Problems with your computer keyboard can often be easily fixed if the appropriate troubleshooting measures are taken. If your keyboard isn't working properly, please find the heading which applies to the problems you are experiencing and follow the troubleshooting steps below it...

KEYBOARD IS ENTIRELY NON-FUNCTIONAL

1. Make sure it is plugged into your computer and the wire has not become loose from the computer or the keyboard itself (some keyboards have cords which can be unplugged at either end). If it is loose, you may have the turn off the computer and re-boot it before it will start working again.

2. If your mouse and keyboard are both the PS/2 type, verify that you did not accidentally connect them to each other's jacks on the computer. If so, turn the computer off and re-connect them properly.

3. Look to see if the keyboard has an "AT/XT" or "A/X" switch on the side or bottom; unless your computer is over fifteen years old, the switch should be in the "AT" position. If it has a "Lock", "Pause", or "Hold" key, you might have pressed it accidentally (pressing it again should unlock the keyboard and/or computer). Some old XT-only keyboards will fit newer computers, but are incompatible with them.

4. If you are attempting to operate a USB keyboard (these are relatively new and have rectangular plugs at the end of their cords), you need to download or otherwise obtain an appropriate USB driver before it will respond.

ONE OR MORE KEYS FUNCTION IMPROPERLY

1. If the keyboard has remained in a cold room for a long period of time, or hasn't been used for weeks, use it for several minutes and be sure to press all the frequently-used keys repeatedly; a text editor like Notepad can be opened before doing this. It might start functioning better after this, at least to some extent.

2. If the keys are producing incorrect letters, check to see if the keyboard has any switches which could be set to an alternative layout (such as Dvorak). Try troubleshooting it by using different keyboards with the computer to determine if the problems are caused by the software or operating system. It could also be a programmable unit (such as the Gateway Anykey); you will have to determine how to reset the programmed keys if this is the source of your problems.

3. If more than one of the same letter or number appears when you press a key once, this is called "key bounce." One way to decrease these problems is to reduce the key repeat rate and/or repeat delay, in your computer's operating system. If you have Windows 95 or later, this can be decreased in the "Keyboard" section of "Control Panel."

4. The keyboard may require cleaning. The best method of doing this varies for different types; some have keys which can be easily removed and re-inserted, others don't. People speak of putting keyboards in an automatic dishwasher, but this is not safe for some types of keyboards.

If none of these troubleshooting steps will fix your keyboard problems, it might be necessary to get it repaired or replaced. Be sure to confirm that your problems are associated with the keyboard, and not the computer or operating system, before taking this step.