asked on 5/14/2011

Laptop Acer Aspire 7736Z-4809 Keyboard Issue

My nephews laptop is having a problem with a couple of keys. For instance, when I hit the number 1 key in Microsoft Works Word Processor it does type the number 1, but it also executes the Help for the Word Processor. When I hit the number 6, it types 6t. When I hit the 8, it types 8u and when I hit the number 9 it types 9p. It also does the reverse for the number keys that I already mentioned. If I hit the t, it also types 6t and so on with the others. I have checked all the other keys and they seem to be fine. I have plugged in a usb keyboard and that works fine. Anybody have any idea why this is happening. Thanks

Peripherals Laptops Notebooks

Last Comment

scennimo

5/17/2011

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

n2fc

5/14/2011

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scennimo

5/14/2011

ASKER

By the way, when I hit those keys and leave them pressed, it will type what I mentioned before but only once. Then it will continue with the letter. So if i hit the number 9, it will show as 9pppppppppppppppppp and so on.

n2fc

5/14/2011

PS: Here are some sources for the keyboard (not a recommendation... just sample pricing!)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Acer-Aspire-7736-Z-4809-Keyboard-/250816042531?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3a65cd1623#shId

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-OEM-Keyboard-Acer-Aspire-AS7736Z-4809-Black-US-/250786305230?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3a640754ce

n2fc

5/14/2011

Before doing anything else, I would verify that it IS the keyboard, by plugging an external keyboard in and making sure the problem is not on the external keyboard as well... If so, I would feel confident in dealing with the internal keyboard!

scennimo

5/14/2011

ASKER

I mentioned above that I had tried the external keyboard. It works fine. A cleaning could be the problem, but it is wierd that the problem is with just four keys. Especialy the issue with the number 1 key. Why when in word hitting the 1 also brings up the help for that application?

SOLUTION

Chris Millard

5/14/2011

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n2fc

5/14/2011

I forgot that you said the external keyboard works fine...

So it is either dirt in the contacts or the ribbon cable...

The links I sent are active in ebay & will fit your laptop...

It's an easy enough repair... only requires a small screwdriver and about 15-20 minutes of patient work!

scennimo

5/15/2011

ASKER

Are there any other fixes beside having to change the keyboard or clean the keys that will correct this problem? Nothing has ever spilled on this laptop. It is about a year old and looks brand new. Looks like there should be no keyboard issue yet there is one. I do not see a spec of dirt or anything else between the keys. Anyway, if there is something else that we should take a look at before buying a new keyboard, please let me know. Thanks

nobus

5/15/2011

other than replacing the keyboard, you can TEST if it is hardware, by running from a live cd - and see if it happens :
ftp://ftp.kernel.org/pub/dist/knoppix/KNOPPIX_V6.4.4CD-2011-01-30-EN.iso Knoppix
www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/ BartPe

Chris Millard

5/15/2011

You say it's about a year old - might be worth checking either the invoice or the Acer warranty site - it may still be covered, in which case get it sent back for a warranty repair

asidu

5/16/2011

You will need to replace the keyboard finally.
Purchase a new keyboard from http://www.excelcomputerinc.com/html/details.asp?ref=1478&category=keyboards

or the ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/Acer-Aspire-7736-Z-4809-Keyboard-/250816042531?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item3a65cd1623

scennimo

5/17/2011

ASKER

Since my nephew still has a warranty through Staples, he took it back so that they can replace the keyboard. Hopefully that is it and they don't charge him anything. Thank you all for the help. I sure appreciate it.