Question:

How to troubleshoot a partially unresponsive keyboard after dust removal?

I have a Toshiba – Satellite Radius 2-in-1 15.6″ 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Laptop – Intel Core i7 model. I disassembled it to remove the dust from the fan using compressed air. After reassembling it, I found that some of the keys (6, Y, H, N, and the left and right arrows) were not working. What could be the possible causes and solutions for this issue?

Answer:

A keyboard is one of the most essential components of a laptop, as it allows the user to input commands, type texts, and perform various functions. However, sometimes the keyboard may malfunction due to various reasons, such as dust accumulation, water damage, loose connections, or software issues. In this article, we will focus on how to troubleshoot a partially unresponsive keyboard after dust removal.

One of the common causes of keyboard problems is dust accumulation, which can block the contact between the keys and the circuit board, or interfere with the signal transmission. To prevent this, it is advisable to regularly clean the keyboard using a soft brush, a microfiber cloth, or compressed air. However, sometimes dust removal can also cause some keys to stop working, especially if the compressed air is too strong, or if the keyboard is not properly reassembled after disassembly.

If you have a partially unresponsive keyboard after dust removal, here are some possible solutions you can try:

• Check the keyboard connections: Sometimes, the keyboard may not be properly connected to the motherboard, or the ribbon cable may be loose or damaged. To fix this, you need to open the laptop case and inspect the keyboard connections. Make sure the ribbon cable is securely plugged into the connector, and there are no signs of damage or corrosion. If the cable is faulty, you may need to replace it with a new one.
• Reset the keyboard settings: Sometimes, the keyboard settings may be changed by accident, or by a software update, causing some keys to behave differently or not work at all. To fix this, you need to reset the keyboard settings to the default values. You can do this by going to the Control Panel, clicking on Keyboard, and selecting the Restore Defaults button. Alternatively, you can also use the Windows Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix any keyboard issues. You can access it by going to the Settings, clicking on Update & Security, and selecting Troubleshoot. Then, choose Keyboard and follow the instructions.
• Update the keyboard driver: Sometimes, the keyboard driver may be outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with the operating system, causing some keys to not work properly. To fix this, you need to update the keyboard driver to the latest version. You can do this by going to the Device Manager, right-clicking on the keyboard, and selecting Update Driver. Then, choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can also download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.
• Replace the keyboard: Sometimes, the keyboard may be damaged beyond repair, either by physical wear and tear, or by excessive dust removal. In this case, the only solution is to replace the keyboard with a new one. You can either buy a compatible keyboard from the manufacturer or a third-party seller, or take your laptop to a professional repair shop. Replacing the keyboard may require some technical skills and tools, so if you are not confident, it is better to seek professional help.

These

are some of the possible causes and solutions for a partially unresponsive keyboard after dust removal. We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.