Why does Some of my laptop keyboard keys malfunction intermittently? [duplicate]

Google searching hasn't produced any hits that seem precisely analogous to my case. Symptoms:

• Problem only affects a small number of keys. They are not right next to one another but they are close (v, b, k and l are the worst).
• The problem only rarely occurs at startup. More usually it will occur after the machine has been on for a while.
• Sometimes pressing really hard on the key will cause the letter to be produced, but at other times it will do nothing.

The laptop is a Dell Adamo 13, running Windows Vista.

Could also be a malfunctioning Ctrl or Alt or Windows key sticking. If the key gets stuck in the down position, some keys will no longer work since the key combo means something other than the plain letter. If it happens, try pressing the Ctrl, Alt, Win keys (bounce the keys several times) to see if the keys are stuck and then the letter key by itself again.

Hook up a regular USB keyboard. Do the keys still function normally? I would expect them to, it sounds like a hardware problem. If they function correctly, then its most likely the keyboard itself. I would find the manual for your laptop, it should be on the Dell website and find out how to remove the keyboard. Once it is out, gently tap it, often crumbs and other debris can get under the keys and cause them to function poorly. You might even get a can of compressed air and blow the in the keys to dislodge anything. If its still not functioning, you can get a replacement from Dell. Keyboards typically arent all that expensive.

I had something similar with B and N keys on a Dell notebook that was fixed when I pressed the strip connector plug more firmly into its terminal. There was a distinct click at one end. My problems were worse when the pc had warmed up. However in my case problems included B and N as a response to just pressing B.

If the keyboard has not been damaged (say by liquid spills) the most likely cause for many of the above reports is one of:

• the keyboard cable not making good contact with the connector
• a tiny break in one or more of the conductors in the cable
• a tiny break in one or more traces on the keyboard's circuit board

All of these can easily occur with age, be intermittent, respond to pressure or to changes in temperature, etc.

If reseating the connector for the keyboard cable doesn't fix it, your best bet is to replace the keyboard. They're cheap and this is an easy DIY job. Don't mess around putting pieces of paper in the machine, etc.

I've bought several replacement keyboards for Dell laptops (I've been using them since the C-series) on eBay with 100% success. Searching eBay for these words:

Dell Adamo 13 keyboard

brings up many hits for new keyboards in the $10-$30 range, almost all from sellers with very high feedback ratings. And it's an easy swap. The Dell web site in the "support" pages has a service manual for your Vostro with R&R instructions for all field-swappable components, including the keyboard. Go for it :)

Disclaimer: No affiliation with Dell or eBay except as a satisfied customer of each.