DV8000 Series - Keyboard problems. Anyone else?

Yes, I’ve had the missing keystroke problem on three dv8000t’s and have now sent them all back for refunds. It has been a long ordeal with HP Support using chat, email, and direct phone contact. Although there is ample evidence from users on the web of this problem, the HP support people generally claim not to know about it.

But I know about the problem in some pretty good detail and believe it to be a software problem. On my most recent dv8000t, I made a rather controlled test. On my first two dv8000t’s, I had fired up the machines and had installed a bunch of applications like MS Office, Palm software, my personal preferences for virus programs, etc, etc. On the most recent machine, I unpacked the notebook and went through the mandatory setup procedure, including creating the four DVD disks and that’s all. I then opened WordPad, which comes with XP, and typed many lines of the typing drill: “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party.” After 14 lines of typing, there were 7 missing keystrokes; keys that I had struck properly but which the computer had not recognized. I am a reasonably good typist and knew with great certainty that I had made no errors and that all keys were struck in the center of the key with good force. My typing speed chosen for this test was about 25 words per minute. The missing keystrokes were random and included the space bar.

Then, based on information that I had gathered during the hours of earlier investigation with HP support on the first two defective dv8000t’s, I turned SCROLL LOCK ON. I then typed more lines of “Now is the time…...etc.” I typed until I was bored – say another dozen lines and, NO missing key strokes – PERFECT – NO PROBLEM!

I turned the machine off and then on again and repeated the test. Same result. Several times, always the same result.

Scroll Lock is OFF when you initially turn the machine on. And in this mode, I was always able to reproduce the Missing Keystroke problem. I think the keyboard is mechanically just fine. But there is some problem with how the computer captures the keys as their struck. With Scroll Lock OFF, the keystrokes are not properly buffered and are not being given a high enough priority and randomly fail to get through to the CPU. I observed the screen while typing (with Scroll Lock Off) and I could see that some characters were appearing on the screen later than they should – I mean like a small fraction of second late. And of course, as you know, some keystrokes would never appear.

Why not just leave Scroll Lock ON? Well, because other programs, like Excel, function much better with Scroll Lock OFF.

I accepted this last dv8000t in lieu of a refund with the ‘guarantee’ that this machine would not have the problem. This machine has now been returned and my refund is being processed. I still think that the dv8000t is a great machine except for this fatal quirk. I believe that every dv8000t has this problem and surmise that many users are either not too critical or lack confidence in what they’re typing to blame the machine and not themselves. I am going to follow up with HP Support, via a case manager to see if they will fix the problem. I still need a notebook and would buy the HP without this goofy problem.

 

Does anybody have any idea whether this problem is surfacing on the newer dv9000z notebooks, or if it is isolated to the dv8000t and similar notebooks in this series.

 

I am now on a second dv8000. The first one, dv8000z had no keyboard issues that I can recall. I returned it because the wireless was not working properly / not registering plus the Turion could not keep up and ATI graphic card was just too slow.

I got as a replacement the dv8000t and have to say it is much better machine than the AMD based one. However, it has lately developed keyboard issues. Basically, the key gets stuck and when I press for example a it goes aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. There is no predictability when this happens, it is difficult to duplicate to show the problem. To stop it I have to press the key several times to dislodge it. Pressing the keys just once will not do it. This is really highly annoying especailly when I play games, since I loose any control for short period of time.

Obviously this is not a software problem, at least not on my machine. I have installed lot of applications on both of the notebooks and only the Intel based one has this problem. Does anybody know if the both the t and z models come from the same assembly line? Same keyboard supplier?

I think HP knows they have a problem since they are discontinuing the dv8000 and dv5000 lines and replacing them with new designs (look how long the zd8000 line was around). I really like this notebook, I think it is a good value for what you pay, but this one is going back, too and I will wait for the dv9000 series to come out.

 

I was thinking about getting one of these from a local store (newer model with 7600 graphics) but after reading this I am having second thoughts. Are there any other comparable laptops (HP or not HP) that are no more that $1500 that have at least a 7600 graphics card?

 

It is really a pity hp has screwed up the keyboard on this machine.. I've had mine for a month now, and no keyboard problems.. and trust me, this is one of the best laptops out there.. it looks good, its packed with features, decent weight and battery life.. i'm sure people without the keyboard problems love it..

but alas, doesnt really matter how good it is if the keyboard doesn't work

 

I have a dv5000, and have this problem also. The Caps Lock is off, but I'm typing in caps, and the specialty keys get locked also, when they shouldn't. so, I couldn't type any periods. After explaining this to tech support, they wanted me to go to www. etc....and I said I would be a happy to open that webpage if my laptop would let me type a period

In the past 4 days, it's happened 3 times. The first time, Support had me uninstall/reinstall the touchpad and keyboard. The 2nd time, they told me to reinstall the OS. This time, I'm sending the bugger back. I'm still within the 21 day return period, and i don't trust it enough to keep it.

 

BPHusker, yes, there are several. What screen size?

Ones I can think of off the top of my head...

HP nx9420, the business series model, built better than the dv8000. Has X1600 so about the same performance as the 7600.

Dell E1705, available with GeForce 7900GS, will come in under $1500 with coupons. Crazy performance over the 7600, but a power hog.

ASUS A8jm, $1500, has GeForce 7600 w/ 512MB RAM! 14" screen.

Compal HEL80, configure it yourself, has GeForce 7600. 15" screen.

The upcoming HP dv9000z will have the 7600, but we'll have to see whether or not it has the same keyboard problems as the old model.

 

Metalwood --

You're a genuis.

I've had my DV8000t with the flakey keyboard problem (mine is more of a problem with the skipped characters and weird delay between typing characters -- the all caps thing happens from time to time, but hitting the last shift key I used usually fixes it)

ANYWAY, after trying EVERYTHING and even resorting to buying Windows XP Pro and doing a complete reinstall -- I could not figure out the deal with the keyboard until I read your post on the Scroll Lock -- since I tried that fix, it has worked FLAWLESSLY.

So it's definitely a problem with the SCROLL LOCK being off and turning it on is a workaround which, admittedly, can be annoying, but only takes a little while to get used to and is far better than the other problem.

I wonder though -- does that point to a software problem they can fix or a hardware problem that they'll never acknowledge?

Anyone else find that this fixes the problem? How would we get HP to know that that is the fix?

Thanks.

therenix.

 

The Inspiron has some good reviews but one thing, Dell did not put a PC card slot in the Inspiron. Not every accessory is made for an Express Card slot yet and when they do, they will probably be expensive so that's something to keep in mind. That was the reason I skipped the Inspiron series. I have accessories that use PC card slot.

 

Superman and Therenix
Wow! I just tried the Scroll Lock workaround and it is great! Thanks for posting! I like this dv8000t and was learning to just deal with the keyboard flakiness. The Scroll Lock ON really seems to help.

 

can I just ask where did you guys order your hp dv8000 from online or in a store. And what specific model eg. dv8310. I bought my dv8310 from futureshop yesterday, everything is fine, but am freaking out after reading this forum. Is the keyboard problem with every hp dv8000 or just some.
spec.
AMD Turion 64 ML-37 2.0 Ghz
1024MB DDR RAM
120GB 4200RPM
128MB ATI RADEON Xpress 200M
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

 

as far as i know, series 5000 and series 8000 had this problem. if you just use it one day you cant find the problem i think. continue to "enjoy" it. maybe you are lucky .i dont know how much percent people had this problem~ but in my hometown whole the city just i find this problem~ but that not indicate here no this problem except me. causse my home town people are very stupid!! and many people think this problem is software problem~ so they reinstall system one time by opne time. or just "enjoy" it !

 

After reading this entire forum, it seems that most people are having the problem with the dv8000t--the one with the Core Duo processor. I don't know if that's true, but it seems like it. I actually tested the Core Due model out in Best Buy and Sam’s Club, and both of them had the "keyboard problem," but when I tested the AMD model out in Circuit City, I didn't notice any problem. Could have been a coincidence, but it still happened. So you might be lucky. I think you might have noticed your problems the day you first received your computer, if you did any typing, because I noticed mine the first day. For me, I had to be typing relatively fast for the problem to occur, and the computer had to be on for a while beforehand. And to answer your question, I purchased mine from HP.com. I returned it after a week though. I think I'm going to order another, but now I don't know if I should wait for the dv9000 or not...

 

I have the AMD and I have the keyboard problem

 

Well I thought about the possiblity that they may be some defective part in my dv8000 so, I basically turn it on for like tweleve hour on the first day, about fourteen hour the second day, and for about nine hour on the third day. everything seems fine, I also tested the keyboard by speed typing admission rules for about thirty miniute, and all the key seem to register. Maybe I am just lucky. Ty for response everyone.

"If you purchased a computer, the Better Business Bureau says it’s a good idea to do a “burn-in” when you bring the computer home. Leave the computer on for three days. This should terminate any substandard or heavily worn parts while the warranty is still valid"

off topic, but here is an article releating extended warranites
http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/money/extended_warranties/why_buy.html

 

Thanks for the extended warranties link, infernal. Some very good info there. Good luck with your dv8000.

 

Hi all,

Just received my dv8000t (a day early no less!), but after a good days of use, I haven't experienced any of the keyboard problems described here, however, if I happen to experience any during the long term, I will definitely post back here.

 

Ughh!!! I dunno what to do; bite the bullet and hope I dont have keyboard problems and get a dv8000 or go with the ASUS Z96J that has a screen problem apparently. AHH!

 

Ugh. I know. I'm in the same boat. I just returned my dv8000t, and I was thinking about buying another, with the hope that the second won't have the keyboard problems, but now I don't know whether I should just wait for the dv9000x to be released... I really want Core Duo processors, but I can't wait for the Core 2 Duo to come out, so I don't know if I should go with the Turion X2... AHHHHH!!!!!

The dv8000t is an awesome machine though, and if you're lucky enough to get one with a GOOD keyboard, you won't be disappointed!

 

the keyboard issue happen to me today with the caplock on typing lower case letters, and the window button didn't work. But after i rebooted by holding the power button, everything is fine, should i return the laptop.
piz response asap

 

BPHusker,
I know how you feel; I was feeling the same way. I really don't think it's a matter of "if", but "when" and "how often" your keyboard will give you problems. My keyboard causes problems about once per week, so this really doesn't interfere too much with my usage. I don't mind an occasional reboot, so long as it isn't while I'm working on something critical. So far, I'm still pretty happy with the dv8000t.

Sidenote: I bought it through Costco.com just in case things get worse within the next 6 months; you should consider the same.

 

I have another question anyone here that has the problem occuring at a more frequent rate as time goes on. like does it occur more often as time goes on.

 

For me the problem diminished as time went on.

 

For anybody else, have you tried uninstalling (not just disabling) the Synaptics touchpad driver altogether? This fixed the problem for me, and I haven't had a problem since then.

 

I did try this and things did seem much better. However, the touchpad is terrible without the driver

 

ty for response i am a bit reliefe that they is a kind a sloution for some of the keyboard problem. Sorry for asking so many question, but is the fan suppose to run like continuously when playing games, I played Need for Speed underground and the fan was on the whole time I was playing.
AMD Turion 64 ML-37 2.0 Ghz
1024MB DDR RAM
120GB 4200RPM
128MB ATI RADEON Xpress 200M
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

I am wondering if it is the weak graphic card.
ty for response, and once again sorry for asking so much question. I was actually thinking of returning my dv8000 because of the keyboard problem? it only appear once since I got it and it was only the cap lock reverse, i had it for about six days.

 

That sounds about normal. Need For Speed isn't really one of those GPU-taxing games, but it still gives it a good workout. So having the fan on the entire time just means it's keeping your CPU and GPU at a constant manageable temperature. Install mobilemeter (sorry, I don't have a link) and you can monitor those temps along with HD temp, battery discharge/charge rate.

 

The caplock thing happen again, i am a bit worry that it will get worse, and go through the "nightware of the HP technical support" with return after return, saiding "no problem find". I am ok with the Caplock reverse thing, but it happen twice already once yesterday and once today. I am so dam worry that it will get worse and worse, and in the end the keyboard will stop working altogther. I need this laptop for university for at least four years, should I reture it? I have about one more week to return it. I pay $1199 for it which i think is good deal. So should i return and get a toshiba or can anyone said will it get worse, and more frequent. So dam nervous right now, if I don't return it and it get worse i am stuck with a worthless machine, but if I return it and the caplock reverse is all the problem I just as my teacher said "shot myself on the foot". Anyone have any idea what I should do. Head going round and round and round, so depress!!.

AMD Turion 64 ML-37 2.0 Ghz
1024MB DDR RAM
120GB 4200RPM
128MB ATI RADEON Xpress 200M
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

By the way I bought it from futureshop. The keyboard thing happen again after I typed after the first occurance, for about four hours. All I want to know is will the keyboard get worse, and if it does what we do with it. Thank you for any response, and now I am do my ranting. so nervous!!

 

I want to thankyou all for your response truly you all have helped me. I have finally decided to return my Hp dv8310ca after one week of use, I realize that no matter how fast, how much storage, how many feature it has, and how cheap and a good deal it is. If it can't last you for more than a year its absoutely useless. I bought my first desktop a sony PCV-RX775, it lasted five years with not even one single hardware problem, and I usually have it on well over 12 hours a day. So i will buy the new sony VGNS660B Notebook Computer for about $1600 I will be sure it will at least last for one year. So the lesson to me is, if it seem like a deal there is probably something wrong with it. Again Thank you for all you PPl help, and best of luck with your Dv8000.

 

quick question on the scroll lock on and off on the dv8000...How you turn on and off?

thanks

scott

 

same problem....I sent my computer in under my extended warranty and Hp replaced the keyboard. It was a pain in the ass and got worse. always random and thus not predictable and always when I was in the middle of something important. It has happened again after getting it fixed but only once so I have not returned it yet.

 

Hello I just bought this laptop! It was meant for a desktop replacement and as a laptop for taking notes in university. I have had this laptop just under 12 hours and i was told that it was shipped in the same day due to shortages. Anyways I just wanted to know if symptoms would appear the first day? because i typed for over 40 min testing and found no real problem that i couldnt determine if it were me or the laptop i am not a good typist. However! I did not get any problems involving repeated keys or caplock problem, or even anything with shift.

How long did it take for symptons to show because if it took months i am returning this tommorow! and getting another one.

Oh this is a DV8320

Proc : T2050
HDD : 160gig (80 2x)
Ram :1 gig
Graphics : 7600 Go

 

Iol I was like you like you fazz, I typed for an hour to test, the problem only appear on the fourth day. after typing for about four hours.

 

Hello, I returned it just incase and exchanged it for a Toshiba A100-sk9, however the battery seriously sucks compared to the Dv8320, and i am considering going back to the HP. This problem in most cases i think the problem is not to bad when you get use to it. heh Also really liked the large screen and keyboard (almost lol)

However I am a student entering the first year university and I'm wondering if this problem would seriously affect my ability to take notes, if I'm using microsoft office 2003. Also does anyone think HP will actually make a fix for this soon?

 

probably not, since they have no idea what is exactly wrong, I don't thik they even ackowdledge that this is a wide spread problem with all the dv 8000 and the 5000 series, so in my opinon better off buying a different model.

 

hmm ic, well like i said i have a toshiba a100-sk9 now, and it leaves a lot to be desired. I think I will take another chance at the HP dv8000 series or a similar computer.

 

I asked this question before with no answer so I figure I would ask again:

How do you turn the scroll lock on and off on the dv8000t? I see the blue lettering of scroll on the insert button but how do you know when it is off and when it is on?

thanks,

Scott

 

I dunno, but I think for a function colored blue on a certain key to work, press fn (left side of KeyBoard, next to ctrl) and that button.

 

I agree. When I asked my case manager at HP if they were doing anything about the problem, she said, "Nope. We haven't heard anything about it." But when I asked the guy from the tech. support, he said many people were having the same issues and they were "looking into it." I'm just confused, and I'm really disappointed that HP refuses to try to solve the obviously widespread problem. I want this computer more than anything, but I'm not sure if I'm willing to buy an HP again...

The only problem is is that I can't find a comparable notebook (nice screen, numerical keypad, good graphics card, built-in bluetooth, big enough hard drive, 2gig memory, etc.) anywhere. URG!

 

Iorek, thats exactly why i wanna give it another shot. No other laptop out there is comparable in price and features. Also i plain like it. The toshiba i got is nowhere near as good, and it cost 400 bux more, the only thing thats different in terms of specs is the T2500 on it and a 7600 256meg nvidia instead of the 7600 128meg nvidia. At the moment i think i'm going back to the HP if worse comes to worse i'm getting an external keyboard.

Oh PS dont forget the dv8000t has great batterylife (when i used it for the short time i got over 3hours 40 min) my new toshiba cant muster up 2:45 min doing the same thing.)

 

what you said is true there is no other laptop that compare to the dv8000 in forms of values and price, but you wonder why is so cheap and yet seem so good. BOOM thats right there is something wrong with it. In term of customer service, in my opinon there isn't much different between any of the large cooperations. If it is a simple problem they will fix it, but if the problem is unkown and the tech has to think and speculate at your laptop to find a solution, your out of luck, cause they are not going to spend hours looking at just your laptop. Its like having your laptop infected by a virus, no one fixing your laptop will go through your entire registry, files and OS file to seek the virus out and delete the infected files, but there is always one solution that will work, REFORMAT your drive. So when buying a laptop durability and reliablity should be your first cocern, because if it breaks, and noone can fix it, who cares if it has 200 bazillion gig of storage or a utra mega 900 mb graphic card that can play halo, UT, Need for speed at the same time, its still useless. (breathing hard) lol now I am done.

 

The thing is, this keyboard is the only major problem with it, and it seems fairly widesread so they should be working on it. Besides from past experience from HP costumer service (with PDAs) is pretty good. Also I'm sure the root cause of the low prices isnt nessesarily with cheap hardware or bad service, but rather the bloated software loaded from many random companies which probably payed good money to hp to subsidise costs of the laptop itself. (If you still have a dv8000 you'll know the bloatware on it, and its a lot of bloatware)

One last thing, looking for Durability and reliability isnt as easy as you put it. That stuff is usually all about reputation, which can easily be stained... In this case yes there are no fixes but a problem this large can cause a class action lawsuit and I'm betting HP doesnt want that. If you think this isnt a large problem for a suit look up palm m100-125 class action lawsuit it was over a tiny problem and the people won.

 

Hp is not officially "working" on it
My laptop has been in once with NPF as a result, and is going in the second time, as HP has refused to exchange or refund my unit without it being repaired at least 3 times. So, going on 5 months, with no solution other than "keep wasting your time Mr. Customer, maybe your unit will fall out of warranty so we don't have to help you anymore" kind of attitude...

I found out that my last repair box was sent to someone in Florida... Strange, I'm in Idaho... So not only have they put the wrong package to the wrong person, I'm still nearly a month out from the last reported repair order.... So far, HP has treated me with absolute disrespect, and has proceeded to provide the worst service experience I have ever had...

 

wow that sucks... i guess things have changed since the last time i get their service. At anyrate i'm going to try the DV8000 series again and just return it until i get a good unit (14 day no questions asked return policy where i shop)

 

Hit the fn key and the insert [scroll] key at the same time.

 

Yeah, fazz33, I'm gonna try the dv8000t again, and hopefully I'll get a good machine with a good keyboard (who knows though...). If worse comes to worse, I'll have to get an external keyboard too... I wrote a longer comment about this earlier, but for some reason it isn't showing up... Hmmm... I'm going to school in September, and I need a computer before then, so I really really really hope that my next keyboard is good...

 

looks like we're in the same situationm I'm heading to university September. Anyways I'm going to go back to the DV8000t series Thrusday, i'll post my results then.

 

I've had my dv8000t for a couple months now, and with heavy use i have not had any keyboard problems at all. I type on it a lot, and haven't run into anything mentioned. Just sayin' there's someone who isn't having the problems. Sorry to hear about all that though. I love this computer to death and would be quite devistated if I had those problems...

 

buying an hp laptop read this first. (even a guy working at Circuit City complain about the horrible service Hp provided)

"I work at a Circuit City, and had a customer come in with a blown subwoofer from his HP media center"

"My manager was so disgusted by HP's service that we swapped out the subwoofer for the customer"

"I'm sure he'll never buy another Hewlett Packard product again, and neither will I"

lol, but I guess every copperation has problem some bigger than others.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/computers/hp_comps.html

 

HP shipped, for the 3rd time, my repair box to someone in Florida, when I happen to live in N. Idaho.... I mean, I went over this about 10 times in chat, so not only am I 5 months waiting for my defective laptop to get fixed, lied to by support staff, told too bad by a Case manager, and told that I am one in millions of customers by their BBB case handler, I can't even get my unit sent in for repair...