Help with a computer problem

[kkproulx]

DD has a hp pavilion zv5000. Windows xp powers up but the keyboard is not responding at all. Any ideas on what to try to get this to work? TIA!!

 

[Youarehere]

DBF would do these things in this order, seeing if the keyboard works between each one:

1. Reboot the computer

2. Unplug and replug in the key board.

3. Uninstall and reinstall the keyboard driver.

4. Get a new key board.

Also- he asked "Is it a PSII or USB key board?"

 

[kkproulx]

I've rebooted. How do I unplug the keyboard? This is the original keyboard that is in the laptop...

 

[Youarehere]

Just told him it is a laptop- see, I'm not a computer person so the computer type didn't reveal that info to me.

DBF said "Oh... well that makes things alot more complicated... is the keyboard lighting up?" refering to lights like the caps lock indicator.

He said the "ribbon" might have come loose, but does not recommend trying to fix it yourself unless you know what you are doing.

 

[Barbossa]

If the HP is connected to your PC via USB, disconnect it and reboot. See if you can use your keyboard then.

 

[Youarehere]

If the HP is connected to your PC via USB, disconnect it and reboot. See if you can use your keyboard then.

Either you missed the "laptop" portion of this problem or you just made my head spin. Maybe both. Does this still make sense when applied to a laptop?

 

[kkproulx]

nothing lights up that the keyboard is responding to anything.....To do anything with the keyboard, I'm assuming that I need to take the back off to get to the computer.

Computer is a HP Pavilion zv5000 (laptop).....USB I do not think applies here....

Is it difficult to do something 'inside' the computer? If not, I'm willing to try. I have a desk top to give her if this doesn't work. I don't want to spend a lot of money getting this looked into if it isn't going to work. I'm willing to try with help from 'computer savy people on DIS boards' (or anyone else that will help me)....anyone have any ideas?

 

[Amlee]

How long have you had the computer?

 

[RitaE]

ask her what she spilled on it.

First question - is it out of warranty where you can start fooling around with the case without voiding anything?

Second - if you are not going to mess up your warranty
go here page 2-29 and follow the diagnostic flowchart. 99% of the time it is a keyboard malfunction due to spillage.
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00212209.pdf

You will have to find in the manual how to open up the casing and reseat the keyboard cable to see if that works.

You will most likely need a new keyboard, EBAY is a great place to purchase replacement parts. I've never opened up an HP but usually it involves 3 or 4 screws and then plugging in a new ribbon cable. You can also just plug a regular keyboard into a port and use that for awhile.

 

[RitaE]

adding - found the keyboard removal and replacement instructions. They are on page 5-32 of that document.

Here is the EBAY search of parts for sale.
http://shop.ebay.com/items/__hp-pav...allsQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQ_sopZ1QQ_scZ1

 

[kkproulx]

thanks for the info....warranty is up so I can't use that.....she 'says' nothing was spilled on it......nothing seems sticky either, so who knows. I'll check the pages you showed and go from there! Thanks a bunch!!!!

 

[damo]

Has he plugged in any new components lately, like a webcam?

 

[kkproulx]

Nope.....

 

[JR6ooo4]

If you start in "safe mode" does the keyboard work?

Mikeeee

there are also a few more things to check before you open the machine.
the most important being "Do you have all your data backed up?" Like email addys, bookmarks, word docs, music, pictures.

Mikeeee again! Hehehehee

 

[kkproulx]

f8 won't even work to put in safe mode.......everything is okay even if we have to start from scratch with this.....

 

[damo]

Does the keyboard have a USB connection? Can you try plugging it in another port?

 

[JR6ooo4]

I laugh at myself for not remembering you have to press a key to get into bios or safe mode. Heheheheheheee

matrix would laugh too, if he were here.

Mikeeee

 

[JR6ooo4]

what about the system disk, that will get you to an option for safe mode, usually.
maybe not, you still have to arrow up or down

shut down and then plug in a usb keyboard to the laptop and reboot
it might find it?
Mikeeee

 

[kkproulx]

OK, here's an update.....I have no keyboard with a USB to try out on it. So I'll see if I can borrow one if anyone that I know has one to see if the computer even works right with a keyboard.

I took off the back and the ZIF connector was connected.

No warranty available, as DH didn't buy an extended one when he purchased this two years ago!

So I guess IF a keyboard does work with the computer and everything seems good, I'll purchase a keyboard for the computer. Her 21st birthday is coming up. I guess that will be a nice present. Unless I just give her the desktop that I have laying around here. We'll see how generous I feel closer to her b-day.

Thanks for everyone's help. Have a great rest of the day!