Bizarre shift key issue with HP Envy 15?

I'm having some issues with my left and right shift key on my HP Envy 15 Laptop. It would appear as though certain keys don't capitalize while other keys do but all keys work with caps lock. This is a bit of an issue as I intend to use the computer for programming and note taking.

Heres an example with me holding left shift and pressing A-Z
ABcDEFGIJKLmNOPQRSTUvWxYz

c, m, v, w, x, z don't capitalize

Right Shift Key:
ABCDeFGHiJKLMNopqrSTuVwXYZ

e, i, o, p, q, r, u, w don't capitalize

Caps Lock:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

This is quite problematic, I haven't reinstalled windows yet as I bought the laptop used but the seller didn't mention any issues. This is too minor an issue to consider returning the laptop over as I got a great deal on it but I would like to be able to fix it if possible.

 

It maybe due to a dirty or loose keyboard connector. You can take apart the laptop and with some rubber alcohol and some cotton swabs, gently clean the connector, reattach and see if it works.

If not, then you might need to order a new keyboard and screw hardware kit via HP Parts Store, or if it still has a warranty, get it serviced by HP. In that case, it must be a damaged connector that is an internal problem with the keyboard.

 

Its no longer got a warranty and I don't trust myself opening anything up. I'm a total clutz when it comes to hardware repairs.

 

You could try to reinstall the OS and see if it fixes it, but I am betting it is the connector that's the culprit.

 

Honestly, it doesn't sound like a software issue to me, so installing the OS shouldn't do anything. The only option I can think of is either try cleaning the keyboard and/or re-fit the keyboard connector.

 

Is there anything I can do short of tearing my laptop apart? I'm really not a hardware person as I said... I mean I tore apart my psp once and lost a bunch of screws and really messed things up worse. When I had dirt under an old keyboard I ended up breaking a bunch of keys trying to fix it. I'm just really the kind of person whose clueless about taking things apart properly.

 

Tools you need:

1. #0 and #1 Phillips Screwdrivers
2. Guitar Pick or Plastic File.

Then use this service manual to help you out. You essentially you need to unscrew a dozen screws and lift the top cover up. The cables should be all on the top cover. The Keyboard's is a dark brown wide one next to the narrow white one that is for the touchpad.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02131229.pdf

 

Opening it up is just something I'm not capable of doing myself. I tried opening up my old laptop and I just couldn't even get it to open when I removed every single screw and put as much force as I could into prying it open. Its just not within my expertise. I was hoping something along the lines of key mapping or something could help... Would HP fix it for me relatively inexpensively possibly?

 

Based on previous experience. Probably not. Their initial diagnostic check is at a hundred.

 

This issue is NOT going to just go away. Can I get some help please? If I can't open it up what else can I do??

 

Ummm... Send it in to HP for repairs under warranty or return it?

 

Not under warranty and I'd like to keep it and have the keyboard fixed. Surely theres something we're missing here right? Remapping ctrl to shift maybe? Some sort of software fix or something? Also, something I noticed
When pressing both shift keys down and pressing some of the problem keys such as c the result is ce
When press e the result is ce
when pressing c on the left shift the result is c, on the right shift the result is C
same with e
This suggests some of the connectors for the shift function are mixed together??

 

There is no software remapping that I know of. I had this problem before and I needed a new keyboard to get it fixed. You can't fix a shoddy keyboard connector with remapping software. That is unfortunately a hardware issue.

 

Sounds like either the keyboard controller or some contacts in the keyboard wearing down and bizarrely shorting out...

(it's probably not the connector though, otherwise I think the keyboard may not work at all)

You'll need a new keyboard.

 

i also agree its the keyboard. Order a new one. Page 41 on that PDF manual that StrikeSabre47 gave you in post #7 on page 1...it lists model numbers, or remove yours and get the number off the keyboard. I get keyboards off ebay.
To get the keyboard off is not difficult. Read the PDF manual starting at page 39. You need to turn the laptop upside down and follow their diagram to remove those screws. Then open the laptop and take the 'Top cover' off that holds the keyboard, BUT at the same time you have to also carefully disconnect the wide ribbon ZIF cable. Where it plugs in to the laptop ZIF connector you should notice the connector needs to be unclipped by sliding part off it outwards, it holds the ribbon tight. Unplug the other small connector and then remove the screws to get the actual keyboard off the top cover then.

Can you get a buddy to help you too? Its quite straight forward, easier with a second set of hands.

Its not major surgery and you're not getting all the way in to it so you can't really hurt too much.

I don't know if you have much to loose by reinstalling the OS to conviince yourself its a hardware failure and not software. A clean refrsh install is always nice, specially if someone else used to have it before you.

 

The hardest part would be the removal of 60 mini screws that attaches the keyboard. Also, you might want to order the keyboard hardware kit to replace the Mylar shield that protects the keyboard from short circuiting the motherboard below. The hardware kit will provide you extra keyboard screws.

 

I tried it and reinstalling the OS wont do any good, its a hardware issue.

 

1. Flip up plastic lever of connector (usually colored differently)
2. Slide out connector


Really easy to do, ZIF connectors require no force to insert/pull out. That's why it's called Zero Insertion Force

 

However if the connection is bad (assuming it is not destroyed by now and you tried readjusting it a few times), then a full keyboard replacement is imminent.

For that you will need to order a keyboard hardware kit as well as a new keyboard for which:

1. Remove the black Mylar shield covering the keyboard from the rear.
2. Unscrew 60 black #00 screws holding the keyboard.
3. Remove keyboard.
4. Attach new keyboard.
5. Screw back the 60 screws (The Keyboard Hardware kit provides a fresh set of screws).
6. Reattach the the Mylar shield from the hardware kit.
7. Reattach the ZIF connector when reassembling.