VAIO KEYBOARD - NO SHIFT; NO TAB; ONLY EVEN NUMBERS

[oadesc]

Hello,

The keyboard on my Sony VAIO PCG61211M is not working properly: the tab key doesn’t work; it types even numbers but not odd numbers; the left hand shift key isn't working. The caps lock, number lock, right hand shift and FN keys do work.  

Do you know why this is, and/or how to fix it?  

Thank you for any suggestions you may be able to provide 🙂

Best wishes,

Caroline

[takrzem]

How old is this laptop - few years?

It does sound like one of the conductive tracks below the keyboard might somehow have broken (physically) and this would have to be looked at by someone.

[oadesc]

I bought the laptop about two or three years ago. Thank you for your
suggestion. It's strange: it was as though it just changed to working
this way in the middle of something I was writing.

Do you have any guidance on where I'd be able to get it looked at - does
Sony have approved people, for example, or can I just take it to anyone
advertising computer repairs?

Thank you again for your help.

Best wishes,
Caroline

[takrzem]

I would start with SONY Support: explain the problem and ask for advice. And if repair is needed, check whom they could recommend in the first place. Suggestion might not come cheap though considering the age of your laptop (or: is repair going to be cost-effective taking into account how much new machine would cost?) so as a next step forearmed with initial answers I would shop around and find someone in your area who specialises in such repairs - depending on what you hear from SONY.

[Blencogo]

Hi Caroline and welcome.

It does sound like a hardware failure.

Can you look for another model number on your Vaio - it will probably start with "VPCEA1.........".  Unfortunately, you are quoting a chassis model number which is shared by the Vaio range of products.

As your Vaio is out of warranty, you may find it easier and cheaper to look for an independent repairer - are you living in the UK?

Although you can get imports cheaper, a replacement keyboard will cost about £60: -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Sony-UK-KEYBOARD-VPCEA1C5E-VPCEA1S1E-PCG-61211M-p-n-148792611-A1765627...

[oadesc]

Hi Blencogo,

Thank you very much for your message, which is very helpful.

The model number of my laptop turns out to be VPCEA3S1E and you're right,
it's out of warranty.

I'm intrigued to think that I may be able to 'just' replace the keyboard -
thank you for that idea. Apart from saving money, it would be a great
self-esteem booster if I could manage to do something like that! And as a
single woman in her 50's, I'd feel like I'd earned a 'Kudos' point 😉

I'm in the UK (London), so if it turns out that I don't have the gall to go
ahead and make my own repair, do you have any suggestions re where I may be
able to get a reasonably-priced and reliable repair done? And/or anything
I should particularly look out for when choosing a repairer?

With thanks once again for your help.

Best wishes
Caroline

[Blencogo]

Hi Caroline.

This tutorial may help you!

http://laptoppartstore.over-blog.com/article-how-to-replace-the-sony-vaio-vpc-ea-keyboard-101871769....

I'm afraid it is not very detailed but it should be of some assistance.  I think they come in Black and White.  Google for a local reputable repairer or, if you feel brave,  you can buy the replacement keyboard quite cheaply on eBay here: -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/151154891191?lpid=83&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&...