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    New Keyboard problem

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Jdpurvis, Apr 8, 2013.

  1. Jdpurvis

    Jdpurvis Notebook Evangelist

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    So,
    I managed to spill about 1/3 cup of coffee on the left side of my keyboard. I immediately turned it off and flipped it over to drain. Then took it apart, removing upper panel and keyboard to dry it out. After several days and multiple attempts, it still wouldn't start consistently. So, I ordered new keyboard and also the panel with the touch switches and on-off switch. I installed these, and all seemed normal. But now the keyboard sends space+linefeed instead of space. This occurs consistently in web applications - but not always in Word or Office apps. I unninstalled keyboards (all that appeared), and allowed Win 8 to reinstall - no change. As fdar as I can tell, it's just configured as US keyboard. I pulled keyboard and reinstalled the connector twice - no change - and it still does it when keyboard is not fully in situ, so I don't think it is pressure on cable.

    Any ideas?

    Joe


    I am now thinking I got a bad keyboard I connected a USB keyboard, and it works fine both in Word and in Outlook. When I check key codes, the external keyboard sends separate codes for spacebar and down arrow, while the internal one sends the same code for both (equiv to space + down arrow). I will order another keyboard and see if that fixes it.
     
    Jdpurvis, Apr 8, 2013
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  2. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    Did you get rid of the old one? A while ago a member tried washing it with soap and leaving it until it was completely dry, not saying this is the best option but it might be fun to do in the meantime.
     
    Alienware-Luis_Pardo, Apr 9, 2013
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  3. Jdpurvis

    Jdpurvis Notebook Evangelist

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    I actually have two keyboards - the one that was the recipient of most of the coffee, and the replacement keyboard I ordered. It is the replacement keyboard that is giving me the funny codes for spacebar. BUt you make a good point. It might be that most of the issue was the panel, and the keyboard might not be all that bad. I will see if I still have it and give the soap and water treatment a try.

    Joe
     
    Jdpurvis, Apr 9, 2013
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  4. Jdpurvis

    Jdpurvis Notebook Evangelist

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    Couldn't find the original keyboard. However, the new keyboard from Dell fixed the problem. Guess I got a defective one. Problem solved, and my trusty video and photo editing laptop lives for another day.

    Joe
     
    Jdpurvis, Apr 13, 2013
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  5. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    I'm glad it got solved with that :)
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Apr 15, 2013
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