Microsoft KB Archive/242110

= Keyboard Intermittently Stops Responding on Compaq Computer =

Article ID: 242110

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition

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This article was previously published under Q242110



SYMPTOMS
On Compaq keyboards connected to computers running Microsoft Windows NT or Microsoft Windows 95, the light-emitting diode (LED) lights may intermittently turn on and off unexpectedly, and eventually the keyboard may stop responding (hang).



CAUSE
Static electricity may have caused the keyboard to hang or behave in unexpected ways. Your work environment may contribute to static buildup, which you can conduct to the keyboard.



RESOLUTION
To prevent this issue from occurring, protect the computer from static electricity.

Compaq has indicated that the newest keyboard models may not encounter this problem.

NOTE: Microsoft does not support, endorse, or recommend any of these products. We provide this information only as a convenience for our customers and do not provide warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose.



MORE INFORMATION
Electrostatic discharge (ESD), more commonly known as static electricity, can destroy electronic equipment immediately or cause hardware failure.

Environmental conditions and methods of handling equipment determine whether ESD is a problem. Humidity reduces ESD risk because static electricity is carried away by water molecules; dry air is a poor conductor and increases the risk of ESD. Clothing, footwear, and flooring materials are important considerations when you evaluate the potential for ESD.

The circuits within a computer's components are particularly sensitive to electrostatic discharge damage.

When you install any new piece of computer equipment, work on a tile floor rather than on carpeting. Remove your shoes if possible, and roll up your shirt sleeves. If you set the component down, do not let the component touch the table before your hand touches the table.

To minimize ESD problems, consider wearing a wrist strap when you are working on computer components. A wrist strap is a simple length of wire with a watchband-style strap at one end and a plug or clip on the other end. The plug or clip is connected to a common ground or to the piece of equipment being worked on. Sometimes a technician clips a connector (two alligator clips on a wire) between the watchband and the component.

Additional query words: static electricity

Keywords: kbprb KB242110

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