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Question

keyboard stopped working -- can't get past log-in screen

Aug 6, 2017 8:14AM PDT

Problem: computer starts up normally and goes to the password log-in screen, but nothing happens when I try to enter the password. The computer doesn't appear to see any keystrokes.

Solutions tried:
1. rebooted
2. removed and replaced main battery
3. attached USB keyboard
4. hit Enter key on startup: successful in opening the Advance Options menu, but am unable to take any of the actions because all require that I enter the laptop password
5. looked for an onscreen keyboard, but there isn't one because this isn't a touch screen computer

Why I think this is a Windows issue:
1. the computer recognizes when I hit the Enter key on startup
2. the USB keyboard doesn’t work
3. the keyboard touchpad doesn’t work, but the attached USB mouse DOES work

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
how many usb ports on this laptop?
Aug 6, 2017 10:42AM PDT

3. the keyboard touchpad doesn’t work, but the attached USB mouse DOES work


Swap the mouse with the keyboard and see if that makes a difference. Could be the USB port you were using has a problem. If you have a wireless keyboard/mouse, then try that in the known good USB port.
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external keyboard now works!
Aug 7, 2017 12:29PM PDT

I found the external keyboard works in a different USB port, so now I'm able to log in and use the computer. I still can't get the laptop's keyboard to work. This is a Lenovo B590.

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so your problem is....
Aug 7, 2017 1:26PM PDT

...the laptop keyboard, and probably a failed USB port. How old is this computer?

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PS - Plug a powered USB Hub....
Aug 7, 2017 1:28PM PDT

...into the "bad" USB and if the data part is still working and just the power part is gone bad, then you may still be able to use it with the powered hub added.

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Answer
I've used the onscreen when this happens.
Aug 6, 2017 8:21AM PDT
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how can I enter Safe Mode with no working keyboard?
Aug 6, 2017 9:50AM PDT

How can I get to Safe Mode or BIOS without entering the laptop's password? I can't change the Settings because I can't finish startup -- I can't enter the password because the computer doesn't recognize that the keyboard exists.
I am able to interrupt the startup by hitting the Enter key during startup to open the Advanced Options screen, but all the options from that screen (like System Restore) require that I enter the laptop password in order to advance -- I can't do that because the computer doesn't recognize the keyboard exists.

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BIOS comes before password
Aug 6, 2017 10:39AM PDT

Usually a DEL key or a function key is used BEFORE windows boots to enter BIOS. If you can get into it, see if you are able to turn on USB keyboard option in it.

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Re: Safe Mode
Aug 6, 2017 10:43AM PDT

To boot into the BIOS you need to press the magic key quite early during boot, for example when the screen says something like "Press Delete to enter BIOS setup." . Details vary per maker and model, so check the user manual or the motherboard manual. That's long before Windows starts. If it works, it proves the hardware is OK.

To boot into Safe Mode, you boot into the recovery drive you made (highly recommended to make one in Windows 10) or into the Windows 10 install disc or stick you can make on another PC with the Media Creation Tool (google that). Since these use nothing of the current Windows install, if it works, it proves it' a Windows issue. Then system restore or repair or reinstall should solve your issue.

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Remember I've had such before.
Aug 6, 2017 3:15PM PDT

If there is a hardware issue you fix that first. But on laptops I can usually get by with some USB keyboard and on a laptops had to unplug the laptop's own keyboard in order to use the external due to stuck keys.

Since I can't find make and model I can't be more specific about this unplug trick.

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Lenovo B590
Aug 7, 2017 12:31PM PDT

I've got an external keyboard working now, but would really like to get the keyboard on the laptop itself working again so I don't have to lug an extra keyboard around.