[F15 F5-573G-56CG] Dead keys, usb pot with no data

So, a few months ago my laptop started having issues with the p, - and [ keys. Sometimes when I pressed them they would do something, sometimes they wouldn't, I decided to remove them and clean them just in case, but it didn't get any better, and now they simply don't work, so I just use a wireless keyboard. Then around 2-3 months after this, one of the USB ports stopped receiving data, however it gives power (As I can charge my phone on it), however it simply won't recognize any data on it.

I'm fearing the worst here and thinking the mobo might be dying, however I'd like a second opinion, I was thinking on simply replacing the keyboard, but before I try to do that, I'd like to make sure that it's not a software issue. Thank you very much!

Accepted answers

JackE

Google "F5-573G" "disassembly" with the quotes. The F5-5xx series are similarly constructed so you might have to watch multiple videos for the entire job. Be forewarned that, in addition to screws, the take-apart/pry-apart in general will likely result in a few broken plastic clips & snaps that hold the case pieces and boards together. Nothing that electrician's tape and color-coordinated duct tape can't handle.

Jack E/NJ

All comments

JackE

Your mainboard is probably OK. If it were mine, I'd first try removing the KB driver from Device Manager. Exit. Then reboot the machine to let Windows re-detect the KB hardware and re-install its driver. If no joy, then I'd probably try reseating the KB ribbon cable connectors to the mainboard a half-dozen or so times to clean the contacts. If it still didn't work properly, then yes, replace the KB.

As for the USB port, have you tried other known-good sticks? If yes and it still doesn't work, then try re-seating the ribbon cable connector or plug-in board to that USB port.

Jack E/NJ

J35u5M4

Hi! Thanks for the reply. I already tried reseating the KB cable once, however I did not clean it, any suggestions on how to do it?

As for the USB port, I tried a lot of things kn it and they didn't work, until I tried my WD external drive, its the only functioning device on that port, perhaps the port somehow locked itself to the HDD?

Thank you!

JackE

Ribbon connectors are cleaned by repeatedly re-seating them a half-dozen or so times --- that is, repeatedly slipping the ribbon in and out of its mainboard receptacle while exerting slight finger pressure on the top of the receptacle. Which one of the USB ports is in question? Jack E/NJ

J35u5M4

The 3.0 one next to thr HDMI port

JackE

Does the other USB3 port next to it seem to work OK with the same data stick? If yes, shut the machine off and repeatedly re-seat the stick in the questionable port by slipping it in and out to clean the port's contacts inside. Then, with the stick still seated in the port, turn the machine back on. Jack E/NJ

J35u5M4

Okay! So I opened up the laptop today, did what you suggested with the ports, the keyboard is still dead, and I found out the USB 3 ports are welded into the motherboard, so no way to unplug those sadly.

Suggestions? Thanks!

JackE

Yes. In the immediately preceding post to your last post. That is, does the other USB3 port next to it seem to work OK with the same data stick? If yes, shut the machine off and repeatedly re-seat the stick in the questionable port by slipping it in and out to clean the port's contacts inside. Then, with the stick still seated in the port, turn the machine back on. Jack E/NJ

J35u5M4

Oh, sorry. i read that late at night and I must've mixed things up.

I just tried reseatting a usb stick into the faulty port several times while havi g the computer turned off, but still no results, it still only works with the external HDD.

Edit: And yes, the USB3 port next to it works fine.

JackE

>>>it still only works with the external HDD.>>>the USB3 port next to it works fine>>>>

Because the pinout on the SATA cable's USB's plug is virtually identical to the USB stick's plug, suggests a physically sloppy fit of the stick's plug in the USB port. Some plug contacts aren't aligning or making good connections with port contacts. Thus I'm gonna guess the SATA plug is slightly thicker/wider than the plugs of the sticks you've been using --- perhaps you can actually eyeball the difference between the SATA & stick plug ends. I'm gonna further guess Scotch tape on the stick ends might take up the plug slop in that particular port. Since you said the questionable port originally worked, it likely was enlarged a bit from simple wear & tear. Jack E/NJ

J35u5M4

Well, that makes sense, I used to have a fambase connected there and I would accidentally pull it out often with my leg... Oops

Now, regarding the other issue of the keyboard, do I need to replace it or is there another way

JackE

My KB is acting up similarly except my right and down arrow keys also have intermittent issues. Always happens around here when temperatures and humidities rise. Sometimes temporarily resolved by re-seating the KB ribbon connector on the mainboard a few times. I got a new replacement KB but haven't used it yet. You may want to try to get a replacement just in case, usually sold as part of the top cover. See part numbers below for the black, blue & silver colored KBs. Jack E/NJ

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/af/bxuq0o4ch40o.jpg

J35u5M4

Thank you very much! Any idea if theres a video or document I can read to learn how to replace it? The farthest Ive gotten with this laptop is getting to the motherboard

JackE

Not an easy task. The disassembly flowchart below shows that the mainboard must be removed to replace the entire upper case. Jack E/NJ

J35u5M4

Ah, I must've not expressed myself well. I meant a video showing me how to actually removr the mainboard, last time I opened the laptop I saw some small plastic pressure things (Don't know the name) which I had to remove in order to take out a metal plate that was behind the motherboard, I'm not sure how to do so

JackE

Google "F5-573G" "disassembly" with the quotes. The F5-5xx series are similarly constructed so you might have to watch multiple videos for the entire job. Be forewarned that, in addition to screws, the take-apart/pry-apart in general will likely result in a few broken plastic clips & snaps that hold the case pieces and boards together. Nothing that electrician's tape and color-coordinated duct tape can't handle.