DV8000 Series - Keyboard problems. Anyone else?

It would help if people keep "what computer should I buy?" stuff out of this thread. It's already big enough. Pretty please.

 

So, jikingjunior, have you received your dv5000 and if so, have you had any problems so far? As a side note my 14 day exchange policy is up and my notebook is still kicking... so far. Hope my good fortune continues....

 

I would like to thank Bex with the link to talkshack. the left ctl. left shift right ctl. right shift trick had fix the cap problem on my daughter's dv8210us. at least I know this trick works. thanks again Bex.

 

Well, it continues to be an issue, look over my BBB complaint:
http://www.sanjose.bbb.org/complaint/view/252043/c/kxkad7

All HP says is sorry for the issues... I finally got my box ( and I could have easily boxed it myself and asked for a return label, but you know what, when they promised 3 times they would send one, I am not going to take ANY more of my time with it. It's their issue). I am sending it in for round 2 today, and btw, my laptop came back from round 1 with scratches on the top, and fingerprints/dust all over the screen. I expect this round 2 will result in (prediction here), NPF report, and more scratches on my laptop.

I am calling my visa in the interim and asking what options I have there. This has been absolutely a horrid waste of my time, and my money.

 

I agree with you. My laptop came back with the screen and lid scratched coverered in dust and fingerprints also. Sounds like the BBB just relays your info to them and their response to you, same bull you get talking to HP on the phone. Do let us know how your credit card responds.

 

Sorry, but I really want the opinions of people who were shafted, I don't know what forums they frequent, but judging my responses on the dv8000t before I found this thread, it's not the same people that come here.

 

I have had the dv8327cl that I purchased from Sam's Club for just under 2 weeks and I noticed the missing keystrokes in the second day or so but I thought I was just not hitting the keys right. It had gotten progressively more annoying, but after putting the scroll lock on it seems the problem has been resolved. I would hate to send it in because it sounds very likely I may get it back in worse shape... I definitely agree that this problem is unacceptable, you shouldent have to jerry rig a new product to get it to work correctly. Hope HP gets itself together on the QA side of things because the bang for the buck on this laptop is sweet.

 

I have had a dv8000 since May and have many of the same problems. At first I thought I just had to get used to new keyboard. But it does occasionally miss a chracter or fail to shift for a cap. And I do get the occasional very annoying stuck in caps lock (even though light is not on). Pressing shift, caps lock, ctrl a few times finally makes it go away. Grrrr.

 

I felt the same way about sending the computer back to HP but the problems continued to get worse. If you still can take it back to the retailer and get a different computer dump this fiasco as fast as you can. My son bought a great refurbished Toshiba that he has had for 2 years and it works beautifully, was less money than the dv8000 plague. I'm now counting 7 missing keystrokes that are consistently bad and when the caps lock goes on nothing will take it off. I don't see anyone else having the black screen problem that I do. All of a sudden the screen goes black, blue lights are all on, does not respond to any keystrokes, have to take the battery out. I think that there will be more surprises unfolding with this dodgy machine. My son warned me when I had the computer for a month to return it right away. If you want a laptop with a non-functioning keyboard than this is the machine for you. We're definitely getting banged for our buck. I'm praying my credit card will assist me in putting the pressure on HP for a refund after I return it for repair the 3rd time. This is also the 2nd dv8000 I've gotten, returned the 1st one to the retailer for the same problems. I wouldn't buy HP paper, every time I see their logo I cringe. It would help if people would print in their posts the emails they got from HP admitting the problem exists. They are still telling me that my is an isolated problem.

 

I definitely think people should start posting any emails they have in which HP admits the problem. The first HP tech guy that I talked to, admitted there were "a lot of people with the same problem," but my case manager told me she "hadn't heard anything about it." I even told both of them about all the people on the internet with the same problems. I don't have the proof of what they said in writing, but they did say it. I really hope my dv9000 doesn't have any problems! I don't really even know why I'm going back to HP after this... If there are any problems with my dv9000, I will never buy HP again and I will tell everyone else to do the same!

 

Well, you can add me to the list of annoyed, frustrated HP owners. I purchased a dv5224nr Pavilion about a month ago. The keyboard malfunctions started almost immediately, but I, like many who have posted here, thought that it was my typing that was causing the problems. Missed key strokes, arbitrary cap locks, etc. are but a few of the complaints I've lodged with HP. I even tried to email Mark Hurd, President and CEO of HP, but my email was predictably routed to the "Escalation Team" from whom I am expecting more of the same BS I've already encountered. I tried removing the Synaptic drivers, but it did NOT provide a long term fix. I think a class action lawsuit is definitely appropriate in this case! GRRRRRR.

 

wow, Hp may have just as well put a big sticker on every hp product saying if your product break don't call us, or else we will make you regret it, because all we do is sit on our lazy ass and hope you go away. And if you do manage to send your product in, even god can't help you now.

 

Check out this lawsuit against HP. This is what will happen to us. They keep having us send the computer back and forth and then the warranty runs out. http://www.classcounsel.com/news/hp.html

 

Well, after using the new synaptics driver for a few days I finally decided to remove it and reinstall the MS driver. My computer was dropping keystrokes again, not as bad as before, but still enuf to be irritating. I'll try again the next time they come out with a new driver. I got a message when I reverted to the MS driver stating that the synaptics driver also controls the keyboard, so I think it may be a big part of the problem (outside of the mechanical defects of the keyboard).

 

I purchased two of the Pavilions for my company and they are both having the caps lock problems. I called Tech Support and he told me it was a software issue. So we spent an hour on the telephone to no avail. I find it hard to believe all of these computers are having software issues. And my last HP had keyboard issues also (though not the same problem). I wish they would just own up to the problem and send out a fix.

 

Just ordered mine, lets see.

 

Update on the many posts that I did on this issue:

I have been using the MS driver for the touchpad and the missing key strokes have been ZERO!!!! The keyboard works perfectly now since I uninstalled the synaptics drivers.

I have had no mechanical issues with the keys. I am extremely pleased with the computer now.. I will try the new synaptics drivers when they come out but for now why fix something is no longer broken?

Scott

A thought: How many people that have uninstalled the synaptics drivers and still have issues and did you reinstall windows before you uninstalled?

i am just trying to determine something. Trying to see the whole picture.

 

Not everybody thinks it's OK if they have to type without their palms touching the computer. Or lose the utilities or use a mouse. We're talking about brand new computers.

Does it jump or doesn't it? I couldn't type with the cursor jumping around.

You've said you can live with the problems. That's not the same as "working perfectly." Know what I mean? Some people need to keep Scroll Lock on to make all the keys work and this causes problems with some programs.

Edit: Sorry I've edited this about 50 times but I'm not a very clear writer

 

I use a usb mouse so the touchpad rarely gets used. If I have to use the touchpad, it works just fine. FYI, I bought the usb mouse before I even bought the computer knowing I would not like to use the touchpad on a regular basis.

If you press too hard on the palm rest the cursor will jump but if you put your palms on the palm rest and do not press real hard it is fine.

To clear your last statement: I use the computer everyday and have zero issues with the keyboard now. The occassional skip of cursor is nothing to fret about. Every electronic item has some type of issue with it. Quirks are quirks. Should it be fixed? SURE. Is it something that I would return the computer for? Heck no, this computer rocks!!!

I personally believe that a driver will be developed eventually that will resolve this issue. (the individual bad keys is a hardware issue for some ppl and that needs to be addressed by HP) The driver issue should be addressed by synaptics company. I think THEY are the real culprit to this entire issue (except for bad keys)

Scott

 

OK, lets do a poll..

A. Keyboard problem present
B. Very minor keyboard problem,
C. No Keyboard problem at all.

I'm refering to double keys, stuck keys, non working keys etc... Thanks

 

so far looks like a 50/50 chance.

 

Probably the most unscientific poll in history

 

Too bad I can't vote 3 times for the 3 different models I tested with the keyboard issue, and one more time for the dv5000 with at least 7 keys that didn't work at all!

 

the only keyboard problem I have is that it will go on caps lock even tho the caps lock isn't on... the shift key gets stuck sometims =/

 

Hey all, As I've written on previous threads, I have the dv5220ca and have had zero keyboard or touch pad problems thus far(knock on wood). But fortunately with all the info read on the previous thread, if I do encounter any problems I think I could fix it with all the collective fixes posted. I would definately not send it to HP or at least avoid it like the plague. Mind you HP should seriously address these issues if they wish to continue having "satisfied" customers. To bad to all with the problems since the systems are fantastic, minus the obvious and talked about isssues. Guess we'll all have to wait and see.....

 

trust me, its not a software issue in most cases so fixing it yourself will not work.

 

I have to disagree with you jmi22. I think the whole keyboard issue is a SOFTWARE problem. The reason I say this is I have uninstalled the driver for the touchpad over 3 weeks ago and replaced it with the MS Driver and I have had not one missed keystroke since. The only issue with the keyboard I have now and it rarely happens, is the jumped cursor if I press to hard near the touchpad. The keyboard works flawlessly now. I have tried to reinstall the touchpad driver again and the missed keystrokes came back right away.

Scott

 

happy to hear. at least i have some hope when my laptop comes in because as of right now its not looking too good and i'm already on my 2nd laptop

 

Anyone tried downloading the latest synaptics touchpad drivers from their homepage?

They've more recent drivers than those posted for download at Hp.

Maybe they would fix it?

 

I believed someone here tried the new drivers and they found the problem still existed. I am not 100% sure of this though.

Scott

 

Yes, it does not fix the problem. I received my notebook back from HP on the 27th, spent 2 hours with Earthlink because it would not connect to the Internet. Then spent a total of 9 hours on the 28th with HP tech support trying to get the wireless connection to work. The notebook is going back for the third time. All the latest drivers have been installed and the keyboard is still malfunctioning as it was before. I'm going to pursue the matter through my credit card so this is the only reason I'm sending it in for the 3rd time. HP has no fix and says I'm the only one having keyboard issues. Tech support also told me not one person has called with keyboard issues so they are doing a cover-up.

 

If tech support really told you that you're the only one with keyboard issues, then they suck. And they lie. Why does HP deny this problem?!?!

 

I delayed my order for a Lenovo N100 yesterday, because I came across this 17" HP dv8320ca laptop at bestbuy for $1399 CDN.

I'm seeing a ton of keyboard and touchpad problems. Clearly, experimental non standard hardware is chosen for his rogue laptop.

HP's tech support is totally unacceptable. It is unlikely I will buy an HP at this point.

 

I have been doing research on the dv8000t and the dv8320us/dv8330us
(I have read some good reviews on the 8330) Not sure which one to get... I am driving myself crazy with all the research. I have also checked out Dell but, I don't like the small keyboard.

Now, hearing the keyboard problems- I am blown away, because the keyboard is what I am attracked to on the HP.

Another struggle- A 17 inch or smaller. It will be replacing my PC but I still want to be able to take it somewhere if I'd like to. Will I regret getting a 17 inch? I do no gaming, and not too sure if I will be even watching tv on it.
I guess I like the thought of having a nice big screen, because at work I have a PC with a 17 in screen and scared that I'd be disapointed looking at a smaller screen when I get home.

Any info. would be great!

 

Well, got my laptop back from HP finally. Strangely enough, the tech called me while my laptop was there, asking for more information. I told him what was going on, and he said he apologized, and would replace my lcd and keyboard. He actually did both.

Having it only for a few minutes, I'll need to type on it a bit more, but I've already counted 9 times it's missed keystrokes just typing this post. I know I hit the keys, I can type without error pretty dang fast...

The tech also admitted this was a problem he had heard of, when I told him I have a thread online with thousands of views, and hundreds of people having the same issue, he said no need, I know its defective, I'll swap it out.

I also have chat support copies of them saying they are aware of the issues...

Sooo... I guess i'll be calling them tomorrow and asking for another repair tag to send it back, for the 3rd time. Only then will HP take into consideration exchanging the unit, or refunding me. Though per the words of Hps executive response team, they will likey never give me my money back...

Still stuck with the same problem, now going on 6 months...

 

How come no one here will accept the fact that the missing keystrokes on the 8000 series is not the keyboard but a driver issue with the touchpad? If you are having issues with specific keys not working because the key is bad then fine, return to repair it but if you are getting RANDOM keystroke misses, the KEYBOARD IS NOT THE CULPRIT!!!. The crappy driver that is used for the TOUCHPAD is the reason.

I have uninstalled the driver and currently using the MS driver and I HAVE NOT HAD ONE MISSED KEYSTROKE SINCE!!! I have been using the MS driver for almost 1 month now. I do not use the scroll on trick because not needed. I have also had no issues with the cap lock screwing up either. The crappy driver for the touchpad is the reason you guys are having it but for some reason no one will believe it.

I am in agreement with you all that HP should find a way to fix this issue and them denying it is not good business but why is everyone sending back their systems for an issue that is not hardware related?

Scott

 

*I* believe you.

HP obviously has a problem with their short term memory. They're obviously not functioning properly as a company.

It is costing them:
1) money. Shipping costs, customer support costs (outsourced or not).
2) customers. I for one got pissed off reading about unhappy customers.
3) business. Where I work, I'm already unrecommending Compaq. HP now too.
4) reputation. Shear incompetance. Not being able to issue a simple driver replacement. All they have to do is pay for a few *smart* people for a few days, get to the bottom of the problem, issue a fix and a report, and get on with it. Not having this process in place leaves me thinking that internally, inside that ant hill of theirs, not the right people are talking to the right people. Are they disorganized or something?

 

This keyboard thing is really sad because I was playing with one today and it's a sweet layout with the numbers. This thread alone stopped me from getting a 8000 or 5000 and had to spend the extra bucks on a biz model.

 

Scott, I think we all understand what you're saying. The point is that I don't want to fix the computer unless I'm stuck with it and I've exhausted all repair avenues with HP, they then refuse to refund my money, my warranty has run out, and my credit card is not successful with making them give me a refund. I'm also having more problems than just the keyboard. My screen went black for the 6th time while just reading something online. I'm not in love with the idea of keeping this laptop and would really prefer to buy from another company.
I have emails from HP telling me that mine is an isolated problem. American evening tech support dude, Mike, told me HP has not had one call about the keyboard. They are hoping we will all go away and drop the issue out of frustration.
My new case manager is more hostile and sadistic than the last one and was doing everything she could to get me angry but I didn't take the bait and kept my cool. HP knows exactly what they're doing, trying to make us feel like we're the problem not the computer. HP sucks supreme.
Angelrose, This computer is really heavy. If you're looking for a portable laptop you can carry around this one is not practical for that purpose and won't fit in the average laptop carrying bags.
If you want to go to hell buy the HP dv8000.

 

I wouldn't assume that if someone tells you that it's an isolated problem, or that you're the only one, that the HP employee is lying. It is very possible that employee just has never heard of it before. Of the millions of laptops HP sells, the number of calls they get about this keyboard problem is probably so small that it never gets noticed by the people who would be responsible for fixing this issue.

After uninstalling the touchpad driver and using the default microsoft driver, I would say 90% of the problem went away. This isn't an acceptable solution, but it means it can at least be solved with software. However until HP releases a fix, you'd be crazy to buy the dv8000 if you read this forum.

 

Someone should do another check, and some more googling for a fix, and report it back here. I've seen some code for Linux for instance where you get *so much* control over the touchpad input parameters, that it might be possible to tune it even to the jumpy HP hardware...?
Same should be possible for windoze. Windoze is not open source, which really really sucks huge. Consider switching to Linux, or at least slowly become familiar with it by dual booting it once in a while - just to stay abreast as to what's happening...

 

well, it's been about 6 months and since last month my key board is acting up.. I have strokes goes missing, at moment I am typing and it does that.

I don't thing it's software issue, as it was working fine till last month since I bought it. Cap Lock reverse thing was happening since begining but didin't annoy me but missing keystrokes is annoying as it's been just 6 months and hardware problems are showing up.

Even my front speaker is loosing it's colour It hasn't been dropped or anything to loose colour! First I thought might be something greecy touched and dried but I still though what it might be since I have always kept it away and clean but today I looked into it and it was colour wipe off! its rotten.

If I had choice I would return it and go for something else but I am stuck with repair thing now.

 

I've now read through this entire thread - twice. I've had my dv8000t for about 2 weeks now and immediately noticed the keyboard issues. Interestingly enough, I loved the feel of the keyboard in the store. I tried the scroll lock fix, but it didn't seem to make a difference. I'm now trying to implement the driver fix (uninstalling the synaptics touchpad driver) and I must be doing something wrong. I select uninstall, it prompts me to reboot, and when I check after rebooting, it's still there. Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong? And if I can get the driver uninstalled, do I need to install the generic MS driver?

Thanks,
Deborah

 

The HP dv8000 is a lemon take it back to the retailer before it is too late. This isn't the only forum talking about the problems with this computer. Why would you want to keep a computer that is plagued with problems right out of the box? If you want misery keep it. There is no fix for the computer that fixes it 100% and HP does not care. It's a new computer why are you wasting your time and money on a factory defective laptop. You'd be better off with a quality refurbished notebook for the same price or less. This laptop is not worth the problems, you will live to regret ever buying this mess. Not only am I having the keyboard and black sceen mystery, now the computer won't shut down without depressing the power button for 20 seconds. HP will not support this laptop in any way or give you a refund. Run don't walk and return it to the retailer you purchased it from. Don't buy anything HP unless you want misery.

 

dpnbird,

Try entering into safe mode and uninstall the driver for the touchpad then. Do a reboot into safe mode again and attempt to install the ms generic driver in safe mode. Reboot into normal mode then and you should be ok.

If that does not work then just PM me and I will attempt to duplicate it again on my system for you. After you do this and get the generic driver installed, your keyboard issues should be resloved.

Scott

 

Dpnbird, if you've only had the computer for two weeks, I suggest you return it and get a replacement. I returned mine after the first week, because I noticed the keyboard issues on its second day of use. I bought the dv9000z, and so far the keyboard has been great...

 

Scott,
Does the MS driver make the touchpad work or is it useless afterwards?

 

It works with the MS driver, but it's not optimal. You won't be able to adjust certain features of the touchpad, and it will be very sensitive to things like your palm touching it

 

Superman23 nailed your question. I would have said the same thing. I find the small issues are easily avoidable. I would highly suggest uninstalling the touchpad driver and use MS until a proper driver is made. You will not regret it.

Scott

 

Thanks, Scott, I was just getting information. I returned both my defective dv8000 units for a refund and have no intention of getting another HP computer. No regrets yet