Computer Help and Support

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts) Fri Oct 11, 2019, 06:07 PM Oct 2019

Yes? No? Maybe?

Okay, here's the deal. My keyboard (Toshiba satellite) is acting up. Some keys need to be struck repeatedly, others produce multiples that have to be deleted (by a delete key that works only when it feels like it). Makes for interesting episodes when entering passwords. Have used a shop vac to clean the keyboard, no difference.

Anyway, it has been suggested that I install a new keyboard driver. Having zero geek genes, this sounds a bit scary. So should I? And if so, how?

Large thanks in advance!

16 replies

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Yes? No? Maybe? (Original Post) madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 OP

Is it a wireless keyboard? EarlG Oct 2019 #1

Definitely not wireless.. madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 #2

If you have access to another keyboard try it Dan Oct 2019 #3

Thanks -- madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 #11

I very much doubt the keyboard driver is at fault canetoad Oct 2019 #4

Yep -- madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 #12

pop off the stuck keys and clean around with a damp q tip nt msongs Oct 2019 #5

Thanks madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 #13

I have found that I periodically need to buy a new keyboard. PoindexterOglethorpe Oct 2019 #6

For a laptop? madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 #7

Sorry. My ignorance is showing. PoindexterOglethorpe Oct 2019 #8

Here is a small external keyboard OxQQme Oct 2019 #10

Thanks madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 #14

Actually you could use an external 102 keyboard to help isolate the problem. lpbk2713 Oct 2019 #9

Just bought one. madamesilverspurs Oct 2019 #15

You're certainly welcome. lpbk2713 Oct 2019 #16

EarlG

(22,515 posts)

1. Is it a wireless keyboard?

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Original post)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 06:09 PM

Oct 2019

Or wired?

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts)

2. Definitely not wireless..

Reply to EarlG (Reply #1)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 06:11 PM

Oct 2019

Dan

(4,035 posts)

3. If you have access to another keyboard try it

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Original post)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 06:16 PM

Oct 2019

And if the problem continues - then consider the drivers might be the issue.

If the problem does not happen with a different keyboard - then it is the first keyboard that is the problem.

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts)

11. Thanks --

Reply to Dan (Reply #3)

Mon Oct 14, 2019, 04:50 PM

Oct 2019

that did the trick!

canetoad

(18,074 posts)

4. I very much doubt the keyboard driver is at fault

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Original post)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 06:17 PM

Oct 2019

It's more likely dust and detritus that has gathered between the keys and fallen underneath them. I have a Satelite and know there is not enough space between the keys to clean it out with a toothpick or pin.

You could try unhooking the cables, turn it 90deg to your desk surface and gently tap the front edge of the computer on your desk. Then see if you can clear it out with a can of compressed air with the little plastic tube attached.

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts)

12. Yep --

Reply to canetoad (Reply #4)

Mon Oct 14, 2019, 04:53 PM

Oct 2019

Vacced ad did compressed air, all but a couple of keys cleared up. Got a USB keyboard, that did the trick. Thanks for the help!

msongs

(70,090 posts)

5. pop off the stuck keys and clean around with a damp q tip nt

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Original post)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 06:19 PM

Oct 2019

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts)

13. Thanks

Reply to msongs (Reply #5)

Mon Oct 14, 2019, 04:54 PM

Oct 2019

Finally got a USB keyboard. All better now!

PoindexterOglethorpe

(26,607 posts)

6. I have found that I periodically need to buy a new keyboard.

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Original post)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 06:30 PM

Oct 2019

I do wireless ones, and what I get at Best Buy is a logitech that costs maybe 20 bucks.

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts)

7. For a laptop?

Reply to PoindexterOglethorpe (Reply #6)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 07:07 PM

Oct 2019

Asking because I honestly do not know..

PoindexterOglethorpe

(26,607 posts)

8. Sorry. My ignorance is showing.

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Reply #7)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 07:12 PM

Oct 2019

I assumed a desktop, especially after the question of whether it was wireless.

OxQQme

(2,550 posts)

10. Here is a small external keyboard

Reply to PoindexterOglethorpe (Reply #8)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 07:36 PM

Oct 2019

Small enough to sit over the existing keyboard. Or your lap.
Plug in a USB dongle and start typing.
Not a driver problem.

https://www.amazon.com/Arteck-Wireless-Keyboard-Stainless-Rechargeable/dp/B073TSKFRX/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1DJESTXTLVYH2&keywords=computer+keyboard+wireless&qid=1570839694&sprefix=computer+keyb%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-10

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts)

14. Thanks

Reply to OxQQme (Reply #10)

Mon Oct 14, 2019, 04:57 PM

Oct 2019

Just spent $10 for a USB keyboard at wallyworld. Works!

lpbk2713

(43,201 posts)

9. Actually you could use an external 102 keyboard to help isolate the problem.

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Reply #7)

Fri Oct 11, 2019, 07:32 PM

Oct 2019

Just plug it in to a USB port on your laptop. A plain old vanilla keyboard wouldn't call for any software changes and it would serve as a workaround until you did something about the laptop keyboard.

madamesilverspurs

(16,032 posts)

15. Just bought one.

Reply to lpbk2713 (Reply #9)

Mon Oct 14, 2019, 04:58 PM

Oct 2019

Spent $10 and it's all better now. Thanks!

lpbk2713

(43,201 posts)

16. You're certainly welcome.

Reply to madamesilverspurs (Reply #15)

Mon Oct 14, 2019, 05:01 PM

Oct 2019

I use a cordless illuminated keyboard with my PC and I love it.

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