DV8000 Series - Keyboard problems. Anyone else?

I just wanted to say that I tested 3 dv8000's; one at Best Buy, one at Sam's Club, and one at Circuit City. The keyboard on the computer at Circuit City seemed fine (the dv8000z), but the other two had problems with random keys not registering; when I tried to show someone at Best Buy, the keyboard stopped doing it... Figures. Today I went to a different Best Buy, and I tested the keyboard of the dv5000 (the same as the dv8000, but w/o the numerical keypad), and the comma key, the period key, the semi-colon, the apostrophe, and the bracket keys were all not working! I showed someone who worked there and he said, "Oh, definitely don't get this one. Yeah, go for the other one [meaning the dv6000z]" We tried for a long time to get the keys to work, and they just wouldn't. I also told the guy how a lot of people on the internet were having the same problems with their computers, and how HP doesn't acknowledge the problem. I tried out the keyboard of the dv6000z, and everything seemed fine. I was considering going for another dv8000t, but after only using 4 computers with the same keyboard, and 3 of them having issues with the keyboard, I think I have decided to definitely go for the dv9000z. Seriously, what are the chances that I would get a decent keyboard if I decided to go back to the dv8000t? HP needs to do something about that stupid keyboard. It sends a really bad message to their customers when they refuse to fix, or even acknowledge, a significant problem…

 

i just got the dv8327US model....so far no keyboard problems i can notice...have 21 days to return/exchange for a new one. Going to be testing out the keyboard to see if this model has problems. Sorry to hear that ur kayboard has problems.

 

What a bummer that HP isn't sorting this issue out when so many folks have the same problem. I'm afraid I cut my losses and insisted with the store manager where I bought my machine from that as HP had confirmed the problem existed in their email to me a month ago, I had been sold a defective machine and so should get a replacement. They swapped it for a ZD8000 that was going for the same price. Pentium 4 rather than dual core - seems so much slower, even though its rated 3.4GHz! - and runs hot so much shorter battery life and noiser fans. But the keyboard is notceably more responsive and isn't giving me the CLTL and CAPS LOCK freeze-ups. Also, this is the first time I've owned a laptop and I got tired of the cursor on my DV8000 sometimes jumping around the screen so I'd be in the middle of typing something and spontaneously so it seemed, the words would start appearing in another part of the document. I just assumed that was something inherent in laptops in that they have a presumably very sensitive touchpad that I just wasn't used to. But it's not happenng with the ZD8000 so earlier suggestions on this forum that the touchpad software might be causing the keyboard probems or perhaps static on the touchpad might not be so far off. (The ZD8000 also has a button next to the touchpad that disables it if you want to use an external mouse and don't want to risk moving the cursor by inadvertently touching the touchpad - though I've found I haven't needed to use that facility).

As an aside, before returning my DV8000 my final desperate attempt to avoid keyboad problems was that I uninstalled the touchpad driver and rebooted, letting the system pick the generic Windows one. Everything went fine for a week (though the useful scroll bar on the right of the touchpad didn't work). I thought to post on this forum that I'd found a workaround - and was halfway through typing in what I'd done, when you guessed it, the keyboard freeze happened. That was it - I'd had enough and returned the laptop. I wish my new laptop had beter battery power and ran quieter (I don't expect you can swap a Pentium 4 for a dual core can you???) but at least I have a machine that I can do word processing on. (I didn't try the scrool lock workaround as I use Excel a lot and switch from Excel to Word so that would not have suited me).

Good luck!

 

I bought the dv8000 series again, and i have to say at first there was a bit of key stroke skipping, however i was reading here to help aleviate the problem enable scroll lock, and what do you know... it actually helps... a lot!

Oh and the one i got doenst seem to have any touch pad flakeyness

 

It sends a really bad message to a company (and the industry in general) when people are aware of a major malfunction with an expensive product, are aware that the company is doing nothing about it, and buy it anyway, shrugging about getting used to it or buying an external keyboard.

If HP makes USB keyboards they must be laughing themselves stupid.

 

I agree. I just wish they would fix the problem!!

 

I've been really interested in getting a DV8000t (with various discounts, I can get it for < $1000 before tax), but am definately a little worried about the keyboard. In a foolish attempt to rationalize getting one, I was wondering if people could post their system configurations? I'm just curious to see if there is any common elements for the people having the problem (beyond the fact that they all have an HP)? i.e. Do they all have the TV Tuner?
XP Home vs XP Pro?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

Not all have tv tuners. Mine uses Windows XP home edition. Also not all have the problem some people posted none.

Anyways the specs on the one are!

CPU: T2250
HDD: 200GB
RAM: 1gig
Drives: DVD dual layer, with lightscribe
Graphics: 7600 go


Oh and I'm typing this on the laptop and no problems since i put on the scroll lock. Just to tell you guys ^^ Its been all good. So far

 

Intel Core Duo 2.0GHz
1GB RAM
160GB Hard Drive
go 7600
Litescribe

Consider this issue seriously before you make your purchase. I might wait for the dv9000t to come out, instead of going for another dv8000t.

 

is there a light or something to help you determine if the scroll lock is on? Also, if the scroll lock is on and you have fewer if not any issues and when scroll lock is off and the issue flares up then it has to be a software issue not a hardware issue in my opinion. Any one feel the same way?

scott

 

The scroll lock on issue is key to not having missed key strokes. It is amazing on the difference of the keyboard with it on. Excellent fix to the issue until hp or someone figures out what the software issue is that is making the keyboard not work right. Like my last post, I really feel now that the keyboard issue is SOFTWARE related. Something, even a driver issue, is what is screwing with the keyboard.

I think we all should figure this out ourselves and screw hp support. Perhaps we can then charge them hp to get the answer LOL.

scott

 

lol if someone comes up with a software patch before HP they better make HP pay for it lol

Anyways i agree with you there ScottM the difference is amazing.

 

yeah we can have hp call us and we can with an accent, tell them that we have no idea what they are asking for and then hang up on them and or be rude. LOL

I am wondering if the touchpad software is the culprit. Perhaps it could be the quickplay buttons. It could be many things but atleast we have a temp fix so this computer again rocks!!!

scott

 

Well some people say uninstalling the touchpad thing eliminates the problem, but thats unconfirmed. Dunno about the quickplay buttons though.

But if anyone ever does get a fix I will call em up myself and start speaking with a really thick accent, talk jibberish for 1 hour then tell them their not paying me enuf to do this.

 

My Logitech G5 laser mouse drivers have displaced/disabled the default Synaptics drivers and I still have the problem about once per week. I have to reboot to get things back to normal again.

 

theres probably registry left over still interfering if you just installed over the drivers instead of removing them.

Oh anyone know how to lock the scroll lock in the on position even after resarts, and such?

 

you have to hold the FN key and insert key (has scroll in blue) to activate scroll lock. I notice that their is no way to see if it is on and off tho. No indicator except that the keyboard works 100% better when it is on.

Scott

 

I didn't have any problems while I was working with my mom's. So far, she hasn't complained either. I'll post again if anything happens, but I really like it, and she loves it.

We have DV8000t

Windows XP Home
Core Duo T2400
1.0 GB DDR2
80GB 5400RPM HD

I uninstalled all the bloatware (that Vongo is a major pain, too), and am running NOD32 and Windows Defender for protection. It's a fairly light running machine.

 

I really think that this thread could be coming to an end because I feel we are getting closer and closer to figuring out what is going on with the keyboard (we have gotten further then HP I bet). Lets put what we have figured out together and try to nail this issue down. I will list what I know and please anyone have other things to add to this please do.

1. Not everyone is having issues.
2. Alot of issues occur when notebook on for awhile. I have gotten one major keyboard screw up when i came out of hibernation for awhile.
3. The scroll lock in the ON postition makes the BIGGEST DIFFERECE. The keyboard works flawless in the on mode.
4. Some ppl ( I have yet to try it) have uninstalled the touchpad drivers and problem resolved. I use an external mouse so I am going to remove drivers and try it out.
5. Not a connector issue with the keyboard since it works alot of time and the scroll lock on resloves rest.. Thus, It is a SOFTWARE issue in my opinion.

Please add anything I missed and perhaps we can determine the true cause.

Oh yeah, missed the biggest thing: HP HAS NO FU#$%&@ idea. they should be paying us LOL.

Scott

 

I think you pretty much summed up the main points that people have tried and are working. If there are any other home brewed remedies someone postem up. Thank you Scotte for posting them up. ^_^

 

I uninstalled the touchpad drivers but it didn't cure the problem...though it took several days for the problem to recur rather than half an hour or so...

 

I put a new hard drive in my DV5000 and installed Suse 10.1 Linux. Same problems as with Windows: keystrokes are dropped and the cursor jumps around.

Question: Where are the HP chat people located? US or India?

 

Man i was going to buy a HP dv8000 but this problem is scaring me away from it. How prominent is it?

 

I too have had all these problems and spent many hours troubleshooting to find an answer. I have a number of posts on talkshack.com describing my quest. Bottom line, found the following problems/fixes:
1. Remove the synaptics driver and use the generic microsoft mouse driver. I verified this with hours of experimentation and others have too.
2. Tape the edges of the touchpad so my hands don't periodically touch the edges while typing. Also used a piece of digital camera screen protector plastic over the remainder of the touch pad to reduce the sensitivity.
3. Placed paper punched circles of "grip tape" between the bottom of problem keys and the switch. They keyboard has some design problems, especially the "B" key. Also, the white plastic used for the key pivots is too soft and if some keys are pressed off-center then they do not push the switch far enough. Especially problematic are the longer keys, such as spacebar, shift keys, caps lock and some others.

This has fixed 95% of my problems. I still have occasional cursor jumping incidents, but this usually happens when my hands are hot and sweaty. Seems to be a heat related problem, but I'm not really sure.

I have read about the Scroll-Lock fix mentioned on this board and it sounds promising. I will be testing this as well. Hope this post helps some of you having these problems.

 

Umm what is does removing the synaptics driver do? Or what does the driver really do in the first place, that the Generic microsoft driver can't?

 

Hi. I am just posting a link to the thread.

http://talkshack.com/showthread.php?t=518&page=1

I think you're right about the key pivots BTW.

 

Removing the Synaptics driver eliminates the missed keystroke problem. HP support suggested that the touchpad might be filling up the key buffer when they heard about this.

I have just loaded the latest synaptics driver from the HP website. Yesterday I turned the Scroll-lock on as suggested, but today, after loading the latest synaptics driver, I tried to turn on the Scroll-lock and that keystroke along with it's on-screen notification is GONE??!! Well, maybe they fixed something and didn't tell anyone.

 

^_^ I just uploaded the newest synaptic, and quick play drivers and still use the scroll lock fix, the problem seems to be gone when i do this. I tested by playing FPS games changine key settings for movement.

I think this maybe the best way to check the keyboard for skipping, because you'll notice your character studdering when it skipps. I've played for 1 hour and no studdering at all with these settings, even the space bar works right just when i want it.



Oh has anyone emailed Synaptics and requested for the the registry on that driver that controls the keyboard/touchpad buffer memory so we can change it and see if that fixes the problem?

 

Hey Don't mean to double post but isnt this important and can it be temporarily stickied until a solution is found or until HP gets off its but to do something about it?

 

If we keep posting, it will stay on the first page. It would be good if it was a sticky though. By the way, I ordered a dv9000z today. I really wanted the 9000t, but I didn't have enough time to wait. I'll let you know if the keyboard has any issues!

 

I went to the other site that touchtyper mentioned and I did everything they said but the tape idea and I have had EXCELLENT results. I have no more keystroke misses and the reverse cap lock thing has not acted up. I do have the ocassional freaky cursor but I can easily live with it. I am tempted to download the new touchpad and quick button drivers and try it but I not in know hurry since I use a usb mouse anyway.

I believe the solution is now staring everyone in the face... The touchpad driver from that company is the culprit. Use the ms base driver and watch your palms on the touchpad and you will be fine.

Scott

 

Whats the draw back of using the MS driver tho?

 

hi all, got the dv8210us for my daughter to replace her old reliable Toshiba Satillite, unluckly the dv8210us got the keyboard problem, didn't believe her at first till she shows me. I went back to the store I got it from and exchange it for a new one, thought that solve the problem, noooooo, the second got the same problem. By now the store return policy had expired, all I can do is deal with hp tech support, they told me to do a recovery on the laptop, which is what I did, and guess what, it didn't do sh*t. Next week my daughter is going to college in VA. and there is not time to ship this laptop in for repair. She will use it for now, if it doesn't cause to much problem on her school paper. Here's my thought is hp making junks, the 6 yrs. old Toshiba is working fine, the only thing I did to it is put in a larger hd. so my other daughter can use it. What do you guys think.

 

Almost all computer companies is going down in terms of quality control even sony, ( dell recalling 4.1 million notebook battery made by sony ), I guess the only thing people can do is buy a brand they trust, and get extended warranty from the retailer. But you can just buy it from costco, they have a six month return policy for notebook and desktop computer. The return policy in my opinon need some refining, I hear some one returning a 2000 dollar bottle of wine with a half a cup inside, and he got a full refund without question.

 

I am a member of BJ wholesae, I wonder if they got the same policy as costco

 

the keyboard issue is fixable by just following a few steps that have been described in this post and another post in a different website. Find the link to other site is a few pages back.

The solutions DO WORK and work very well.

Fazz33, the small issue with using the ms touchpad driver is that if you press too hard on the palm rest (the sides of the touchpad) the cursor might jump to another spot on the screen. You also lose the utilities that come with the touchpad with the other company drivers. I use an external mouse so this is not an issue and I type with my palms OFF the computer so again the cursor does not jump for me. If it does I just place it back and continue typing.

I am completely satisfied with the computer and the keyboard now. Love it!.

I would recommend to anyone to just fix it yourself and do not bother HP since they have no clue. If we want a driver fix for it we need to contact the company for the touchpad to make a better driver not hp.

scott

 

Hey all, I have the dv5020ca bought at BB. So far I haven't really had any keyboard or touch pad problems. I was on it the other day and for a moment it did the whole caps reverse thing. After that I then went nuts playing with the caps lock and the shift key to see if it would do it again, and nothing. Mind you I haven't been typing any novels lately. Tomorrow is the last day to exchange the unit if I so desire. As a back up I've looked at the v3015ca but it lacks certain features that my dv5020ca has; the remote(more of a novelty I know but pretty cool) and of course the media center,to name a few, which is cool since my wife likes playing around with photos and such. But I must say that after doing a lot of reading on this site(my eyes freaken hurt) it has left some serious doubts in my mind. So now the real question is do I stick with this computer or do I switch to the v3015ca which could have the same problems or worse. Man, what a bummer. I will say this though, with all of you guys posting it is a wealth of information far better than any tech support!

 

HP has yet again, shipped a repair box to someone in Florida, while I still (for 27 years) reside in Idaho...

5+ months with a defective HP dv8000t keyboard, and still no fix or help from the manufacturer...

 

And, while I see folks have had luck with the scroll lock, and placing tape and pieces of tape all over their keyboard. My question is, should we have to?

I mean, if you bought a new mustang, and found out that the steering wheel had issues when turning hard right, and to fix it, you had to put pieces of metal on your steering wheel, or the brakes didn't work exactly right, and the solution was to apply a grease on your rotors.... (used as example only, not a reality based analogy), would you be ok with that?

I am off now to file my 3rd rebuttal with the BBB... What's the course of action for a Class Action Lawsuit? Hp has obviously made a defective product, and is unwilling/unable to provide an adequate solution to the problem to it's consumers...

 

Let's put your question of why should we have to fix these problems ourselves? into some perspective... I do agree with you that HP needs to fix this issue but it may not be their fault entirely (touchpad drivers!) The physical malfunction of the keyboard (certain keys not working because they are bad not that the buffer is not clear) is HP issue but if the software and drivers are the issue then other are guilty too...

All things in the electronic/computer world have bugs/issues.. Windows XP, games, tivo, etc... You have to live with certain faults with these items and if the company cannot make good and you feel that you are robbed you can return it. Since we are able to find a fix for it then lets pat ourselves on the back and say great job.

Just my 2 cents but I hope you have success with it. I am not a lawyer but class action lawsuit for this? do not think it will fly.

Scott

 

Is this enough of a fix that you would still recommend buying an hp dv8000t, or the 9000? or even the nx9420, or do you recommend looking elsewhere. I've seen this problem and similar customer service reported like this on at least 3 forums. So cautious at this point. What about Lenovo?
What about this computer?
ACER AS9402WSMI

 

I would without a doubt by the 8000 or higher series. The keyboard in my opinion is a small issue. With the workarounds which take maybe 1 minute to reslove, is fine with me. The system is awesome (after fresh reinstall)

Highly recommend it.

scott

 

In that case, is there anyone out there that the workaround didn't work for? because I gather from here, HP is not the easiest to deal with and your pretty much stuck.

 

Why don't you just go the UPS and get a notebook shipping box. Have HP e-mail you a prepaid shipping label. You shouldn't need to wait for them to ship you a box to ship it back in.

 

Holy cow was that a long read...My luck I ordered a dv5000t before reading this thread. I'm so sick and tired of trying to find the perfect laptop, my dam head is spinning.

Now I have a dv2000t on the way and a dv5000t on the way and I don't want either one of them.

 

the laptop may be the best for the price, but is it worth taking the chance I'll have to deal with customer service sooner or later?

 

The workarounds didn't work for me. First I sent back the dv2000 and then the dv5000---after losing 2 hours of work when the keys started malfunctioning again, and I couldn't save anything. That was the last straw. If I pay $1700 for a piece of equipment, it better work flawlessly out of the box. For that bargain price, I didn't expect the extras they threw in...HPs excuses, aggravating phone queues, uninformed and/or rude customer service people, and tech support that thinks re-installing the OS is a fix all. I know a lot of people have negative things to say about Dell, but my laptops worked right out of the box, and I didn't have one problem.

 

Just got my lemon dv8000 back from HP after they kept it for 2 weeks. It came back with the screen and the cover scratched also covered with dust and fingerprints. They did a system bios update, filled the computer with more bloatware then it originally came with, 20 crapware icons on the desktop, so depressing, my pristine barely used notebook now looks like a dirty old whore. Needless to say the keyboard issues are still there and HP is still not acknowledging there is a problem. I will have to send the computer back to them again for round 3. After round 3 I'm then going to try and pursue the HP lemon laptop problem through my credit card. Has anyone else tried going through their credit card company's extended warranty program? If you are thinking of buying an HP dv8000 run don't walk. You'll get less aggravation from taking your $1300 and just flushing it down the toilet.

 

what about the compaq nx9420? I haven't heard of any problems with it. Your calling same support though right?

 

HP support is a waste of time, talking to a case manager is a waste of time, HP wants it's customers to buy their products and then will do everything they can to make you go away. They should have a recall and be giving refunds on this computer. People are having the same problems right out of the box or a month into owning the dv8000 with the non-functioning keyboard. Why spend your money on a laptop with a keyboard that doesn't work? Why buy a laptop you then have to fix? Spend the extra money for a better quality unit and stay away from HP. If you want misery buy the dv8000.