Keyboard problem After connecting an external keyboard via the USB port, the laptop key board only works properly if the function key is constantly pressed. Can this be resolved without carrying out a system restore?

might need cleaning under the key pad,
did it get wet at anytime?
could just be keys sticking.

The purpose of a laptop's function key is to activate the secondary function of any dual-purpose key.

The function key can accidentally be locked into place if you hit the wrong combination of keys so that all of the keys only perform their secondary function.

The exact process for unlocking the function key will vary depending on the make and model of your laptop and whether you have recently used an external keyboard.

1
Check the manual that came with your laptop and locate the section on the function of each keyboard key.

Open a Web browser and navigate to the support section of the laptop manufacturer's website if you do not have the manual that originally came with your laptop.

Use the drop-down menus on the support page to choose the specific product line and then model of your laptop.
2

Click on the "Product Support" link and then navigate to the "Manuals" section of the page. Click on the link to open a PDF version of the manual for your laptop.

Browse down to the section about the functions of the keyboard keys.
3

Find the sequence of keys you need to press to unlock the function key on your laptop.
Press and hold the function key on the keyboard and then press the other keys required to unlock it.
4

Try using the most standard keyboard combinations if you don't have the manual or it does not give any information about the function key.

Press the function key and then the shift key and see if it successfully unlocks the function key. Attempt using the other standard keys in conjunction with the function key, such as the "F11," "F12" and "Ctrl" keys.
5

Plug a USB keyboard into the USB port on your laptop if you have recently used an external keyboard with the laptop.

Check the light above the "Numlock" key on the external keyboard and see if it is turned on. Press the key and make sure the light is turned off and then remove the keyboard to unlock the function key.

http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/support
Acer Support

Step 1:
The purpose of a laptop's function key is to activate the secondary function of any dual-purpose key. The function key can accidentally be locked into place if you hit the wrong combination of keys so that all of the keys only perform their secondary function. The exact process for unlocking the function key will vary depending on the make and model of your laptop and whether you have recently used an external keyboard.

Check the manual that came with your laptop and locate the section on the function of each keyboard key. Open a Web browser and navigate to the support section of the laptop manufacturer's website if you do not have the manual that originally came with your laptop. Use the drop-down menus on the support page to choose the specific product line and then model of your laptop. Click on the "Product Support" link and then navigate to the "Manuals" section of the page. Click on the link to open a PDF version of the manual for your laptop. Browse down to the section about the functions of the keyboard keys. Find the sequence of keys you need to press to unlock the function key on your laptop. Press and hold the function key on the keyboard and then press the other keys required to unlock it. Try using the most standard keyboard combinations if you don't have the manual or it does not give any information about the function key. Press the function key and then the shift key and see if it successfully unlocks the function key. Attempt using the other standard keys in conjunction with the function key, such as the "F11," "F12" and "Ctrl" keys. Plug a USB keyboard into the USB port on your laptop if you have recently used an external keyboard with the laptop. Check the light above the "Numlock" key on the external keyboard and see if it is turned on. Press the key and make sure the light is turned off and then remove the keyboard to unlock the function key.
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Try plugging in a USB (a keyboard that connects via USB port) keyboard. If that functions properly then your wireless Logitech keyboard is defective.

Hello, The cause of keyboard not properly functioning is dust, if you can open your keyboard and blow out the dust using compressed air or pc vacuum blower .If this does not work then you need to change your keyboard,better still you can get an external usb keyboard and use, it will work. OR GOTO START>ACCESSORIES>EASE OF ACCESS>ON SCREEN KEYBOARD Regards

The keyboard controller maybe faulty. Connect a PS2 or USB keyboard to see if it functions correctly. If the external keyboard works normally then the laptop keyboard is faulty and can be replaced.
If the external keyboards do not work normally then it is a motherboard problem.

I'm afraid that is not possible. The only way to overcome this is to get a full size USB keyboard and plug it into the laptop's USB port and type using the full size keyboard.

Hello, your numlock keys are ON, find your Num Lock button and press it off.
It can be a 2 button combination like FN(function button) + Num Lock button. Then it should work.
other way is to press numlock on your external keyboard and then disconnect the board. see if it works.

Its your keyboard thats the problem because if it was you mboard or one of the tracks in the circutry is the keyboard connection panel you would have a problem using all the alphabetical keys because they are all connected to the same track.

To check system board, connect external keyboard and see if all keys function normally. If the external works OK, check connections on laptop keyboard, making sure contacts are clean and fully seated in the ZIF socket If the external fails to function properly it is the system board. LINK check page 66 of 238