Stuck "A" Key on Dell Laptop

My first thought would be to beat it with a rather large beating iron (aka a hammer). If this is occurring with the external keyboard also then I would expect that the trouble runs deeper then just a stuck key.More likely the blister is broken and is intermittently sending the "a" command to the computer.

The A key on the external keyboard is not sticking--it's only the laptop's built-in keyboard.

I understand but you are stating that the "a" key continues to give you trouble even with the external keyboard,correct?

Yup. The built-in keyboard still works, even with an external keyboard plugged in, so the laptop's "A" key just jumps right in with its string of AAAAAAs. If I could disable the laptop's keyboard, it would eliminate the problem--I hope.

I had a Tosiba with a stuck "F" key, I removed it (POPed it out). and cleaned it, probally had some tyope of food crap lodged.

But before I did that I googled something like "Stuck Key on Tosiba Laptop", and on a blog it give me step by step directions, good thing because it can get hairy if you do not know how to dismantlre it.....AND reassembling it. even with the direction I was a little concerned if I would get it back together. They was almost 2 years ago. no problem since.

good luck

p911

In the event that you are unable to free the key, replacing a keyboard on most Dells is a fairly simple matter. Pop off the plate above the keyboard, take loose two or three screws, carefully lift up the keyboard and pop the quick-release on the keyboard ribbon cable. Reverse the procedure to replace. And, most keyboards are around $20 (US) on eBay, so it's not even expensive.

Taking keyboards apart can be very frustrating, so if it was one of my laptops, this is almost certainly what I would do.

But! Remember to go to Dell's technical support pages and find the manual on your model, and read it carefully before you start prying and unscrewing. If, for example, you break that quick-release, your laptop will need an external keyboard for the rest of it's life.

I googled "stuck A key" as suggested above, and appreciate everybody's suggestions, but--as Dr Moose says-- if I take it apart incorrectly, I might damage it and render it useless. We have a replacement laptop on the way, so I'll wait until it gets here before attempting to fix the keyboard.

If it goes even more berserk whist we wait for the replacement, I may attempt the repair out of desperation.

Thaaaaaaaaaaaaanks to everyone.

good luck

Function F4 should fix your problem, depending on the model. If not, there is an option in the BIOS as well.

While the system is booting, Function F5 will show you a list of keyboard functions available for your series.

I have had some success spraying contact cleaner into the key assy. As I think back on this though, it was with earlier models of keyboards and the key assemblies may not readily accept this today. If you choose to try this, get the aerosol spray can from Radio Shack and use the nozzle extension to spray under the key cap onto the actual switch assy shaft if possible. Good Luck

Where are you located.

Dell has a good service support in UK as I know some of my son's friends.

He is in London Area.

Why not to contact them.

Actually if you have simple house-hold tools it is simple as one of the pster has mentioned.

Try it or just use an external USB ker-board.

I'm in Flyover Land* in the USA, not the UK. I just used "whilst" because I luv the English language and wish we spoke English here in USA, mate.

I am going to try all the fixes noted above AFTER the replacement laptop gets here. Can't take the chance of buggering it up.

*Flyover Land is the center of America (i.e, not either coast) that nobody notices. Important people just fly over us on their way from New York to LA and ignore us until they want something, like votes, taxes or food.

Fine to define your area. In every country there are such ignored places.

Let me meet one of the collegues of my son & I will remeber to ask for the solution for your problem.

Have fine day looking the for Fliers-up above the sky [up above the world so hi !!!!]

If all else fails you can use an external USB keyboard.....

I would also try a few drops of WD40 as a last resort.

Keyboard replacement is usually the best way.

Smoking while typing is often the reason for such problems.

Smoking while typing is often the reason for such problems.

Eating sugar donuts is a close second...

Then there's (ahem, blush) having your dummy daughter spill a coke all over the keyboard...

Have to enforce a no-fly zone

I used Dr. Pepper on mine. You have Dr. Pepper in the UK? I sure its at least as damaging as coke. Thank god for warranties.

TTFN