Toshiba Equium Laptop Keyboard Problem

Sep 07, 2007

- You know it may be cheap to buy the keyboard the dear part comes to replacing it you gotta know what your doing when replacing it when all it might need is cleaning. The only software to run the keyboard is in the control panel. Exaust this and you might need to go to Computer Repair Shops who charge the World???

Sep 07, 2007

- Thanks for the contact ..... its not a hardware problem it appears? you have stated its in good health so I dont think now there is a problem with the keyboard ie; the hardware its self. Going into the shop to repair it may damage it more you know those guys in there just to make a buck or two sometimes make more damage than before...do you get my drift....wellllll some of them NOT all of them!!!You might just strike that wrong one?

Its a software problem NOT a firmware...there is no firmaware inside that keyboard. The only thing that runs it is software and in windows XP its drivers are controlled in the Control Panel......start up the machine and press the the F8 key go into safe mode press Safe mode with Command Prompt.

You remember the old DOS days when you are in there at the dos prompt type every key to see what emulates. If you are getting the correct keys as you type them then it has to be a software.......I am really interested at your results. Could you send another comment please and if they differ to what I said to do then we will try another. Thats before you run off down to the repairman..I too wish a happy repair for that elderly gentleman and I am quite pleased to know that someone of that era uses a Computer. Well done to you for the encouragement.

Peter

Sep 07, 2007

- Technicaly YES the emulation particularly in Windows XP would generally be the same.

As I stated before and you realised the problem seems to point to a software solution?. In all probability computer wise it cannot be the keyboard though TOSHIBA are renown to have funny results coming out of their keyboards, mine if you recall "I mention I had a laptop like that" when I push / key it resulted in # emulated. It brassed me off I was gonna rip that keyboard out of the machine because that / key was very important when working or programming in DOS those many years ago!.

It still does it today but hey its a dinosaur laptop the solution for me and the kids playing on this laptop was to reinstall Windows the very first too. This /key worked ok in Windows but not in DOS dumb eh. My conclusion for this was the firmware problem that meant the BIOS needed an update so I didnt pursue the matter because of the era of that laptop. Its use is for the kiddies to learn on.

You can try to update the BIOS by logging that computer to the net go to google and ask there like this "update BIOS for Toshiba Equium Laptop..........or you can place a CD install Disc WInXP in CD rom and boot it up let it finish to the last screen then press "R" for console when at the dos prompt type (if it lets you) chkdsk /p let windows fix up the problem....you know it may fix that drastic keyboard emulation......the last solution may require you to reinstall WINXP but gee I would hate for you to do all the reinstalls when the problem simply comes back. You will be swearing at me hahaha when all it was is that damn Toshiba Keyboard.

Sep 07, 2007

- I see the time is getting on over there 8.20 in the evening and the same time in the morning over here. I have to go out and help me dear old aunty with her machine she is having a problem with her computer but hers is easy she just doesn't know how to use the MOUSE she is thinking its that four legged one that scares little old ladies.

If all solutions fail and you are still stuck ring this number 0844-800-3456 in Your Country its free and ask them the problem of the keyboard and they more than likely suggest a new keyboard or offer you some other solution if there is one and you know what else I found out the keyboard is really simple to change in that model it only requires you removing the top parts around the keyboard take out two screws and it will side out. Let me know how you get on I will most likely answer you tomorrow. Best wishes!

Peter

Sep 09, 2007

- Try the CD installation disk remember I mention it.........place the cd in the cdrom and turn off machine turn on and press "C" so the laptop boots up the Installation disk go right to the end and then press "R" for console it will take you to the dos line with ALL memory CLEARED..... type chkdsk /p
If this fails it is quite possible the keyboard is malfunctioning.....in an earlier post just above you will see this number 0844-800-3456 that is to TOSHIBA UK may have wait till monday and have a friendly chat to one of those technicians Im sure they will help you to diagnose the keyboard problem. And good luck it is always satisfying to help one another I hope the latter will fix that keyboard, above all else the last straw is the Manufacturer.
I noted when looking for a google solution a brand new keyboard was 20-30 pounds? you have the "COM"

Sep 09, 2007

- Just one more comment actually when you reflashed the BIOS you claimed that it was working for 20 or so minutes.........did you know most technicians remove the battery in the casing so as to clear all memories of the bios. THen they would put the battery back after half hour or so....just to be sure and then reflash or update that BIOS.......What I think it may have done was updated itself yes and then reverted to some of its old settings. Strange isnt it?.

Sep 21, 2007

- That darn keyboard and all it is, is you want it to go good for that old man. Here is a theory now you want to try it.

First look on the key boeard it might be the scroll key if it has the (num lk) written on it in BLUE if not find the right key in blue num lk. Together press the.... fn num lk ... just once.

Now try the keyboard see what happens let me know if it changes.......surely to goodness it wasnt that?