Bottom Row of Keys Not Working

Question

Bottom Row of Keys Not Working

This is kind of a weird problem that has been kind of on and off, but here's the deal:

Every so often, the bottom row of keys on my white MacBook will cease to work. This has been something that I have had since purchase. Sometimes a restart will fix it, sometimes it doesn't.

When I say bottom row, I mean that the following keys won't work: SHIFT Z X V B N M , .

For some reason, the Command key also doesn't work so I can't use things like -W to close windows and such. Also, the "/" key also works despite being on the same row.

Any ideas.

MacBook (White), Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Feb 11, 2009 2:57 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 12, 2009 8:51 AM in response to Mitchell Friedlaender

This is almost certainly a hardware issue, but you should do a test just to be sure. Let's boot the computer from the software install DVD and test it out.

1) Insert the install DVD that came with the computer.
2) Restart and hold down the option key on the keyboard. (Normally I would hold down C but it is on the bottom row, so might not work.)
3) When the icons for the hard drive and DVD come up, along with an arrow cursor, select the install DVD and click the right arrow.
4) When the computer is booted, select your language and go to the next screen.
5) Go to the Utilities menu and select *Disk Utility*.
6) Select your hard drive's physical mechanism from the list of drives and volumes.
7) Click on the Erase tab. *WARNING: do not click on any buttons once you are in this tab, as doing so might erase your hard drive. We are here only to test typing!*
8) In the space for naming the volume, type in some characters from the row of keys you are having problems with.

If the issue is occurring under these circumstances, it is definitely a hardware issue. You should either call Apple (800-275-2273 in the USA) to set up a repair or carry the MacBook in to an Apple retail store to have them do it. Be sure to [make an appointment|http://www.apple.com/retail] first or you may wait a long time to speak to a Mac Genius.

Best of luck.

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