The well-known Taiwanese brand “Acer” has long gained a sufficient level of popularity in the world market. The most common laptop models these days are perhaps the Acer “Aspire”, “Extensa” and “TravelMate”.
Acer laptops have good technical performance, but even they can upset their owners with a faulty keyboard.
To repair the keyboard on an Acer laptop, it is important to know the reason for its failure. The most common ones are discussed below:
Spilled drinks
If any liquid gets on the laptop keyboard, it often leads to serious disruptions in the operation of the entire system, for example, a short circuit on the motherboard.
First you need to immediately disconnect the device from the power supply, and pull out the battery. Spilled liquid should be removed from the keys as quickly and carefully as possible. To do this, you can use absorbent cotton wool or an ordinary hairdryer (select the “cold air” mode). Timely removal of moisture can prevent oxidation of the boards.
Repair comes down to full analysis keyboard, washing it (it is permissible to use only “non-aggressive” detergents) and further drying.
Sometimes it is necessary to dismantle films with a sprayed current-carrying channel. Any breaks or darkened areas indicate the need to restore the channel using special conductive varnishes.
Software failures
Sometimes a non-functional keyboard may indicate general system operating failures or incorrectly functioning drivers: try logging into the BIOS of your laptop (the login key depends on your model, most often it is Del, F12 or F10). Successful entry into BIOS and the ability to free navigation indicates that the keyboard is working properly and another reason for its incorrect operation.
For example, the problem may lie in the operating system, which may need to be reinstalled or updated. Special attention It’s worth paying attention to “keyboard” drivers.
Effect of increased or decreased temperature
Jammed keyboard contacts can be caused by sudden change in temperature. In such cases, you should leave your laptop alone for 30-40 minutes to normalize the temperature (it is advisable to do this indoors, avoiding direct sunlight). A thermal problem is usually eliminated automatically after “warming up” or, conversely, “cooling down”.
Entry of foreign objects (insufficient pressing, sticking)
Any foreign objects that get inside the laptop keyboard cause damage to individual keys or the entire keyboard. In particularly “severe” cases, contact closure may occur, the consequences of which are difficult to predict.
At home, you should try to carefully turn the laptop over and shake it out. Usually crumbs, large dust particles and other small objects fall out. By the way, it is better to do this with the device turned off and disconnected from the network. Sticky keys need cleaning and possibly further replacement. First, you need to remove the “problem” key and remove the cause of the sticking (most often these are sweet drinks). Use a soft cloth or special wipes.
Not all reasons for keyboards not working are discussed here. For example, failure of a microcontroller, a damaged cable or manufacturing defects entail very serious consequences, which only service center specialists can fix.
With a problem broken keyboard on desktop computer Everyone can cope. The solution is to replace the device with a new one or connect the non-working device to another connector. Alternatively, by opening the keyboard case, you can try to clean it from dust and small particles. But what to do if your laptop keyboard fails? This article will look at the reasons and methods for resuscitating the main input device on a laptop PC.
All problems associated with the keyboard can be divided into two groups: software and hardware. In most cases, there are malfunctions in the operation of the software (errors in the system registry, input device drivers). Such problems are solved using the functions of the OS itself. A smaller group are hardware problems, which usually require contacting service center.
Reason 1: Sleep and Hibernation modes
Many users, instead of shutting down the PC, often resort to such useful functions, How "Dream" or "Hibernation". This certainly significantly reduces Windows boot time and allows you to save Current state systems. But too frequent use of such opportunities leads to incorrect operation resident programs. Therefore, our first recommendation is a regular reboot.
Users of Windows 10 (as well as other versions of this OS) who have it installed by default will need to disable it:
- Click on the button "Start".
- Click on the icon on the left "Options".
- Choose "System".
- Go to the section "Power and sleep mode" (1).
- Next, click "Advanced system settings" (2).
- Going to the power settings, click on the inscription "Actions when closing the lid".
- For change additional parameters Click on the top link.
- Now we need to uncheck "Turn on quick start» (1).
- Click on "Save changes" (2).
- Reboot the computer.
Reason 2: Incorrect OS configuration
First, let's find out whether our problems are related to Windows settings, and then consider several solutions.
Keyboard test on boot
The functionality of the keyboard can be checked by bootstrap computer. To do this, simply click function keys access to . Each laptop model has specific keys, but we can recommend the following: ( "ESC","DEL", "F2", "F10", "F12"). If you manage to enter the BIOS or call up any menu, then the problem lies in the configuration of Windows itself.
Enabling "Safe Mode"
We check whether the keyboard works in safe mode. To do this, follow the links below to see how to boot a computer without third-party resident programs.
So, if the system does not respond to key presses at startup and in safe mode, then the problem lies in a hardware malfunction. Then let's look last section articles. Otherwise, there is a chance to fix the keyboard using software manipulations. More on setting up Windows.
Method 1: System Restore
"System Restore"- it's built in Windows tool, allowing you to return the system to its previous state.
Method 2: Checking Drivers
Method 3: Removing resident programs
If the laptop keyboard works in safe mode, but refuses to perform functions in standard mode, it means that a certain resident module is interfering with the normal functioning of the input device.
The steps described below are recommended if the previous methods did not produce results. The input device is not working, but it is still possible to send a command to the system. For this we will use "On-screen keyboard":
Reason: Hardware failure
If the methods described above do not help, then the problem most likely has to do with the hardware. Usually these are loop violations. Generally speaking, opening the laptop case and getting to the ribbon cable is not a problem. Before you disassemble your computer, make sure it is eligible for warranty. If yes, then it is not worth violating the integrity of the case. Just pick up your laptop and take it to warranty repair. This is provided that you yourself complied with the operating conditions (did not spill liquid on the keyboard, did not drop the computer).
If you still decide to get to the cable and open the case, what next? In this case, carefully inspect the cable itself to see if there are any physical defects or signs of oxidation. If the cable is fine, just wipe it with an eraser. It is not recommended to use alcohol or any other liquids as this may only degrade the performance of the ribbon cable.
The biggest problem may be a faulty microcontroller. Alas, there is nothing you can do here yourself - a visit to the service center cannot be avoided.
Thus, restoring the operation of a laptop PC keyboard consists of a series of actions performed in a certain order. First of all, it is determined whether the malfunction of the device is related to third party applications. If so, then the methods considered Windows settings will eliminate software errors. Otherwise, hardware intervention measures are required.
Quite often, laptop owners find themselves in a situation where the data input device on their favorite device suddenly stops functioning. As a rule, this happens suddenly or after some manipulation with software. The main keyboard failures and methods for eliminating them will be the topic of this publication.
Why can a laptop keyboard fail?
Reason #1
Negligence or carelessness of the owner, as a result of which it is flooded with liquid (tea, coffee, lemonade, strong and slightly diluted drinks). The keyboard on the laptop does not work, what should I do, disassemble and repair it myself or take it to a service center? These are the thoughts that plague the unfortunate owner of portable equipment.
In fact, you shouldn’t panic and, if possible, you should remove the keyboard as quickly as possible and clean it, the process of which will be described below. If this process is delayed, then complete failure of the device cannot be avoided: the conductive paths will rot.
First aid for a laptop in this situation:
- Turn the device upside down.
- Disconnect the battery.
To prevent burnout of the controller and other electronic components laptop, do not turn on the device until the repair work is completed.
Reason #2
The keyboard on the laptop does not work after self-disassembly when cleaning. The thing is that when disconnecting the keyboard from the motherboard, beginners often make the mistake of pulling the connector by the cable, which results in loss of contact of one of the conductors. In addition, when assembling a laptop, the cable may be broken or not fully inserted into the contact group.
It causes a particular nuisance to the laptop when the connector with the cable is inserted “upside down”. It's difficult - but sometimes it happens to beginners.
The difficulty in solving such a problem is that it is invisible to the “naked eye” and without reverse dismantling it is impossible to determine the degree of damage to the cable and contact group.
Reason #3
Incorrect operation of the software may be the cause. Especially if you recently reinstalled the drivers.
The first thing to do in such a situation is to establish that the device has stopped functioning as a result of a hardware failure or software failure. For this:
- Reboot the laptop and at the same time try to enter the BIOS.
- If you were able to enter the BIOS, then the keyboard is working and you should look for the problem in the OS itself. If not, then dismantle the keyboard and determine the cause of the breakdown.
If you find out that everything works outside the operating system, then exit the BIOS and press F8 when loading to enter Safe Mode. Next, you should select to enter safe mode without drivers. If the keyboard works, then the problem is incorrect installed drivers or in their absence. This can also happen, but, as a rule, after virus attack. If the input device works in BIOS but does not work in Safe Mode, then the problem is operating system.
The problem of reinstalling drivers with a non-working input device can be solved by connecting the mouse to the USB connector and calling up the on-screen keyboard. Inconvenient and slow, but helps to introduce search bar request for new drivers.
Many users do not know how to enable the keyboard on a laptop, since this function is rarely used.
In fact, everything is very simple: Start - Standard - Special abilities — Screen keyboard. All operations can be done with the mouse.
Reason #4
The buttons on the laptop keyboard do not work after cleaning the keys and other parts. As a rule, in this case only some buttons do not function.
The problem may be mechanical damage to the conductive paths. In such a situation, there are three options: a service center and expensive repairs; complete replacement input devices or self-recovery tracks using special conductive glue.
How to clean a laptop keyboard
There are two main ways to clean input devices: superficial and complete. With the surface method, debris and dust between the keys are removed with a brush, the dust that was not swept away by the brush is sucked in with a vacuum cleaner, and the keys are wiped with special cleaning wipes. 
Complete cleaning involves disassembling the entire data input device. I would like to talk about this cleaning method in more detail.
The first thing you need to do is turn off the power to the laptop and remove it from it. battery. Next, you need to dismantle the data input device. If you don’t know how to remove the keyboard from a laptop, then repeat everything exactly as shown in our instructions.
Removing the keyboard
When disconnecting the cable, do not pull it by the conductors, hold it by the plastic connector.
After the data input device has been removed, you can proceed to further disassembly, namely, removing the keys.
Removing the keys
The easiest way to remove a button without damaging its fastening is to press down bottom part keys, and insert a thin screwdriver under the top one. By pulling the screwdriver up and holding the button, it snaps off quite easily. 
Now that the keys are all removed, you can proceed directly to cleaning. To do this, you will need a soft, wide brush, and possibly special wet wipes or cleaning fluid.
Everything is quite simple: you need to remove all dirt and wipe the button mechanism with wet wipes to remove grease and stubborn dust.
After cleaning, replace the buttons and the keyboard itself.
Do not use acetone or other harsh liquids to clean the keyboard. They can damage its circuitry. If special liquid no, and you've run out of cleaning wipes, you can use an aqueous solution of isopropyl alcohol.
Owners of PCs, both stationary and portable, often encounter certain equipment malfunctions. Often the keyboard (buttons) does not work, and if regular computer This problem can be solved by connecting another one, but with a laptop it is more difficult, since this element of the device is built-in. Before you start repairing your laptop keyboard because the buttons (all, half or part) are not working, it is important to understand possible reasons such a breakdown: you may be able to fix it yourself, without the help of a specialist.
Keyboard won't print on laptop
If the keyboard on a laptop does not work (does not respond, does not work, does not type, does not turn on, does not write), the reasons may be either mechanical damage or a software failure. But often users inadvertently block this element of the gadget themselves by pressing certain combination buttons, after which they stop responding to commands.
To fix the problem, you need to do the following:
- find out the key combination for unlocking, taking into account a certain model laptop PC (may be specified in the equipment instructions);
- try the standard combination “NumLock+Fn” or press the button with the image of a lock, which is responsible for locking the keys;
- For some models, the combination “lock key + Fn” works.
If all these manipulations did not bring the required result, and the buttons still cannot be pressed, you can try turning on the on-screen option, and then switching to the normal one - this should help.
And if it’s not a blocking issue, you should pay attention to the nature of the failure: they don’t work separate keys or all at once.
Some buttons on the laptop do not work
It often happens that not all keys work. There may be several reasons:
- Crumbs, dust and other small debris got under the buttons themselves, which is why some of them do not work. You should carefully clean the device: by shaking out the debris or using a vacuum cleaner at minimum operating mode.
- The keyboard was completely or partially flooded with liquid (especially those containing sugar - tea, coffee, sparkling water, juice), which got onto the key chips and led to the formation of an oxide film. It is necessary to disassemble and clean the device using alcohol and other special liquids.
- Due to too strong impacts on them, some letters, numbers or spaces stopped printing. Most likely, individual broken elements will need to be repaired.
- Manufacturing defects. It is strongly recommended not to try to fix it yourself: it is better to immediately contact the seller, taking your laptop and warranty card– in case of such a defect, the equipment must either be replaced or the full cost returned.
Causes of keyboard malfunction
If the keyboard on your laptop does not print at all and does not respond to any commands, probable causes includes:
- Software glitch. It happens that the driver does not work or errors occur in Windows, but the keyboard itself remains in working condition. To check, you should go into the BIOS - if successful, and the keyboard works, you can diagnose a failure in the OS or drivers; you just need to reinstall them.
- The cable has failed. The contacts may have oxidized or lost integrity over time. You can check the likelihood of this only by disassembling the gadget at a service center.
- The microcontroller burned out. The situation can also be corrected exclusively at a service center - you should not try to re-solder the contacts yourself, as this can lead to even more serious damage.
- Certain problems with the battery. On some laptop models, the keyboard may not work when the battery is low. To check this, connect the device to the network - if the keys begin to respond to commands, then the problem is the battery.
The keyboard does not work on the laptop - what to do?
If the laptop keyboard does not print letters, it is important to know what not to do - try to fix the problem on your own, without knowing the specifics of the equipment and without having a certain set of tools and skills.
It is extremely important to first make full diagnostics equipment, and only then begin to eliminate the malfunction, knowing exactly its cause: software glitch, mechanical damage keys as a result of liquid ingress, and so on.
Over the short or perhaps long life of your laptop, you could encounter several reasons for the failure of various hardware components. Let's look at several reasons why keyboard malfunctions may occur. laptop computer(the keyboard stopped working) and how to fix it.
Driver problem
In most cases, this problem is solved this way: when rebooting, go into the device’s BIOS. Depending on what device model you have, you will need to press the DEL or F2 key. If you manage to enter the BIOS, you will see a blue or gray screen.
Try using the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the menu. When exiting, press F10 and the Y button, then Enter. If everything worked out, then before loading Windows 7 or XP, hold down the F8 key and select "Safe Mode".
This is necessary so that they do not load unnecessary services, which may interfere with the keyboard's operation. If the device is running Windows 8, then we will need to do one manipulation in order to boot into “Safe Mode”.
To do this, go to Start Control Panel Administration System Configuration, go to the Boot tab and check the Safe Mode box, then click the Apply button and reboot the computer.
If after all these manipulations the keyboard works, then the problem was due to incorrect operation of the drivers. That is, a common software glitch. If the device works in the BIOS, but not in the operating system, then most likely the problem lies in the operating system itself. It is advisable to reinstall Windows.
If you have Windows 8, you have the option to use the on-screen keyboard.
To enter characters from faulty device Windows developers invented the "On-Screen Keyboard". To use it, you need to go to Start Accessibility, then select On-screen keyboard and thereby launch the keyboard, it will appear on your screen. You can use your mouse to enter characters. This option You may need to solve a problem in some extreme case (for example, deadlines for submitting some documents are running out).
Problem with the keyboard cable.
This problem is related to the age of the laptop and the frequency of its use, as well as, of course, the “habitat environment”. If the laptop is operating in a dusty atmosphere and has not been cleaned for a long time internal parts, then it may be necessary to further disassemble the device and thoroughly clean all contacts and connectors. internal devices. After disassembling the device, pay attention to the keyboard cable itself and to the connector; if the latter is clogged with dust, carefully clean it. If there is a problem with the cable, then you should contact the service center of the manufacturer of your device, where they will fix the problem.
Flooded keyboard
And the last problem is related to spilled liquid (tea or coffee, for example) on the keyboard. In this case, the keyboard microcontroller may be damaged and you will have to contact a service center.
Let's consider the option when the controller most likely remained in in working condition. We disassemble our laptop, disconnect the battery, remove bottom panel and dry thoroughly with a hairdryer motherboard and keyboard cable contacts. After complete drying, we assemble the device and try to work.
