Troubleshooting a Persistent Keyboard Issue with the Lenovo P73

As a long-time user of the Lenovo P73, I have encountered a frustrating keyboard problem that has persisted for the past two years. Naturally, I’d like to share my experiences and seek insights from the community.

The issue manifests when I attempt to type certain letters, particularly “o” and “l.” Instead of these characters appearing, I receive a random assortment of letters and even unexpected functions—like muting the laptop—triggered by the keyboard.

Observations and Theories

Over the years, I have considered several potential causes for this malfunction:

• Malware Concerns: Initially, I suspected malware might be the culprit. I ran extensive scans on Windows with multiple anti-malware programs but found no resolution. I even took the step to uninstall Windows, format the hard drive, and install Debian Linux, yet the issue persists. This concern is amplified by the fact that my device was compromised about a year and a half ago.

• Temporary Resolutions: Interestingly, after a five-month hiatus from using the laptop, I was able to type normally for a few days before the issue resurfaced. Similarly, right after the installation of Linux, the keyboard functioned normally for a short time before the problem returned.

• External Keyboard Functionality: I noticed that this issue only occurs when using the laptop’s built-in keyboard. Connecting an external keyboard has allowed me to type without any problems, regardless of the operating system in use.

Seeking Advice and Solutions

After consulting with a technician, it appears that the source of the problem is rooted in hardware. The keyboard may be experiencing pressure that causes multiple keys to register simultaneously. This could be due to dust accumulation over time or simply wear and tear from regular use.

The technician explained that the design of the internal keyboard could lead to this unusual behavior, as the pressure from pressing one key could inadvertently trigger others.

While the situation is undoubtedly frustrating, it’s somewhat reassuring to know that using an external keyboard circumvents the issue, confirming that the problem is localized to the internal hardware.

I would greatly appreciate any further insights or suggestions from fellow users who may have experienced similar issues. Thank you for your support!