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10064
March 30th, 2018 17:00
13 R2, keyboard keys not working
Alienware 13 R2 laptop. Warranty expired a few months ago, now about 1.5 years old.
The keys S, D, Backspace, [, ] , down arrow key ,delete, :, '
are not working on the laptop keyboard. Keys themselves press fine, no spills, etc.
Reinstalled windows with all drivers and BIOS - didnt fix problem. I notice problem is somewhat fluctuating, where occasionally the keys will start working again for a few minutes and then stop ?loose connection somewhere.
This message is typed without any issue using an external keyboard plugged into the laptop.
Don't have much experience with looking at the hardware, but checked the visible keyboard ribbons and made sure they're attached securely. No big issue I noticed, though I dont really know what im looking at.
My feeling is that its a hardware issue given this external keyboard works fine, and its just certain groups of keys that are close together that dont work, and they tend to work intermittely and at random, like something is loose or like just out of position.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated about anything more I can do aprt from continuing to type on an external keyboard would be appreciated. Keep in mind my experience playing with laptop hardware is very limited.
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LSUFAN51
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March 31st, 2018 05:00
Also, if windows 10 is on the system, type Troubleshoot onto the [Cortana] search box, select keyboard and run it. The Keyboard troubleshooter finds and fix problems with your computer's keyboard settings.
LSUFAN51
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March 31st, 2018 05:00
" but checked the visible keyboard ribbons and made sure they're attached securely "
:BigSmile:
You reseated (removed and replaced) the keyboard cables? If no, check out the video in link below. The keyboard cables removal are around the 40 to 50 mark in the video. Reseating the keyboard cables usually fix the problem.
Dell Alienware 13 R2 (P56G002) Keyboard How-To Video Tutorial
https://youtu.be/fN2Ollk6l20
Sadid
3 Posts
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April 19th, 2018 00:00
Thanks for video and advice.
Followed the video, removed the ribbons as shown at around 40 seconds.
Visually inspected, cleaned off a fleck of dirt with high hopes, reinserted.
Unfortunately no change and still using an external keyboard.
Also ran the troubleshooter - no issues detected.
Do you think following that video in its entiretly and removing everything, then reinserting it is worthwhile?
Sadid
3 Posts
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April 19th, 2018 00:00
Thanks for video and advice.
Followed the video, removed the ribbons as shown at around 40 seconds.
Visually inspected, cleaned off a fleck of dirt with high hopes, reinserted.
Unfortunately no change and still using an external keyboard.
Also ran the troubleshooter - no issues detected.
Do you think following that video in its entiretly and removing everything, then reinserting it is worthwhile?
Riflyn
2 Posts
0
June 3rd, 2018 08:00
This problem is happening to me too. It **bleep** that DELL wont reply to this.
Cazual
1 Message
0
September 28th, 2018 14:00
My comma button doesn't work at all anymore.
I've not spilled anything on it.
I've used 1/2 a can of air all over my keyboard.
I've tried vacuuming.
I've taken the key off and air canned it even though there's no sign of dirt or particles anywhere.
I've taken apart the laptop following video instructions reset all the ribbons.
My laptop is out of warranty...
Help.
Khobayashy
2 Posts
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January 13th, 2019 06:00
RobSinger
1 Message
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February 3rd, 2019 05:00
Is there a solution for this problem, I have it too?
nab40
1 Message
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March 16th, 2019 04:00
same problem, exact same keys as OP - has anyone had any luck fixing it?
WillGood96
1 Message
1
March 23rd, 2019 07:00
Same problem. Same keys. Can't believe Dell has left it this long.
I'm thinking the bios is interfering with W10. Dell won't let us downgrade the BIOS.
I had a clone of my SSD with old windows and it works fine.
Problem might be on Microsoft's side. They touched things they shouldn't have.
Gerard_Boise
1 Message
0
April 1st, 2019 08:00
Similar issue here, the CTRL button stopped working on my Alienware 13 R2 keyboard a week ago. Removed and reinstalled the keyboard driver, still no change. Anyone have any luck with getting their keys to works again?
Eimy_B
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4.4K Posts
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April 1st, 2019 11:00
To everyone having this issue,
This could be related to software or hardware, therefore, we must discard options.
Start by trying with an external keyboard, if the external works fine, that means that the issue is related to hardware and the keyboard must be replaced.
But if the same happens with the external, then it looks like a software issue. In this case, enter the BIOS (F2) and use the different keys with BIOS functions that work with those keys. If they work well, that will confirm the software problem.
Gunner_Warden
1 Message
0
June 2nd, 2019 09:00
I have an Alienware 13 R2 (2015) and the warranty has expired a while ago. I am writing this with an external keyboard. My keyboard keys – E, T, Y, I, 4, and 5 stops working when my laptop gets heated a bit. This is especially the case when I start playing a game and within 15-20 minutes the mentioned keys stops working. When I press these keys it feels a bit blunt compared to pressing other keys. If the laptop does not get heat up that much for a few hours, the bluntness decreases and after a while (probably a week or two) the keys start to work again. Should I go for a keyboard replacement or can the keyboard be repaired?