Update wiped out keyboard

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07-26-2007
anon

Update wiped out keyboard

Hi, my laptop (6 months old, Windows XP) performed an automatic update ("Need to restart. You have 5 minutes to save stuff") and when it restarted the keyboard had stopped working. None of the device listings has any trace of a keyboard attached to the computer.

I did a system restore but that didn't help.

I'm completely ignorant as far as hardware is concerned. So is there anything I could try myself before I can contact the computer vendor tomorrow?

Edit:
It has started to give those 5-minute warnings quite recently. Earlier it suggested I shut down instead of hibernating if it had something to update. I can't recall changing any settings.
07-27-2007
robwhit
things to try:
1. check for sticky keys
2. unplug/take out battery and leave there for a few minutes
3. go to device manager and check status of the device
4. go to BIOS and check status of the device
5. go to add/remove programs and uninstall the update (click Show updates)
07-28-2007
anon

Sorry, didn't mention it. The computer magically cured the next day I took it to repair (that's a bit embarrassing).

I ran a virus check previously, found one (no available description, relatively harmless), removed it and tryed system restore to go back one week (didn't help).

Either the computer restored itself somehow (I did more restarts in one day than the computer has ever had, though), or unplugging the external mouse helped???

Anyway, it seems fine now - thanks. The support guy couldn't say anything other than these things happen...

Quote:

1. check for sticky keys

Didn't check but obviously not the problem.

Quote:

2. unplug/take out battery and leave there for a few minutes

Will keep in mind for the next time

Quote:

3. go to device manager and check status of the device

Did that. The device wasn't even listed. There was not a single trace of keyboard anywhere.

Quote:

4. go to BIOS and check status of the device

Tried to do that (is it done while starting up, or can you do it when the computer has already booted?) but didn't get in.

Quote:

5. go to add/remove programs and uninstall the update (click Show updates)

Didn't think of that! I was an ignorant user and now I'm ignorant and humble user who doesn't question what the updates are and do I really need them...