[Ham-Computers] RE: ERROR 0210: STUCK KEY 20

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Joe,

Error code in the 200's are keyboard errors of some sort ("210" is the specific error and the "20" specifies which key).  There are a few common causes for stuck key errors"

  - Something sticky got "into" the keyboard (such as coffee or soda).
  - Faulty keyswitch
  - Faulty interconnect ribbon cable (usually worn or crimped)
  - Faulty keyboard controller circuitry (rare these days)

Laptop keyboards are usually easy to remove, but it depends on the manufacturer.  Laptops designed for "business" users typically are easily removed (held down by a few screws on the bottom of the laptop).  "Home" use laptops may not be so easy.

If you feel so inclined, look on the bottom of the laptop for any keyboard icons near screws - these will be the keyboard hold-down screws.  Remove them (carefully) flip the laptop right-side up, and then try to "lift" the keyboard up.  Be careful as there may be additional "clips" or "tabs" you'll need to undo.  Also, there will be an interconnect cable that needs to be disconnected from the laptop (usually permanently attached to the keybard).  If it's a ribbon cable, the typical connector has two sliding latches that need to be undone before the ribbon is released - be *VERY* careful with the latches as they're not repairable!

Once the keyboard is out, you could try several ways to "clean" the keyboard - contact cleaner works well as long as it's plastic safe.  Just hold the keyboard at an angle and spray from the top down (under the keys).  Don't operate the keys unless the key keyboard is still "warm" as the switch membrane may freeze due to the chilling effect of most contact cleaners.  Anhydrous alcohol also works, but may dry out the flexible membrane.  Even soappy water works, if you have the time and patience to completely dry it out.

Instead of cleaning it, you could replace it.  Looking on the 'net, the average price for a replacement N5000 keyboard is $120.  If you're sure it's a faulty keyboard (or attached ribbon cable), you could replace it yourself.

Less likely is a problem with the connector on the systemboard or the keyboard controller on the system board - if the problem is with one of these two, then it's not worth it to repair - the systemboard itself needs replacing.

Good luck!

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O



-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 6:58 PM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] ERROR 0210: STUCK KEY 20

Hi group.

    Before completely trashing my HP Laptop, is there any 'workable' fix for subject problem?  A while back during one of the contests, I was typing in a Callsign and when I hit the 'D' key, DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD's started to stream!!.  I have been working on this problem on and off for months - but really need to get the mobility of my laptop back - have asked several people, even the 'Geek squad @ Best Buy', and they all told me that it would be cheaper to just by a new laptop.  I have removed all the key covers, nothing there - I don't want to start tearing into the chassis if I don't have to. Right now I have a regular  Keyboad plugged into my laptop through the USB port and can work it like that [but sometimes it reverts to ddddd].  It's a Pavilion N5000 Pent III 700MHz with XP PRO on it.  Do I bit the bullet and find another laptop [can't buy a new one right now with giving 'Uncle' almost 2K in taxes!!].  It is a great contest pc [for me at least], so would hate to give it up.  Any ideas.  Please and thank you.

73,
Joe W7LPF