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Keyboard Installation


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#1
pizzainthemorning

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I've got an old ACER 1350 that I've pulled out of the closet. It actually still works great, except for keyboard issues. It started slowly at first, with weird bugs (like pressing my shift key would access any help menu available, or simultaneously type "\2" if I had a word document open), but got progressively worse to the point where now only a few keys work on the entire keyboard.

I tried to fix this a long time ago, updated drivers, switched to Ubuntu to make sure it wasn't my OS etc. Other USB keyboards that I connect work just fine. Settled that it was a hardware issue.

So the question is: I'd like to install a new keyboard for my lap top. If my keyboard problem is in fact hardware related, could the problem be anywhere else but the keyboard itself? In other words, I'd hate to buy and replace my keyboard only to find out that things still aren't working because the real problem is a bad connection somewhere else.

Thanks,
Alex
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#2
Troy

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Hi and welcome,

I have seen the problem before, replaced the keyboard, and problem solved. So chances are this will work for you, particularly seeing as you have already tried USB keyboards and other operating systems.

First up you could try pulling it apart and reseating the current connection, perhaps it just needs bit of a clean and re-seat?

Cheers

Troy
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#3
dsenette

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pizzaintheeveningpizzaatsuppertimewhenpizzasonabagelyoucanhavepizzaanytime

sorry...couldn't pass that up...carry on
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#4
pizzainthemorning

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Hey thanks a lot, I appreciate it. I had already tried cleaning/re-seating. I managed to find a new keyboard for cheap so I've ordered it and will post an update as to whether it worked out fine.

And PS. You're probably the first person in 10 years or so who has gotten where that name/e-mail comes from. mmmm... bagel bites.

Thanks again,
Alex
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#5
Troy

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Yeah... don't worry about the monkey. It might be best just to pretend you can't see him.
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#6
dsenette

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And PS. You're probably the first person in 10 years or so who has gotten where that name/e-mail comes from. mmmm... bagel bites.

i actually can't stand bagel bites (they give me heart burn) but i like their song haha...almost as good as chicken tonight
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#7
pizzainthemorning

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So bad news... Installed the keyboard without difficulty, except it functions exactly the same as the old one. Backspace, Esc, left and down arrow, 1, and a couple other keys work but that's it. I really, really took it apart and cleaned the [bleep] out of it, tried unplugging/reseating almost every bit of wiring in there and nothing.

Like I said, could this be due to a bad circuit board or other hardware component? Seeing as both the brand new and old keyboard have the exact same problems, I'm ruling out the keyboard as the issue, so next in line comes the board that they plug in to (I can provide pictures if anybody thinks it will help).

Any suggestions? I've been battling this problem on and off for the past few years. I'd like to get it working but it's really not worth me spending that much money.

Thanks,
Alex
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#8
Troy

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That would be the motherboard most likely... good luck finding one, and good luck installing it. I've replaced a laptop motherboard once, it was not an enjoyable day that one!
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#9
pizzainthemorning

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Oh well, thanks anyway Troy. I have noticed another circuitboard that interfaces with the keyboard ribbon before actually connecting to the motherboard. I suppose the problem could be there and not the motherboard itself (though I'd have no way of knowing), but I doubt I'd have much luck finding a replacement for that board same as I'd have no luck finding a motherboard. And in any case, it's not worth it. Maybe I can sell it for scrap or salvage the screen for some project.

Thanks again,

Alex
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#10
123Runner

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Do you have a manual?

Acer 1350 Manual

If there is another interconnect board, that that could be the issue because the USB keyboard would work through another route.
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