Japanese keyboard on regular motherboard

This is a bit difficult to explain, so please bear with me.

I recently purchased a motherboard because mine wasn't working anymore. I installed it, etc and it works fine. The only problem is the keyboard. I am currently using a japanese keyboard (even though I dont know japanese) and only half of the keys work, the other half when I click them make BEEP BEEP noises. so I cant use "I" or R for example.

ALSO, and more importantly, it will not boot up if I connect the keyboard directly. I need to disconnect the keyboard from the notebook, andd reconnect it everytime I wish to boot it up. Im nots ure, maybe it needs to charge. Please help me out or ask questions if I explained wrong.

Do you think all I need to do is purchase a new keyboard? Thnaks for your help all!

 

And which notebook do you have?

 

Maybe your keyboard was also damaged. As ZaZ indicated, you have to be more specific to get help from the forum members.

 

So SOrry, its a T40.

Thank you kindly for the prompt replies.

My previous motherboard was damaged from leaking acid from the battery. My brother says its possible the japanese keyboard isnt compatible with a regular motherboard, but im not sure.

 

So you are exchanging the motherboard in a T40? Can you get a new keyboard from the same source as the motherboard and try that with your notebook? Alternatively, can you connect your keyboard to another computer?

I am sorry, I don't know if Japanese keyboards only work with certain motherboards. I think that shouldn't be a problem because they key mapping is controlled by the operating system. That's why you are asked to specify the keyboard layout when you install Windows on a computer.

 

Just realized how long it is to read, im sorry! please bare through it and thank you so much for your help!!

the thing is, my IBM t40 broke ( japanese version) so I bought a regular motherboard and installed the missing parts from the regular motherboard including the hard drive (from broken japanese version notebook). So I dont have all the parts for the regular motherboard, including CDROM drive, Hard drive, fan, etc. Everything seems to work fine besides keyboard.

Do you think if I reinstall windows xp Pro edition, I can use the keyboard as a regular one? Also, if that is the case, do you think that causes me to have problems powering it on? As it is, if I turn off the notebook completely, I need to disconnect and reconnect the keyboard in order for it to power on... and sometimes that doesnt work, maybe a wire is loose. Sometimes, it gives me an error, keyboard key stuck, hit f1 to go to bios set up. Perhaps I can update the bios on the motherboard?

 

When you say "regular motherboard", what do you mean? Is it not a motherboard originally built for the T40?

Even if you could use the keyboard once you are in Windows, that's not an optimal solution because there are times when you need the keyboard outside of Windows, for example in the BIOS setup. I would make sure that the keyboard works before installing Windows.

 

Sorry, I wasn't so clear. When I say regular motherboard, I mean its a motherboard meant for the US. My broken IBM was a Japanese version.

 

How about picking up a American keyboard?

 

Thanks Zaz, you think that'll fix the issue? I hope so.

As is, im looking no ebay.. but i thik 40 dollars for a used one is too much. Will try to get one and let you guys know.