A Most Peculiar Thing....

[Jackdaw33]

...for some reason certain keys on my keyboard have ceased to function. They are all in a block of three right down the keyboard. I can't think of any reason, I haven't spilt anything on it. Fortunately I can access the missing characters via the alt key but it is a nuisance trying to remember the codes, which is why it has taken me ten minutes to type this

[Mosaic]

I took a surprising amount of cat fur out of my keyboard - all sorts of fluff n crumbs get in there.
Use one of those air canister sprays and a cotton bud.

[TWR]

Try On-Screen Keyboard, I was using that until I replaced the Keyboard on a HP CQ70, It's now ok.

[TWR]

Mosiac, you seem to have a very well trained cat to use the PC.

[hc4361]

Turn it upside down and give it a good shake. Surprising the muck that comes out

[Jackdaw33]

Thanks for that. I'm not very hands-on so will have to take it to the shop.

[Mosaic]

TWR, my cat is the most heedless creature that ever lived, and despite every effort on my part will still attempt to walk across or sit on the keyboard while I'm using it. She only ever wants to sit between me and the screen. And she sheds like a sheddy thing.

[TWR]

xx x for your cat.

[Jackdaw33]

Can you give me a link to download the on screen keyboard?

[ivor4781]

take it to the shop ? prob: cheaper to by a new one
wilkos £5.30

[hc4361]

Don't take it to the shop yet. Try cleaning it out yourself, first.
If it is a laptop it is easy to pop the keys on and off. If it's a separate keyboard it is easy to give it a good shake.

[TWR]

Whatever you do Jack, do not use water to clean it, as said get a tin of AIR Spray or hold it upside down a tap it.

[pinkyboyid]

To access the On-screen Keyboard:-

If using Windows 7:-
- 'Windows Start'>'Control Panel'>'Ease of Access'>'Ease of Access Centre'>'Start On-screen Keyboard'

If using Windows 10:-
- Right-Click 'Windows Start'>'Control Panel'>'Ease of Access'>'Ease of Access Centre'>'Start On-screen Keyboard'

[Tilly2]

I had a wonky 'v' on my keyboard. I popped off the key but couldn't get it back on again. It was even more wonky when I tried. Now I have mislaid it, so my keyboard looks a mess.

[tonyav]

Found one for you, Yilly.
http://previews.123rf.com/images/deepspacedave/deepspacedave0910/deepspacedave091000067/5755834-The-letter-V-from-a-black-computer-keyboard-Stock-Photo.jpg

[Tilly2]

Thanks, Yont. You're a brick! x

[THECORBYLOON]

Don't use airspray if you're a Cockney. ..

[Jackdaw33]

Thank you, Pinky. Much easier. It's only certain characters I'm missing so I can combine my keyboard with the on-line one

[Jackdaw33]

Tilly, try using ALT 86 for V and ALT 118 for v. Be sure to use the numberpad at the right and not those along the top.

[pinkyboyid]

Just a thought, to check that your problem is not related to corrupt main windows keyboard program drivers, you could try restarting you computer in 'Safe mode' and check if the problem is not present in 'Safe Mode'.

If you are using Windows 7, restart your Computer and before windows starts keep pressing the F8 key rapidly to access the 'Safe Mode' Menu option.

If using Windows 8 or 10, firstly access the usual Windows Shut Down / Restart menu options and when you see the 'Restart' option hold down the keyboard 'Shift' key and then click 'Restart'. Keep the shift key pressed and windows will eventually restart and display an Options screen, one of the items being 'Troubleshoot', then,
-Click 'Troubleshoot'
-Click 'Advanced options'
-Click 'Windows Start-up Settings'
- Select 'Enable Safe Mode'
- Select 'Restart'

Windows will restart to a 'Advanced Boot Options' screen. Select 'Safe Mode' and when Windows starts in Sfae Mode check status of keyboard keys.

If your keys work in safe mode, then it will most likely be an issue with the main keyboard program drivers, which should be easier to sort. Fingers-crossed.

[Jackdaw33]

Does't work I'm afraid. Followed your instructions but can't get a start in safe mode option.