Sager 4881C no keyboard after unlocking winxp

Does the keyboard work at all? Try pushing capslock, does the light turn off and on? Also try using the arrows, etc. Is it completely unresponsive, or does anything happen when you type? (Beeps, etc)... also, when this happens, have you ever tried plugging in an external keyboard?

How do you fix it? Do you need to restart your computer, or does it start working eventually? Is there anything in common with the times it happens? (Running programs, just did this, didn't do that, etc)

Sorry for asking so many questions, I don't have a 4881, nor do I have trouble with my keyboard going out, but I'll try to help you figure it out.

What happens when you do the plain ol' ctrl+alt+del lock? Or when you set it to lock coming out of your screen saver?

This may sound like a weird question, but maybe the windows key is stuck or something...

Maybe you could try hitting Fn+NumLock and then Fn+NumLock again to restore functionality OR good ol' ctrl+alt+del. You may have tried some of this, but you'd be surprised how flaky the Fn and Win keys are at times. Also, (and I'm going to suggest this just IN CASE you haven't checked, though I'm sure you have).... Have you done a ctrl+alt+del to check what processes are running? Maybe there is some type of funky process running that is activating once it comes out of lock mode.

Good Luck. That's all I can presently think of to suggest without more info.

Caffeinated
a.k.a -Aerows-


err....wait a second (2nd edit) NOD32 - Which version? 1.0 or later? As a test disable NOD32 (if you are a security freak, just disconnect from the network/internet by pulling the plug or disabling your wireless connection) do your win+l lock and see if the issue persists. Read their FAQ http://www.nod32.com/support/nodfaq1.htm

Not particularly addressing your issue, but is involved with it perhaps if it isn't just general win key funkiness.

Once again, hope this helps.

Caffeinated
-Aerows-

Actually my comment concerning the win key is that it could be sticking when you use it to lock the laptop.

If it happens infrequently, I would think there is a process running in the background that is causing the issue. Also, since the numpad works, have you checked to see if the numlock is on? I know these are dumb questions, but I'm just trying to help .

My guess is that it is a process hanging the keyboard, especially considering that the numpad words. Think about if there is a particular application that you are running prior to locking it (maybe one you don't run all the time), and you might find the culprit.

Good luck!

Caffeinated
a.k.a -Aerows-

Not a fix, but make a shortcut to C:\windows\system32\osk.exe. You can use the on-screen keyboard when your real keyboard dies. True, you will still want to reboot to get your keyboard back, but maybe having some method of accessing the keyboard will help you to debug the problem.

For instance, when you push Shift on the real keyboard, the onscreen keyboard pushes shift. See if when your keyboard is frozen the OSK responds to shift.

Also, try going to Device Manager (Right click on My Computer, Properties, Hardware, Device Manager) and look under keyboard and Human Interface Devices... see if there is any keyboard listed, or if there are any errors.

Am I correct that your keyboard works when you come back from locking it (after all, you can type in your password), but after it gets into Windows you lose keyboard?


I'm assuming when you said that there is no response from the keyboard, pushing Capslock has no affect?

Try function keys, like changing the brightness. Do these work?

Does your password have any strange characters in it that might be messing up something? (For example, extended ASCII codes that require you to hold in CTRL+numpad) What if you push the OK button instead of Enter after typing your password?

Check running services (Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Services) Make sure none are stuck in the Starting state.

I'm sorry I'm not really being helpful, I'm just saying anything that comes off the top of my head to help trouble shoot it... definitely check device manager though, and that On-Screen Keyboard should make Windows useable, though not bearable, to assist in troubleshooting.


Edit:
One last thought... this isn't likely to be the problem, but maybe check if there is a BIOS upgrade for you? Couldn't hurt, might help.

I have about the same problem...keyboard is working in BIOS...but anything doesnt work when i try to install win xp...i cant write the serial:(..It seems that function key is working for me because i can adjust the brightness)...other keys than FN key isnt working...anyone knows why or what i can try?

Try using a Linux installation disk and see if the keyboard reacts

cheers ...