Advent laptop keyboard problems

Advent laptops are manufactured by DSG International, which owns the names to other name-brand computers such as Acer and Hewlett-Packard. The Advent laptop keyboard has integrated mouse touchpad functions that allow you to move the mouse around the screen with your fingers. Function keys at the top of the board contain alternate ways to exit and enter software applications.

The Advent laptop keyboards function keys are "hot keys" that act as shortcuts to applications and functions on the computer. The function keys sometimes don't work and won't carry out the function assigned to the key. This problem is considered a hardware malfunction, and the solution is to replace the keyboard or use a universal serial bus (USB) keyboard for the laptop.

Advent keyboards are made of thin plastic. Striking the keys too hard will cause the keys to break or stick awkwardly in the housing unit that supports the keyboard. When these keys get stuck in the housing unit, a pin tool can easily set the keys back on track. If there are too many keys that get stuck or broken, you can purchase a replacement Advent keyboard and have it installed.

The mouse is located at the bottom of the Advent keyboard but is connected to the keyboard data strip that sends information through the keyboard unit to move the mouse on the screen. If the mouse malfunctions, check the connector under the keyboard to see if it is loose. A loose connector can cause the mouse or other keys not to function on the laptop.

An electrical shortage can cause an Advent keyboard not to work properly. A shortage is when the main board of the laptop is not getting the voltage needed to efficiently operate the computer. When this happens, certain devices underperform or become inoperable. Check to see if your power supply is extremely hot or if your system heats up around the keyboard. If so, replace the electrical adaptor.

The wire that is responsible for the liquid crystal display (LCD) on the Advent laptop extends from under the middle of the keyboard to the LCD display unit. This wire is unprotected and can be damaged from striking the keys over the wire. When this happens, the display will not show the correct colours or the screen will go black. To eliminate this problem, purchase a keyboard cover that fits the keys to relieve the pressure between the keyboard and video cable.

Problems have been reported with upgrades from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Windows 7 will not recognise the system drivers that operate the Advent keyboard. To get the keyboard to work, you must load the old drivers in Windows 7 Safe mode, which is used anytime there is a hardware or software discrepancy. Advent keyboard drivers can be loaded from the original restore CD, which is included with the system at the time of purchase.