Hello:
After my Compaq CQ50 laptop (Vista home version) shut off due to low battery and upon restart the 8 i k , keys now don't function. I installed a new keyboard (which included a new ribbon cable) and still the 8 i k , keys don't work. I hooked up my desktop's keyboard thru a USB and the keys worked. From what i The kb driver is the latest version. McAfee antivirus is up to date also
I also booted the laptop and did the esc key and F8 and then to cmd prompts. The laptop did not recognize the 8 i k , keys
Is this a bios issue or a keyboard ribbon connector issue? motherboard? any other ideas?
Thanks
Lee

Check the onscreen keyboard to see if those keys work on it. Have you spilled anything on it?

Had laptops act funny after battery run out, if you havent tried it already try removing battery for a few minutes or running without the battery worth a try, think it was probably coincidence keys stopped working at that time looking on net more likely bad connection because dissimilar metals have been used try plugging ribon in a few times might clean contacts off enough to get decent contact.

Hi
yes the keys work with the on-screen keyboard. Have tried running it with the battery off. Haven't spill anything on the keyboard. Removed/reinstalled ribbon cable 4 times and even sprayed air over the ribbon connector...still those certain keys don't work............

Try with a USB keyboard and see if that works.

He posted he tried that and it does work.
Hmmmm, first problem is it's a Compaq....with Vista.....no wait...I'm supposed to be nice...okay....I didn't say that.
Try this:
Disconnect the power adapter.
Remove the battery.
Press and hold the power button down for around 20 seconds.
Put the battery back in.
Plug the adapter back in.
Reboot and see what happens.