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    Keyboard Issue

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by carno, Nov 4, 2014.

  1. carno

    carno Newbie

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    I Have an Alienware M17xR4 that is two years old. Certain keys on the keyboard don't always work(external keyboards do work) The thing is that i have found that by applying pressure to the empty space above the left arrow key, to the left of the up arrow key it restores function to all the keys which were previously not working (w,f,left arrow,num pad 6,etc) its random keys. Do you think replacing the keyboard will fix the problem or is something else causing it? thanks for any help, sorry this is my first post.
     
  2. mariussx

    mariussx Notebook Evangelist

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    If the external keyboard has no problems at all with your laptop, replacing the laptop keyboard will cure the problem. You can try reseating the keyboard cable (wider one, narrow cable is for backlight only) - it sometimes helps. Replacing the keyboard helps every single time though.
     
  3. carno

    carno Newbie

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    ok then i will go ahead and order a new one.Thanks :)
    I might try reseating the cable also.
     
  4. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    You probably want to replace the keyboard+keyboard connector.. That connector might be a problem too..
     
  5. carno

    carno Newbie

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    So I ordered a new keyboard from ebay but when i installed it it still wasnt working properly and the keyboard lights were flickering. So i sent it back and the seller sent me another one. The lights on that one worked but the keyboard still had the same problem.
    @TomJGK you think I should replace the keyboard adapter connector?
    https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...1.7&ei=kc18VPWROtDOiALPvYGgAw&ved=0CG4QpiswAw
     
  6. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    Yes mate... when Dell replaced my keyboard, the tech guy replaced the connector + keyboard... I doubt you got 2 faulty keyboards.. If the connectors replacement doesn't fix your issues, then your motherboard needs replacing as the keyboard stuff on its blown...
     
  7. Rasmusm

    Rasmusm Notebook Guru

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    Same problem for my old R4.. Got new keyboard, didnt fix the problem.. New motherboard however did :)