Hardware or software?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Daniel Prince
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Daniel Prince

I have an intermittent problem with repeated key sequences and with my
keyboard going completely dead. I am sure it is not a stuck key because
it is a sequence of keys and restarting Windows always fixes the
problem.

One of the key sequences that repeated was alt-g, v, u, return. Another
time it was S, control-end, return. I have tried three different
keyboards and it happened with all of them. Sometimes it will happen
just a few hours after I boot up and sometimes I can go several days
without it happening.

Usually the key sequence will repeat four or five times and then the
keyboard will stop working completely. Sometimes the sequence will keep
repeating until I manage to restart Windows with the mouse or the reset
button. Once the keyboard just went dead without any repeated key
sequences that I noticed.

Does anyone know what could be causing this and what I can do to stop
it? How can I tell if this is a Windows XP problem or a problem with
the keyboard controller on my motherboard? Is there any chance that
switching to a USB keyboard would solve the problem?

Thank you in advance for all replies.
 
There isn't a controller on the motherboard for your keyboard. There is an
interface [or socket], thus the answer to your first question is that perhaps
there is an issue with the PS/2 connector. These generally have a number of
diodes / tranistors between the socket connector and the Mobo which can
breakdown and cause erratic behaviour. Given that you have the same issue
with many keyboards this could be your problem. You should also check in
Control Panel - Keyboard that you have the correct type and region setting.

Failing the setting being wrong, you may find that a USB keyboard will make
the problem disappear - if you can borrow one fisrt and try it out before
buying one.
 
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