Hello all,

I wanted to post this here in hopes that someone may be able to find the problem. I will try to be as detailed and clear as possible, if any more info is needed please say so. :]

My girlfriends keyboard on sometimes has an issue. What happens is, seemingly randomly when the 'e' or the 'r' key is depressed, it will read on the screen as 'ew' or 'rw'. When the 'w' key is depressed, it's normal.

We've checked under the keys and everything looks normal. It has been occuring for about 2 weeks now, and it seems to be getting a little worse? But maybe it's just a random thing..


Well the operating system is: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2. If any more info is needed just ask. ^^ Thanks!

(p.s.- Thanks a bunch for the graphic card issue awhile back! ^^ )

Can you verify that this is an issue on two different keyboards?

I see one other precedent of this issue with the problem repeated on multiple keyboards which suggests a software issue.

Is there software installed for this keyboard? Another idea is to remove any microphones (if installed).

Is there any chance that this only happens within certain programs? (Word for example).

Then there is the apologetic question that asks: due to the proximity of e r w are you sure that this is just not sloppy typing? Sorry . . had to ask.

I decided to join this forum to show first hand what exactly is occurring with my keyboard.

(I'm the girlfriend Thugmunk mentioned above.)

Right now I'm currently deleting each w that appears next to my e and r letters.

Example of un-edited typing: Hewllo. This is a tewst. ew ewrwrwewwrw rw.

I've already checked under the keys and they are clean. I have not spilled anything on the keyboard. It was brought to my attention that this might be a heating problem?

Can you verify that this is an issue using two different keyboards?

Is this a laptop? If so can you connect another keyboard?

What is the exact make and model of the computer?

Yes it is a laptop, and I am pretty sure there is a keyboard jack, but not positive.

It is a Dell Inspiron 9300, and I will get back as soon as possible after we try the second keyboard. Thanks a lot for your time and patience.

BTW- The OS is Windows XP Professional (SP2). Thanks!

UPDATE: Okay, unfortunately, there isn't a keyboard jack in this particular computer. We've uninstalled the keyboard driver and reinstalled it (via My Computer>properties>hardware>device manager) but that did not work. We think it may be a heating problem? But... could it be? I feel if it is, it may be a more difficult problem to deal with than we'd like it to be. But hopefully I'm wrong.

We think it may have something to do with a heating issue? Could that be it?

She sometimes uses it on an unhard surface, so when I found out, I kept it on a table and we even used a box of frozen fishsticks. o.o The problem sometimes seems to go away, but then it either comes back or is still there.. any ideas?

First off if the laptop is under warranty I would contact the manufacturer.

To test the heat issue can you find a very cool place to work in for a while?

They do make laptop coolers (bottom based fans).

Just for the heck of it look here:


[1] Start Menu
[2] Help and Support
[3] Pick a Task
[4] Tools
[5] Advanced System Information
[6] View the Error Log

I am finding no clues at Dell

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...=us&l=en&s=gen

I'm strongly starting to believe this is just a hardware problem.
I noticed earlier while typing that if I hold a key down. Ex. (aaaaaaaaaaaaa) It repeats smoothly.
While if I try to hold down e or r it stays still. Ex. (ew rw) This is holding them both down.

Just to verify: go to start > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options >

Check that English (United States) is clicked if indeed you are in the US