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As I move around the different Forums I browse and moderate, I have seen many problems posted due to keyboard problems. I'm making this page in hopes that I can answer or at least give you some links to help solve your problem. If you do not think the keyboard is important, try using your computer without it. Your computer will almost be useless without it. The keyboard can and will eventually go down. It is a very simple peripheral and when it goes on the blink, you are probably better to just replace it rather then trying to repair it. I have taken apart many keyboards and sometimes it's just a matter of cleaning the key pad, or maybe a loose wire re-soldered or sometimes just a STUCK KEY. |
First let’s look at the three basic types of Keyboards: |
Older computer's (XT, AT, Baby AT and LPX) use what is called an AT keyboard. This board has a large AT connector that plugs into the motherboard, commonalty referred to as a |
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DIN-5 (IBM-PC)
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Newer keyboards use what is called an ATX keyboard. This board has either a USB or a PS/2 connector. The Ps/2 connector is smaller then the AT and communally referred to as PS2 (Mini-DIN-6) |
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Looks like this:
The pins are as follows:
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You can also get an adapter that will allow a PS/2 keyboard to plug into the old AT motherboard, it looks like this: |
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And finally is the USB keyboard which has a standard USB plug on it: |
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Ok, now you know the different type of PC Keyboards, so lets look at what can go wrong with them and some of the error's they generate and possible fixes. Isn't it ironic that if you get a keyboard error at boot sometimes it will say: |
"Keyboard Error or No Keyboard present Press F1 to continiue..Hum..maybe the mouse has a F1 key on it |
| First: If the keyboard does not respond at all: |
| 1. Restart the computer, sometimes this will resolve the problem, as it may of froze up during the first boot up. Make sure nothing has spilled or fallen into the keyboard (between the keys).
2. Look behind the system ( 3. Shut the computer down. Physically remove the keyboard cable and visually check to make sure that no pins are bent or broken. If you have access to another keyboard try it, if it works then replace the keyboard. Most times a Stuck Key will cause an error message. If any keyboard errors shows up on the screen look at your manual to correct the error/problem. This can also occur if you try to type while the computer is booting up. If you do try another keyboard and get the same type of error then try this using the mouse:
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Let’s look at other specific errors |
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| Keyboard clock line failure: The clock line is one of the control lines between the keyboard and the keyboard controller that interfaces the keyboard to the motherboard |
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| Keyboard controller failure: The system has detected what appears to be a failure with the keyboard controller, which interfaces the keyboard to the motherboard. |
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| Keyboard data line failure: The data line is one of the control lines between the keyboard and the keyboard controller that interfaces the keyboard to the motherboard. |
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| Key lock locked: The system is detecting that the key lock on the front of the case is locked, and therefore will not boot. The error message usually refers to the keyboard being locked but this really means the key lock on the front of the system case.
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If the keyboard does generate an error, some of the common ones are:
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Can I clean my keyboard, sure you can |
| 1. Turn the keyboard on its back and remove all the screws that hold it together. Some have more screws than others. |
| 2. Now turn the keyboard over and gently remove the two halves. If it does not come apart, turn it back over and gently pry up the rubber feet, as some screws could be hidden underneath. When you take the two halves apart watch the cable so it does not break. |
| 3. Now that you have the two pieces apart you will see the half with the keys themselves, they will not fall out. On some boards you can remove individual keys and on some screws will be holding down the entire key portion. Once you have the keys removed, depending if they are individual or as a unit you can now clean them. |
| 4. For individual keys one way is to put them all in an old stocking or put the key plate itself (generally in two halves) in a stocking. |
| 5. Now remove all of the electrical parts (pay attention to the screws that hold them down and their location. Now you will have all the plastic parts of the keyboard apart. Take these pieces (including the stocking if used) and place them in a dishwasher - YES A DISHWASHER. Wash them in a standard dishwasher cycle. You will be amazed what the board will look like when done. |
| 6. Note: When removing the keys only remove the cap with the lettering (mark down which position it is in) don't remove the lower end. Leave the keys with springs in them, normally the bigger keys e.g., space bar enter ect. |
| Another way to clean is use a parts brush or even a pastry brush to clean in between the keys and other areas. You can use a q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean the electric boards and or the keys where they touch the particular sensor.
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