[SOLVED] Toshiba c8556-s5196 keyboard suddenly doesn't work

[computerdoc]

A Toshiba c8556-s5196 running Windows 7 was working well and suddenly the keyboard doesn't work on the built in keyboard or an attached USB keyboard. It works minimally in that the user can type in the password to get in. It also works when f8 is pressed to get the machine into safe mode.

I tried running it without the battery and the problem still was there so it doesn't seem to be the battery ACPI setting.

It doesn't seem to be a hardware problem because the keyboard works very minimally and the USB keyboard also doesn't work. The synaptics pad works.

What could be the problem?

 

[Moltuae]

Gotta be something at the OS level I reckon.

Could be some Accessibility setting or software (any VM software running at startup, for example?) or a utility such as this.

How about in Safe Mode? ... Or minimal boot (via msconfig)?

 

[Altster]

Can you get into BIOS and look around?

Have you tried booting to a "non-windows" boot disk - like a diagnostics disk?

I'd boot to a CD / USB key (non-windows-related) which would give the option to drop out to a command prompt and from there you could at least check the keyboard keys!

 

[Highlander]

Liquid spill related perhaps. We had one in recently with the same symtoms, we removed the laptop keyboard then plugged a USB one and it worked. Tested using a old spare laptop keyboard and it worked. Ordered a new keyboard, fitted, all OK.

 

[computerdoc]

The keyboard doesn't work in safe mode either.

I've seen someone say they had this problem due to an accessibility setting. What setting would do this and how could I reverse it?

I'll try some anti virus stuff. I'll also try a disk like UBCD and see if I can get it to type.

I'll ask the owner about the possibility of a liquid spill. Should that effect a USB keyboard also?

 

[mr m]

I'd listen to what Highlander said. Disconnect the built in keyboard and plug in a USB kybd. You'll have your answer in 10 minutes.

 

[computerdoc]

Removed the laptop keyboard and usb keyboard still didn't work.

Malwarebytes found one item in quick scan and removing it didn't help. Doing a malwarebytes full machine scan.

Will try last known good configuration next.

The machine's last updates were weeks ago and it was working well after those updates.

 

[computerdoc]

Moltuae was right. I tried an onscreen keyboard and it also didn't work.

I saw an article about set filter keys in ease of access. Somehow this got set and disabled all keyboard input. Unsetting it solved the problem.

Thanks to all.

 

[mr m]

Thanks for the follow-up and nice fix!