the fault with Acer Support anyway. Hopefully they have stock but being without the laptop for a whole week is going to be a bummer.

 

[TheRift]

Eish... Acer support. Let us know how you come along with them. Would be nice to hear someone have a good experience.

 

[Globetrotter]

Eish... Acer support. Let us know how you come along with them. Would be nice to hear someone have a good experience.

Took about a week from logging the call, courier collecting my laptop and sending it to Johannesburg, fix it, return laptop to Cape Town. Had no problems at all. All fixed. Keyboard and controller replaced, DVD writer too.