Is my keyboard and mouse working?

my mouse and my keboard are "frozen". The mouse will not move the cursor and the keypad will not let me type in my password so I cannot get into my computer. What could I do or check so that I can fix it if possible.

This question was answered on December 27, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

---

Key Is Stuck

1 If a key does not work or is stuck in the down position, you may try to remove it with a CPU "chip puller" tool These simple "L" shaped tools are great at pulling out keys Once you've pulled out the stuck key, you can try to stretch the spring to "reanimate" its action

Computer Isn't Taking Inputs From Keyboard

1 Is keyboard connected to computer? Ensure that the keyboard is plugged into the keyboard jack and not into the mouse jack If the keyboard was unplugged, plug it back in and reboot the computer

2 If the keyboard still doesn't work on boot-up, power down the computer and try to borrow a friend’s known-good keyboard for troubleshooting Plug the new keyboard up and boot up the computer If the new keyboard works, the old keyboard is bad and needs to be replaced

3 If the known-good keyboard doesn't work, check your BIOS to make sure it sees the keyboard It should say, "installed." If the BIOS recognizes the keyboard, then you probably have a bad keyboard port

I Plugged Keyboard Into Mouse Port

1 Many mice and keyboards today use a PS/2 connector If you plugged your keyboard into the mouse port (or vice versa), follow steps 2 and 3

2 Shut down the computer and plug the keyboard into the keyboard port The keyboard port is usually marked with a "keyboard" symbol Plug the mouse into the mouse port (usually marked with a mouse symbol)

3 Reboot the computer; the keyboard should work now If keyboard doesn't work, check your BIOS to make sure the BIOS recognizes the keyboard You should see the words, "installed" or "enabled" under the keyboard

4 If the BIOS recognizes the keyboard but it still doesn't work, you may have a bad keyboard port

I Spilled a drink on my keyboard!

1 If you spill any liquid in the keyboard, turn it upside down ASAP Drain all the water out of the keyboard, shaking it if necessary If you've spilled water into the keyboard, just let it dry You may use a hair dryer to dry out area under the keys (remember, too much heat and you could damage the electrical components)

2 If you've spilled a soda into the keyboard, completely rinse it in warm water No soap please! You may use a hair dryer at this point or just let it dry for 2 days Ensure the keyboard is perfectly DRY before you attempt to use it again Don't plug a wet keyboard into electrical equipment Think safety

5 If the keyboard still doesn't work, replace the keyboard

Only Types Capitals

USUALLY THIS IS CAUSED BY THE "CAPS LOCK" KEY BEING LEFT ON PRESS "CAPS LOCK" KEY ONCE to fix this problem

Page Up/Page Down Keys Are Locked

Your "Scroll Lock" function may be engaged Press the Scroll Lock Key once

Letters on Keyboard Don't Work

Check to see if there are any obstructions to the keys If other keys work, then your keyboard is going bad and needs to be replaced

About the author

Posted by Kareem of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on December 27, 2004

Need Help with this Issue?

We help people with technology! It's what we do.
Contact or Schedule an Appointment with a location for help!