Keyboard software problem XP?

From: Euan Kerr (aaargh_at_invalid.jp)
Date: 12/15/04 

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 04:11:46 -0800

Newly installed Windows XP SP2 on a desktop system. The problem
symptoms initially pointed towards low-level BIOS or hardware
problems, but the outcome points to an XP-related software issue.

I've worked round the problem but as I can't account for why it
occurred, I'm concerned it may happen again. Can anyone enlighten
me as to what could be the root cause?

The case history:

The system had been working fine for a few days after installing
XP, until without provocation the keyboard appeared to stop
responding whilst using Notepad.

Tried also typing into Wordpad and IE with the same result.

Tried rebooting - no change.

Discovered that if you hold a key down, the key repeats after a
delay, as expected. But the initial key depression is missed.

Tried spyware and AV scans - no problem identified.

Suspected BIOS/hardware problem so...

Tried a different PS/2 keyboard - still faulty.

Tried the original keyboard on different PC - worked OK.

Tried a USB keyboard - still faulty.

Tried a BIOS reset via mobo jumper - still faulty.

Mobo battery was a little low so replaced it - still faulty.

Suspected a mobo fault, until...

Tried logging into a different account - and it worked just fine!

Tried creating a new user account - worked OK.

Worked around the problem by copying files and settings to the new
account, then deleting the old one.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: [opensuse] Keyboard input not working in one KDE account.
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  • Re: What laws did PC repair co. break by hacking my laptop?
    ... And they obviously aren't very practicable if you are not an expert and your computer's keyboard has stopped working. ... I would suspect that the OP used the admin account as her personal account. ... It looks like the repairer may have accessed two or three files at random, quite possibly from the "recently used" list. ... I don't routinely just restore the factory image onto the hard disk and say "tough" that the owner hadn't backed up. ...
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  • Re: admnistrator account access
    ... While logged into the limited user account Open the on screen keyboard. ... Then click Start, Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt. ... it will allow for the of the onscreen keyboard in a command prompt window. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Keyboard Locks Up!
    ... I am running WinXP Home and have had no problems of any serious nature for a few years now using WinXP. ... I encounter a lack of response by the keyboard when I attempt to Log In. ... I can use the tab keys to hit the Guest account, which is NOT password protected and that opens and runs, the keyboard works fine. ... There is no screensaver in any of the accounts. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
    ... racing ck wrote: ... mouse is faulty. ... The keyboard works on my DIY pc. ... What is wrong with my installation. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)