Troubleshooting Keyboard

When a keyboard stops working, it can be due to hardware, software, or driver issues.
Follow these detailed steps to identify and fix the problem.

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

1. Inspect USB/PS2 Connection:
o USB Keyboard: Check if the keyboard is properly connected to the USB port.
o Try a Different Port: Disconnect the keyboard and plug it into a different USB
port.
o PS2 Keyboard (older models): Ensure the PS2 connector is firmly inserted into
the port.
2. Test on Another Device:
o Try Another Computer: Connect the keyboard to a different computer to see if
it works.
o Test Another Keyboard: If possible, use a different keyboard on the original
computer to verify if the issue is with the keyboard or the computer.

Step 2: Restart the Computer

1. Restart System:
o Simple Restart: Sometimes, restarting the computer can resolve temporary
issues.
o Reboot with Keyboard Unplugged: Try restarting the computer with the
keyboard unplugged, and then plug it back in after the system has fully booted.

Step 3: Check for Software Conflicts

1. Check for Frozen or Unresponsive Apps:
o Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check if any program
is unresponsive. End the task if necessary.
o Test After Closing: After closing the unresponsive program, test if the keyboard
works again.
2. Try Safe Mode:
o Boot into Safe Mode: Restart the computer in Safe Mode (hold Shift while
restarting and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings >
Safe Mode).
 o Test Keyboard: If the keyboard works in Safe Mode, it might be a driver or
software conflict.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

1. Open Device Manager:
o Access Device Manager: Right-click on This PC or Computer and select
Manage. Then go to Device Manager.
2. Update Driver:
o Expand Keyboards: In Device Manager, find Keyboards and right-click on your
keyboard driver.
o Select Update Driver: Choose Update driver and select Search automatically
for updated driver software.
3. Reinstall Driver (if Update Fails):
o Uninstall Driver: If updating doesn’t help, right-click the keyboard device in
Device Manager and select Uninstall.
o Reboot: Restart the computer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the
keyboard driver.

Step 5: Check for Driver or Windows Updates

1. Windows Update:
o Open Settings: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
o Check for Updates: Click Check for updates and install any available updates,
especially driver updates.
2. Check Manufacturer’s Website:
o Manual Driver Download: Visit the keyboard manufacturer’s website to check
if there are any specific driver updates for your model.

Step 6: Check for Power and Accessibility Settings

1. Power Management Settings:
o Device Manager: Open Device Manager and right-click on your keyboard
under Keyboards.
o Power Management Tab: Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
2. Ease of Access Settings:
o Sticky Keys or Filter Keys: Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
 o Turn Off Accessibility Options: Make sure Sticky Keys or Filter Keys are turned
off, as these can interfere with normal keyboard functionality.

Step 7: Test for Mechanical Failure

1. Check for Physical Damage:
o Inspect Keys: Check if any keys are physically stuck, broken, or damaged.
o Clean Keyboard: Use compressed air to clean out any debris or dust that might
be lodged under the keys.
2. Try an External Keyboard:
o Use USB Keyboard (for laptops): If using a laptop keyboard, try connecting an
external USB keyboard to check if it works. If the external keyboard works, the
issue may be with the laptop’s internal keyboard.

Step 8: Consider Hardware Repair or Replacement

1. Replace the Keyboard:
o External Keyboards: If it’s a desktop keyboard that is not working after trying
the steps above, consider replacing it.
2. Contact Professional Support:
o Internal Keyboards (Laptops): If the internal keyboard on a laptop fails, contact
a professional technician or the laptop manufacturer for repair options.

Summary: By following these steps, you can systematically address and resolve issues
related to a non-working keyboard. This guide covers everything from checking physical
connections to updating drivers and addressing possible software conflicts.

Troubleshooting Mouse
When a user reports that their mouse is not responding, the issue can be hardware-related,
driver-related, or software-related. Follow these steps to identify and resolve the problem.

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

1. USB/PS2 Mouse:
o Check the Connection: Ensure the mouse is properly plugged into the USB or
PS2 port.
o Try a Different USB Port: Unplug the mouse and plug it into a different USB
port.
 o Test on Another Computer: If available, test the mouse on another computer
to determine if the mouse is faulty.
2. Wireless Mouse:
o Check Power Supply: Make sure the batteries in the mouse are charged or
replace them with fresh ones.
o Re-seat the USB Receiver: Unplug the wireless receiver and plug it back in after
a few seconds.
o Test on Another Device: Check if the wireless mouse works on a different
computer.

Step 2: Restart the Computer

1. Simple Restart:
o Reboot the System: Sometimes, a restart can fix temporary issues that cause
the mouse to stop responding.
o Plug Mouse Back In: After rebooting, ensure the mouse is connected and
working.

Step 3: Check for Driver Issues

1. Open Device Manager:
o Access Device Manager: Right-click This PC or Computer and select Manage.
Then go to Device Manager.
2. Update the Mouse Driver:
o Expand Mice and Pointing Devices: In Device Manager, locate Mice and other
pointing devices and right-click your mouse.
o Update Driver: Select Update driver and choose Search automatically for
updated driver software.
3. Reinstall Driver (if Update Fails):
o Uninstall Driver: If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, right-click the mouse in
Device Manager and select Uninstall device.
o Reboot the Computer: Windows should automatically reinstall the driver on
reboot.

Step 4: Test with Another Mouse

1. Try a Different Mouse:
 o Use a Different Mouse: If available, try connecting a different mouse to see if
the issue is specific to the first mouse or if it’s a system issue.
o Same Problem: If the second mouse also doesn’t work, it’s likely an issue with
the computer rather than the mouse.

Step 5: Check for Software or Driver Conflicts

1. Boot into Safe Mode:
o Safe Mode Test: Restart the computer in Safe Mode (hold Shift while
restarting, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup
Settings > Safe Mode).
o Check Mouse Functionality: If the mouse works in Safe Mode, it could be a
software conflict or driver issue causing the problem in normal mode.
2. Look for Recent Changes:
o Uninstall Recent Software: If you installed any new programs or drivers just
before the issue began, try uninstalling or rolling them back to see if it resolves
the problem.

Step 6: Adjust Mouse Settings in the Control Panel

1. Open Mouse Settings:
o Access Mouse Settings: Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Mouse.
2. Check Button Configuration:
o Primary Button: Ensure the primary button is correctly configured (especially if
the mouse is used by a left-handed user).
3. Change Pointer Speed:
o Adjust Pointer Settings: Under the Pointer Options tab, ensure the pointer
speed is set appropriately, and Enhance pointer precision is enabled.

Step 7: Check for Power Management Settings

1. Disable Power Management for the Mouse:
o Device Manager: Open Device Manager and expand Mice and other pointing
devices.
o Disable Power Saving: Right-click the mouse device, go to Properties, and
under the Power Management tab, uncheck Allow the computer to turn off
this device to save power.
Step 8: Check for Hardware or Peripheral Issues
1. Inspect the Mouse for Damage:
o Check for Wear and Tear: Physically inspect the mouse cable (for wired mice)
and the body of the mouse for signs of damage.
o Clean the Mouse: For optical or laser mice, ensure the sensor underneath the
mouse is clean and free of dust.
2. Check the USB Ports:
o Test Other USB Devices: Try plugging other USB devices into the same port to
see if the port itself is working properly.

Step 9: Consider a Hardware Replacement

1. Replace the Mouse:
o If Faulty: If the mouse does not respond even after trying the above steps and
works on another computer, consider replacing the mouse.
2. Contact IT Support (for Built-In Mice on Laptops):
o Touchpad Issues: If a built-in touchpad on a laptop is unresponsive, contact IT
support or a technician for further assistance.

Summary: By following these steps, you can systematically troubleshoot a non-responding

mouse. This guide includes everything from checking physical connections and drivers to
testing different devices and hardware replacements.

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