Erratic Keyboard. A virus? Or an hardware problem?

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Level 1

5 points

Erratic Keyboard. A virus? Or an hardware problem?

My son works with a 13.3" MacBook iCDuo 1.83Ghz white, bought two years ago. Suddenly the keyboard begun to work erratic. Impossible to write anything, then impossible to write the letters "A" and "Q", etc.
In the beginning I suspected that the problem were the effect of a virus. Then I connected another keyboard to the MacBook (i.e. the keyboard usually connected with an e-Mac) and the problem was solved: all worked fine again.
This is not a real solution, however, for a laptop...
Would this mean that the problem with the MacBook will be solved if I just replace its keyboard?
Or might the problem be related with the software?

Thank you for your help

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Nov 10, 2008 3:51 AM

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Answer 1

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Mac-Medic

Level 6

17,301 points

Nov 10, 2008 10:54 PM in response to Albertino

If it's working with another keyboard, it's most likely hardware-related.

Try resetting your SMC and PRAM.

Resetting the System Management Controller >>

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support' (designed exclusively for an iPhone/iPod touch)

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Answer 2

Albertino Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 11, 2008 7:03 AM in response to Mac-Medic

Thank you Dave, for your advice. I made the resetting you have suggested.
Now the situation is stabilized. No more erratic behavior by the keyboard.
However, it is still impossible to use four keys, namely that for number "1",
the letter "A" which, in my keyboard (an "AZERTY) is situated immediately under the "1", the letter "Q" (situated under the "A") , and - at the extreme upper right - the key"cancel" (the arrow pointing left).
I wander if I should try to desassemble the the keyboard, and just examine if all the electrical connections are put right.
What do you think?
Please note that this machine has never been desassembled and is only two years old...
Thank you in advance

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Answer 3

Nov 11, 2008 8:20 AM in response to Albertino

Try logging in as another user (create a new User Account if you don't have one already) and see if the problem persists. If it does not then it is a software problem for certain, in your normal User account

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Answer 4

Albertino Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 11, 2008 10:17 AM in response to Gregory Mcintire

Thank you, Gregory.
I did what you suggest, but the problem persists.
(I mean the problem limited to the four (4) keys that I have indicated in my previous mail).
Other suggestions?

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Answer 5

Nov 11, 2008 10:44 AM in response to Albertino

You have established that the problem is not with a single user account but is system wide. Therefore it could be hardware or software.

Do an Archive and Install of the OS and that should tell you if it is hardware or software. If the problem persists after an Archive and Install of the OS then it points strongly to hardware.

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Answer 6

Albertino Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 12, 2008 3:48 AM in response to Gregory Mcintire

Thank you very much, Gregory.
With your last suggestion, I think that my problem is solved. I have not yet done what you say, but definitely you have given to me the mean to ascertain if the problem comes from the hardware or the software.
When I'll do, I shall refer to you again.
Meanwhile, just a last question: Doing an "Archive and Install" I would not risk to lose any of my files, would I?

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Answer 7

Albertino Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 12, 2008 3:48 AM in response to Gregory Mcintire

Thank you very much, Gregory.
With your last suggestion, I think that my problem is solved. I have not yet done what you say, but definitely you have given to me the mean to ascertain if the problem comes from the hardware or the software.
When I'll do, I shall refer to you again.
Meanwhile, just a last question: Doing an "Archive and Install" I would not risk to lose any of my files, would I?

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