(800) 853-2651
SHOP NOW

OT: Keyboard problem

S

Stan in Oly, WA

Well-known Member
This morning the spacebar on my computer keyboard stopped making a space unless I hit it with extra force. If I try to type normally it doesn't make spaces between words. I'm reasonably sure this is a hardware problem, not a software problem. Keyboards are relatively cheap, and I may even have an old one somewhere, but I would fix this one if I could. Do keyboard keys pop off and go back on easily? Is there something else I could do to fix this?

Stan
 
Some of them come off but do not go back on well if at all. Some are nice and friendly. You can't hurt a dead skunk. Jim
 
I used to have a keyboard that wouldn't make an "r" unless you pushed real hard, and then the darn thing would make a dozen, which was actually real handy because I could push that string of "r's" along in front of my text until I needed another one.

Keyboards are cheap Stan, but we like to try to fix things, don't we.
 
Every so often I pick mine up and dump all the old cookie crumbs, etc. out of it. That seems to help longevity. gm ;-)
 
Don't take the space bar off. There is usually an equalizer bar under them that can be a bear to put back on. Instead take the screws out of the back and remove it. Many modern keyboards have 3 mylar sheets and a rubber mat. Take it all out and clean it out. There's usually crumbs between the sheets keeping the traces from making contact when you strike a key. You'll understand when you take it apart. If a trace is broken on one of the mylar sheets I have fixed them with rear window defogger repair paint (conductive paint) from the auto parts store. I've worked on a lot of work stations and such where you can't buy the keyboard for $10.00 at Wal-Mart.
 
I can't hardly use a cheap keyboard anymore. What I recommend is to visit a few computer stores and take their recommended models for a test drive, then spend 50 to 100 bucks on a decent mechanical one. These have removeable keys (and reinstallable), and even the switches are independently replaceable, but mostly they are just more reliable than the membrane types and longer-lived. Certainly my typing improved when I did that.
 

I use compressed air in an aerosol can used for photographic equipment to clean out the crumbs in mine . But there's nothing to stop you taking the keyboard out to the shed and giving it a medium blast from the compressor .
 
Some of 'em do, some of 'em don't. All you can do is fiddle around with it some and see what you can accomplish. Worst case is you're out $10 for a new keyboard.

Many cheaper keyboards have a membrane underneath that gets wore out after so many keystrokes and there's nothing you can do except replace the whole keyboard.

Space bar is probably the most used key on the keyboard, so it makes sense that it would be the first to wear out.
 
Thanks everyone. I ordered a $13 keyboard on Amazon. I seriously considered kevinthefixer's suggestion of buying a good quality one, but this desktop computer is near the end of its useful life, and I don't know what we'll get to replace it. It could be something that won't require a separate keyboard.

When the new keyboard arrives I'll take this one apart from underneath as batel described. I didn't want to do that until I had a backup, in case it didn't go well. Of course now I have to hope I can't fix it because if I can, I'll regret buying a new one. I suppose if I have to regret something, I should be glad it's only $13 worth for a change.

Stan
 

When I had this problem I took it down to the shop, turned the pressure down on the regulator and gave it a good blowing out with air.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Old thread url numbers changed web search can't open
Replies
5
Views
172
cpratt
cpratt
R
NH 469 Haybine problem
Replies
13
Views
680
MJMJ
M
D
Diagnosing hydraulic problems - long post
Replies
0
Views
275
Dan in North Houston
D
D
1030 PTO Problem
Replies
2
Views
412
DKase
D
R
Noisy keyboard
Replies
14
Views
2K
ed will
E
Tractor Parts Tractor Manuals

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Copyright © 1997-2024 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy

Back
Top