Laptop problems-Keyboard+touchp

[Bittair3000]

I have a 2 year old Acer Aspire S100 running on Windows XP, service pack 2. It has virtually been trouble free since I got it, at least until now.
Yesterday when I was going to use the laptop, which sat idling at home, the mouse pointer didn't move (the touchpad was not working) and none of the keyboard buttons had any effect. The screen had gotten darker which it does when the computer hasn't been in use for a little while.
I restarted using the power button (which incidentally is the only button working), the computer rebooted with the screen dimmed as before and again, nothing worked.

I've restarted many times and it's always the same, I can't even access the bios because there is no response to F2 during bootup.
System restore using alt-F10 doesn't work.
(I really don't mind reformatting the computer if that's the only solution.)

I'd appreciate any help!

[rickity]

Sounds a bit fatal if there is no reaction to F2 etc during bootup, You could try a USB keyboard and mouse to see if that will give you access to anything. The only other possibility that comes to mind is a stuck down key which would normally be detected during power on self test, might be resolved by a good shake and tap. So unless your handy with small screw drivers to disassemble and check connections etc, not actually too difficult to take the keyboard out normally about 3 screws from underneath the laptop marked with a K and gently prise out the plastic strip along the top of the keboard, then gently prise the keyboard out.

Not sure that a re format will cure anything if you dont get a reaction to F2/12/8 during boot.

Good Luck

Rick

[jimtherev]

Don't format!!!

Definitely a hardware problem, from your description. I would guess that the ribbon connector to keyboard has got displaced - happens sometimes 'cos repeated heating/cooling of machine allows it to 'creep', until, at last one day it's crep' too much.

If you can nerve yourself to undo those screws & inspect both ends of the ribbon cable, you may save yourself a few tens of quid in your local highstreet computer mangler...

...or of course, you could try SD's well-proven remedy of a hearty thump. Works a treat sometimes

And, oh yes, you probably couldn't format it anyway, 'cos you haven't got a keyboard!

Good luck
Jim

[Keef]

As they say.

Switch it off, pick it up, and drop it (right way up) on the desk from about 3 inches up. Then try again.

Then get out your screwdrivers.

If it's booting up OK, and the POST isn't identifying a problem, it may not be terminal. Try with a USB keyboard or mouse - if that works, you're closer to a diagnosis.

[Saab Dastard]

you could try SD's well-proven remedy of a hearty thump

Ah yes, percussive maintenance. Best not to attempt it when annoyed and frustrated, however.

SD

[Parapunter]

No no, go ahead, then it can come to me for a rebuild. I've made a nice little sideline out repairing thumped boxes.

[Bushfiva]

Do you mean "5100" rather than "S100"? If so, you may want to contact Acer. Some people have a problem that kills the keyboard, trackpad and USB ports at the same time, which suggests to me the keyboard & trackpad are on a USB bus internally and it's actually the USB that is failing. You can test that by trying an external keyboard.

I'm assuming you've not pressed Fn-F7 accidentally, of course.

Another random thing you could try: remove adapter, remove battery, reconnect adapter, hold down ctrl while turning the computer on, wait for things to stop happening, turn power off again, turn back on and see if the keyboard's working.

[Bittair3000]

I removed the bottom half of the laptop, didn't spot any loose connections, put it back together and tried connecting usb keyboard and mouse.... the laptop won't recognize any usb device.
I've decided not to let the computer spoil my weekend so I dropped it off at the repair shop where they will take a look at it and then let me know what the problem is.
I'll post an update when I hear back from shop.

Thanks for your help, and have a nice weekend!