How to troubleshoot keyboard problems (258826)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000
  • Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard
  • Microsoft Internet Keyboard
  • Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro
  • Microsoft IntelliType Pro software
  • Microsoft IntelliType Pro software version 5.1
  • Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard
  • Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
  • Microsoft Natural Keyboard
  • Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro
  • Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard
  • Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
  • Microsoft Office Keyboard
  • Microsoft Optical Desktop Elite for Bluetooth 2.0
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Comfort Edition
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro
  • Wireless Optical Desktop 3000
This article was previously published under Q258826

SUMMARY

This article describes how to troubleshoot the Microsoft keyboards listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

The keyboard is not functioning

If the keyboard is not functioning, make sure that it is correctly connected to the computer. Check all of the keyboard's plugs (PS/2 and USB) to make sure that none of the connections are loose.

If an adapter (USB to PS/2 or PS/2 to AT) is being used, then verify that it is the adapter that came with the keyboard or that the keyboard supports adapting to a different port. For example, the Internet Keyboard does not adapt to a USB port, and a PS/2 to USB adapter will not work. It does not come with an adapter.

If the issue continues to occur, connect the keyboard to a different computer. If the keyboard functions properly on a different computer, then the port to which the keyboard was connected on the original computer may be damaged. If this is the case, contact your computer manufacturer to inquire about how to repair or replace the damaged port.

If the keyboard does not function properly on another computer, then the keyboard may be defective. If this is the case, and the warranty on the keyboard is still valid, then you can exchange the defective keyboard for a new keyboard.

To remove and reinstall the driver:
  1. Disconnect the device from the computer.
  2. Turn off the power for the device, if the device has a separate power supply.
  3. Open Device Manager, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
  4. In the System Properties dialog box, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
  5. Double-click Keyboard, right-click the keyboard that you use, and then click Uninstall.

    Note If your device is not listed, this means that the device was removed automatically when you disconnected the device. Continue to the next step.
  6. Restart the computer.
  7. Turn the power back on for the device, if you have to, and then plug the device into the computer. Your computer detects the device, and then reinstalls the drivers for the device.
To download the latest drivers for your keyboard, visit the following Microsoft hardware Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/Download.mspx

To change your port connection:
  1. Shut down your computer, and then plug your device into the correct port.
  2. Make sure that the plug is pushed securely into the connector on the computer.
  3. Restart your computer. Microsoft Windows detects the change, and then installs the drivers on the new port automatically.

The keys do not strike correctly

If the keys do not strike correctly, make sure that the keyboard is free of dust, dirt, and foreign matter.

Turn the keyboard upside down to allow for any foreign debris, such as hair, food particles, or dust, to fall out.

Microsoft recommends that you periodically use compressed air to blow dust out of the hard-to-clean crevices in the keyboard.

If you spill a drink or some other type of liquid on the keyboard, immediately turn the keyboard upside down to let the liquid drain out, and then mop up as much liquid as possible. Wait until the keyboard is completely dry before you use it again.

Do not take the keyboard apart. If you disassemble the keyboard, you may void the manufacturer warranty.

Note If you want to use a vacuum cleaner around the keyboard, make sure that the vacuum cleaner is a "static safe" vacuum cleaner.

The wrong characters are typed

If the wrong characters are typed when you use the keyboard, follow the steps in the "The Keys Do Not Strike Correctly" section of this article to clean the keyboard that are described under "The Keys Do Not Strike Correctly" earlier to make sure that no obstructions under the keys are causing this issue.

If the issue continues to occur, connect the keyboard to a different computer. If the keyboard functions properly on a different computer, then the port to which the keyboard was connected on the original computer may be damaged. If this is the case, contact your computer manufacturer to inquire about how to repair or replace the damaged port.

If the keyboard does not function properly on another computer, then the keyboard may be defective. If this is the case, and the warranty on the keyboard is still valid, then you can exchange the defective keyboard for a new keyboard.

To test key response on your keyboard, use MSKEY, a utility program that is included with the Microsoft IntelliType software. To use MSKEY, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type mskey in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. Click the appropriate button for your keyboard's type of connection:
    • PS/2
    • USB
  3. Press various keys to verify that the pressed keys match the keys identified in the MSKEY window.
  4. When you are finished, click Exit.
Note MSKEY utility is only included with the Microsoft IntelliType software version 1.1 or later.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/7/2006
Keywords:kbHardware kbhowto KB258826
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