The "z" key on my keyboard stopped working so I bought a new similar Microsoft keyboard. It's not the same and I really miss my old one. Is there any way to fix the non functioning "z"? I cleaned it and temporarily restored function, but it quit again. Thoughts?

I'd keep cleaning until it works. :7 Especially as it did work briefly for you.

What's the model number of the keyboard. Maybe if nothing else works, a Google search might turn up an identical board.

There are keyboard re-mapper programs but I don't know what you would re-map to be a "z". Maybe the tilde but it probably would take awhile to re-map your mind.

Will capital "z" display?

Jim.

It's a model 4000. The new keyboard is OK, and I have to get used to it, but as an old geezer, my learning curve has flattened out. I'll continue to play with it, and may even get to like it. 👍 I'll also see if I can get the z to function again, as cleaning it restores brief function. I can get a used model 4000 on Ebay and may try that.

Found a couple on EBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/354091922675?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200818143230%26meid%3D053e6486a6614c6cb094d642d8dee3ca%26pid%3D101224%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D265334257161%26itm%3D354091922675%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DDefaultOrganicWeb%26brand%3DMicrosoft&_trksid=p2047675.c101224.m-1&amdata=cksum%3A354091922675053e6486a6614c6cb094d642d8dee3ca%7Cenc%3AAQAHAAAA8Hfu33UHQ7b5PJ8ZY%252FcxAQCR%252BjuW1e70HFNnJPVHzU9VcSFRapSesYsOR8k5afGnFOQIldCkhkmNS%252Bo9xFvHTCRCjNnV6Yh0AnKh96hS9ANPmgAsaHgo1gF3z5MQ5WDyOrcfTilNYxs6YMNtmZtEF%252BCwJsDJRLL41Lii7kveHx1vLCpPbsvR7SoxfSUlsSw4rlEXQ0qnarp84bG525hPFmFI%252FCR%252BnL%252BSQX%252FPAqXxeiY2Psn%252FJWtVuZ7%252F9fXxTS%252Bj19aAKtr2czqSx8kW%252B9NtBNQnJZT7WlQw3eKhwoSqL1CSwMSn23iX1lVYF8ZqmD6pag%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675&epid=1601454423

I clicked the link and got this: "This listing (354091922675) has been removed,"

So, can I safely jump to the conclusion that you bought it?

Jim.

Thanks for the response, Jim. No, I didn't buy it. I was just checking on the possibility. I'm still trying to get used to the new keyboard.

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I clicked the link and got this: "This listing (354091922675) has been removed,"

So, can I safely jump to the conclusion that you bought it?

Jim.

It's still there. On sale for the next 46 minutes.

There will be a number of those keyboards available, but I'm hoping to restore the non-functioning v key. The fact that it worked intermittently gives me some hope. In the meantime, I'm getting used to the new keyboard.

Hello Bobbo, did you try using a can of compressed air to clean out all the small "junk" that seems to pile up on/under the keys? I've unplugged it, turned it upside down, shook it, blown compressed air into them just to keep them working.

My childrens Mum, Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't tried using compressed air, and don't have a can available at this time, but will get one and give it a try. I've tried vacuuming the area in question and have gotten temporary results, but they haven't lasted.

I had presumed that you had used the generally "tried and true" method of simply popping the key off (yes, it will pop off) and wiped the small area clean with a moistened cloth including the bottom side of the key itself. Compressed air will not remove sticky substances such as coffee, cola, or other beverages

Keys pop off easily using a flat blade such as the tip of a table knife, or a screw driver. Once clean and dry, the key will pop back in with very minimal pressure.

Jim.

Thanks, Jim. Did all that and gained temporary use of the x key.

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Did all that and gained temporary use of the x key.

My instructions only apply to the "z" key. :clap:

The "x" key requires an entirely different set of instructions. :+


Just joking!


Jim.

Jim, the X is next to the Z key;... so I'm a little dyslexic. Bite me! :lol:

BTW, at 86, I'm entitled to a little flexibility.

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My childrens Mum, Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't tried using compressed air, and don't have a can available at this time, but will get one and give it a try. I've tried vacuuming the area in question and have gotten temporary results, but they haven't lasted.

I buy it at the dollar store. Works just the same as the expensive stuff at the Hardware stores :--) I even use it to clean out the bits that pile up in the crevice of my under table pull out keyboard drawer.

Hi!

I think I still have an old 4000 - or two. I recently moved and my house won't be finished until next year (builder is very busy), so unfortunately, it is in storage and the storage unit is packed to the ceiling, all floor space used. I can't get to anything, much less go through the boxes to find it. One day when I finally get all my stuff in my new house, I will check back with you.

I converted to the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard. I like it a lot. I don't use the mouse that comes with it, so I buy the "business" version that just has the keyboard. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1009339-REG/microsoft_5kv_00001_sculpt_ergonomic_keyboard_for.html


it's been forever since I have been here,
Priscilla