Computer problem, what would you try first?
Asked by
SQUEEKY2 (
23403
)
April 27th, 2020
I have a friend that has 2 computers hooked up to the same key board and monitor through a KVM switch.
You just tap scroll lock on the key board and it flips you to the other computer, pretty cool.
Problem is lately you have to punch scroll lock 5 to 20 times for it to work now, a little frustrating for my friend.
What do you think we should try first replace the key board?
Or do you think it could be the KVM switch?
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8 Answers
Is the battery dying in your keyboard? My first guess is if you have a cordless keyboard.
I don’t know what KVM is.
Second if not cordless then the cord could be damaged.
Does the scroll lock also activate the scroll lock indicator on the keyboard, if it has one? If so, you can see if Scroll Lock has become unreliable or not.
Failing that, I’d tend to swap whatever you already have spares of first. For me, that’d be the keyboard. Swap another one in and see if the problem goes away.
RedDeerGuy1’s battery idea is a good one… if either the keyboard or the KVM has a battery.
The Scroll Lock key could also just be messed up… if you’re comfortable doing so, you can often pop off the key on many keyboards and check for gunk or a broken part.
Unfortunately, my suspicion is it is most likely something about the KVM switch, which is probably not something he has a spare of.
No @RedDeerGuy1 It is a corded key board the KVM switch is a neat little item you plug your monitor, key board, and mouse into the switch and both computers plug into the switch,and just a tap and you can flip back and forth from each computer.
Thanks @Zaku no and the switch is expensive itwas $60+ up here while a corded usb key board is $20 to $30.
I would try spraying the keyboard with some compressed air from a can. A can costs about $4 at walmart. There might be some corrosion, dirt, or food bits under the scroll lock key.
I also vacuum my keyboard occasionally but you need to be careful you don’t suck a key into the cleaner. You must maintain pressure on the keys as you vacuum over them with a small crevice tool. It’s a little tricky to do.
Turn it off, unplug it, then plug it back in and turn it on.
Turn the keyboard upside down and tap it to dislodge any cookie crumbs or spider carcasses.
I have a vacuum that the hose can be reversed on to create a blower, and I use that sometimes.
You might swap out the keyboard in question with another keyboard to isolate the prob.
The keys can be removed to see what the heck might be in there. Use two small screwdrivers or the like.
Up date it was the keyboard ,I picked him up a really fancy one and it cured the problem.
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