HP EliteBook Keyboard Replacement: Did not fix certain keys that were not working.

Troubleshooting the HP EliteBook 850 G8: Keyboard Replacement Issues

I recently encountered a frustrating situation with my HP EliteBook 850 G8, which suddenly began to experience keyboard malfunctions. Initially, several keys became unresponsive, and after ruling out any software-related issues, I reached out to HP for assistance. Fortunately, my laptop was still under warranty, so they promptly sent me a replacement top cover and keyboard.

After installing the new components, I was hopeful that the problem would be resolved. Unfortunately, my relief was short-lived; about 45 minutes later, the same keys stopped responding once again. I’ve inspected the laptop thoroughly, and there’s no visible damage or signs of electrical shorts—it’s in excellent condition and has been well cared for.

Having worked on laptop repairs for several years, I found this situation particularly perplexing. It raises a number of questions regarding potential underlying issues. Could there be a more significant problem with the motherboard? If so, would I need to replace the keyboard again due to the possibility of a short circuit?

If you have experience with similar laptop issues or expertise in this area, I would greatly appreciate your insights. What could be causing this persistent keyboard problem, and how can I effectively resolve it?

Share this content:

One Comment

  1. Potential Causes for Persistent Keyboard Issues on HP EliteBook 850 G8

    Based on your detailed description, it appears that replacing the top cover and keyboard did not fully resolve the issue. Here are some troubleshooting steps and considerations that might help identify and address the root cause:

    • Check the Keyboard Connection: Ensure that the keyboard flex cable is properly seated and free of damage. Sometimes, if connections are loose or misaligned, certain keys may not respond.
    • Inspect the Internal Flex Cables and Connectors: Apart from the keyboard cable, examine other internal connectors related to the motherboard and keyboard circuitry for damage or corrosion.
    • Test with an External Keyboard: Connecting an external USB keyboard can help determine if the issue is isolated to the internal keyboard or related to the motherboard’s keyboard controller.
    • Evaluate the Keyboard Controller and Motherboard: Persistent issues after replacement might indicate a fault in the keyboard controller or motherboard. Diagnostic tools or BIOS tests can sometimes help verify hardware health.
    • Update BIOS and Drivers: Ensure your BIOS is up to date, as outdated firmware can sometimes cause keyboard detection problems.
    • Possible Electrical Short or Motherboard Damage: Since the issue persists despite hardware replacement, consider checking for underlying motherboard issues, such as damaged traces or a failing keyboard

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *