Asus S200e netbook going mental!

[d3v]

Hi guys, I replaced the keyboard of an Asus S200e about 2 months ago as most of the keys were not working. It is a difficult laptop to work on due to the crappy "lattice & rivet" design of the keyboard, but I eventually managed to get the new keyboard fitted and everything worked perfectly.

Yesterday they bring it back to me saying the keyboard is going crazy, permanantly and automatically typing out Y and ENTER.

I booted to Windows and sure enough what they describe was true.

I've tried....

Removing internal battery
Clearing CMOS
updating BIOS to latest
disconnecting keyboard/mousepad and using external USB keyboard/mouse - same symptoms
booted to safemode - still the same symptoms
booted to live CD environment - same symptoms

What the heck guys!?!?!

 

[GTP]

Sounds like one of the keys is stuck down.

 

[Mick]

Yeah - wonder if it's the 'Y' key?

 

[gadgetfixup]

He said he disconnected the laptop kb and mouse and same symptoms with an external kb and mouse. Seen this several times on very dirty laptops or liquid damaged laptops. Get your microscope or magnifying glass and look at the keyboard controller chip on the mainboard (typically by the kb connector, larger square chip), I bet you find it corroded with stuff growing on it or soldered legs missing.

 

[d3v]

He said he disconnected the laptop kb and mouse and same symptoms with an external kb and mouse. Seen this several times on very dirty laptops or liquid damaged laptops. Get your microscope or magnifying glass and look at the keyboard controller chip on the mainboard (typically by the kb connector, larger square chip), I bet you find it corroded with stuff growing on it or soldered legs missing.

Hi there I finally got round to disassembling it and having a look. Just behind the KB connector is 5 diodes which looked OK under a magnifying flass however I still went ahead and gave it a good brush using isopronyl cleaner, but it has made no difference! What the heck... does anyone know why this is happening?!

 

[mraikes]

Shot in the dark time: Does it have a touchscreen? If so, perhaps that's the problem since it's another input device and not just a display device.

 

[Larry Sabo]

I'd suggest disconnecting the touchscreen connector and if it still happens, it's got to be the KB controller IC. If that's the case, give it an ultrasonic bath. If that doesn't do it, time for a new MB, or new computer.

 

[d3v]

good thinking chaps, but no touchscreen on this laptop!

 

[carmen617]

good thinking chaps, but no touchscreen on this laptop!

Hmm, I actually own an Asus s200e that I purchased on sale when Windows 8 first came out, because of the touchscreen and 8 - it was meant to be my "learn windows 8" device. I upgraded it to an SSD and Windows 10 and use it as my travel laptop. As far as I know there were a few versions of this netbook but all came with a touchscreen - that's what made it such a good value. If the one you have doesn't have an operational touchscreen, something is amiss with that . . .

 

[d3v]

Hmm, I actually own an Asus s200e that I purchased on sale when Windows 8 first came out, because of the touchscreen and 8 - it was meant to be my "learn windows 8" device. I upgraded it to an SSD and Windows 10 and use it as my travel laptop. As far as I know there were a few versions of this netbook but all came with a touchscreen - that's what made it such a good value. If the one you have doesn't have an operational touchscreen, something is amiss with that . . .

wow, let me double check and I will get back to you!

 

[d3v]

well I had another look and in addition to the video signal cable and wifi antennas, there is a cable running from the screen to the motherboard, so I disconnected it, but the problem still persists, so am I right in thinking the motherboard is damaged? I tried cleaning the keyboard controller chip with no effect!!!!!

 

[mr m]

Does the On Screen Keyboard exhibit the same symptom? If so, you're probably right about the mobo.