AW14 keyboard only half working

95% of the time when I turn on my computer, a few select keys will not work unless I hold down the function key. Unfortunately the L key, which is part of my password, is one of the keys that never works. I feel like this goes along with the power button issue where some users (including myself) have reported having to press their power button several times in order for the laptop to turn on. Either way, it is extremely annoying. Anyone else experiencing this? I'm on windows 8.1, latest BIOS (I think).

 

Had the same on my 3 week old alienware 14. Phoned up and managed to convince them to send out an engineer the next day to replace the keyboard. In my case several keys were not working including f2 which ruled out a software problem as I was unable to enter BIOS on startup, this and several steps I had taken in trying to fix it myself ensured I had answers to all their usual 1st line support "fixes" before making the call.

I had also dismantled the laptop to try realigning the keyboard ribbon connector in its socket. This didn't fix it but it did result in a change in what keys were functioning and which were not!

Try safe mode. Try removing keyboard drivers in device manager and restarting and also try an external USB keyboard and the onscreen keyboard.

 

I'll try the drivers because I'm almost 100% sure its a software issue--it only happens for the first few minutes the computer is on, then once it "warms up" the problem goes away. Sometimes I have to cycle my alienfx, but usually it works right after I do that. Additionally, when I press down the function key, ALL the keys work no matter what.

So yeah, probably drivers

 

Have you tried an external keyboard?

 

I use one regularly at home without any problems, the problem happens when I am at work or travelling without the external

I updated the airplane mode drivers, which has helped the problem somewhat--the time it takes for the computer to "get with it" is much lower, but I am now convinced that the problem is some driver taking too long to load. It might even be the intel drivers, since I am in integrated mode all the time

 

I meant to say... When that happens, if you plug in an external keyboard... Does it work?
if that's the case the issue may be hardware related.

 

Lol I thought I answered that question... but yes, the external keyboard works