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rsmcomputer
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Keyboard intermittently stops working

I am stumped to fix a problem that is affecting a PC used at a business.  The PC is a 3 year old Dell Optiplex 7010 running Windows 7 Pro SP1 (fully patched/updated).  Intermittently (somedays it stops several times a day, other days it works fine all day) keyboard stops functioning.  Keyboard has been replaced at least twice. Original keyboard is USB, but a PS/2 was substituted and in each case we saw the same pattern of failure.  USB mouse was replaced with a new one.  USB Power Management on all internal hubs is off.  USB keyboard and mouse are only USB peripherals in use.  The only solution we have is to reboot or power-cycle the PC.  This fixes the problem immediately, but a time later it returns.
We do have success with bringing up the on-screen keyboard, but the business cannot function this way.  Have not tried RDP access as the user does not have time to stop, call for help (contracted IT Support) and wait for a response.  Problem has gone on for over a month, so our monthly image would be useless to try.  I am the IT Support professional, have 21 years in the rear-view mirror and am at a loss where to go to help my client.  Any suggestions that I can try?
* keyboardPCHardware

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dbrunton

8/22/2022 - Mon
Ramin

Please check Event Viewer for any error and let us know the result.
I Also suggest you to check the Manufacturer website for any new updated driver especially BIOS and Chipset drivers.
Create a restore point before installing new drivers.
rsmcomputer

ASKER
Will try your suggestions tonight, after business hours.
fred hakim

If you have a restore point older than the month you have had the issue, that might be worth a try.
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rwheeler23
nobus

are the keyboard and mouse connected to the back usb ports?  try front ones - and VV
what happens -when it is occuring - if you plug in another keyboard then?  does THAT work ?
Sridhar Cherukuri

1. Update the BIOS
2. Find the latest Chipset Drivers (May be you will not find in the official DELL site, You need to use Driver Identifier Software to scan and find the latest chipset drivers)
rsmcomputer

ASKER
Status: BIOS is latest version.  Chipset is latest Dell version.  Keyboards/connections tried: USB (Dell), P/S2 (H-P), 3 different USB ports (F&R); switching ports once problem appears does not resolve.  On Screen keyboard works every time; RDP access will be tried next time USB keyboard fails (per agreement with user).  Been stable for two days running...
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nobus

when it happens - do you see an error in device manager ?
dbrunton

Which USB port is the keyboard plugged into on this Dell?

Try the one under the network jack at the back.  I think that might be the recommended one for keyboards and legacy devices.
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rsmcomputer

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dbrunton

Questioner solved it themselves by replacing the PC.
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