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    Toshiba P205 every keystroke opens browser

    Discussion in 'Toshiba' started by Bismuth, Mar 13, 2009.

  1. Bismuth

    Bismuth Newbie

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    Very odd problem with our Toshiba P205. Hitting ANY key on the keyboard opens the default browser. Typing a ten letter word opens ten browser windows. We have replaced the keyboard but problem continues. Toshiba repair center suggested replacing the motherboard for about $500 (That's about the cost of a new laptop huh?).

    Works fine with no problem using an external keyboard.

    Water was spilled on this laptop previously. It is out of warranty.

    Is there perhaps a registry tweak that can block the default browser from opening in this way? Anyone have any thoughts on this one?
     
    Bismuth, Mar 13, 2009
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  2. Tippey764

    Tippey764 Notebook Deity

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    Did you reinstall the os? Also this would be a great prank laptop.
     
    Tippey764, Mar 13, 2009
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  3. Bismuth

    Bismuth Newbie

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    Yes it came with Vista but we installed XP with same results. Also tried upgrading the Bios. Prank laptop perhaps but this is hopefully the laptop my son will take to college this fall!

    There is a "hard switch" just above the keyboard which opens the browser. I suppose that the connectors or circuit boards are corroded or damaged in some way so that any input on the keyboard also trips this hard switch.

    Possibly a software hack to disable or block the "Open Browser" button would solve the problem. How do I disable or reassign these hard buttons?
     
    Bismuth, Mar 13, 2009
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  4. sytyguy

    sytyguy Newbie

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    I have the same issue. Did you ever figure out a solution? It's obviously not a virus recognizing keystrokes since the OSK doesn't give the same problem. Also, if you have a browser open and try to type into any box (address, search, etc...) it refreshes the site to the home page. Obviously, something is linking physical keystrokes to the home page.

    BTW, this was a FRESH install of Vista SP1 on a P205-S6337. It wasn't an issue at first, but then became one. I'm now wondering if the Synaptics driver (or another input device driver/utility) is the culprit.
     
    sytyguy, Mar 30, 2009
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  5. sytyguy

    sytyguy Newbie

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    Fixed.....it wasn't driver or software related at all....much simpler in fact. Using a Q-Tip and some rubbing alcohol, I cleaned the hotkey panel and the contacts of the panel ribbon cable and the keyboard ribbon cable. Seated everything firmly and rebooted. All is well.

    Just got through installing XP/Vista (DB) and still no issues. HTHs.
     
    sytyguy, Mar 31, 2009
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