Troubleshooting a broken keyboard and mouse is not as difficult as it may seem. There are various steps you can take to diagnose and repair the issue.
Step 1: Check Power and Connections
The first step in troubleshooting a broken keyboard or mouse is to check if it is properly powered and connected. If both devices are connected to your computer via USB, try disconnecting them and plugging them into different ports. Additionally, check to make sure that all required drivers are up-to-date and that no power cords have become loose.
Step 2: Reset Keyboard and Mouse Settings
If the keyboard or mouse is still not working properly, reset the settings on your computer. This can be done in the Device Manager window, which is found in the Control Panel. Under the “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices” sections, right click each respective device and choose the “Reset” option. After resetting the settings, you should re-plug the keyboard and mouse into your machine to see if the issue has been resolved.
Step 3: Test the Keyboard and Mouse on Another Device
If the above steps failed to address the issue, the next step is to test the keyboard and mouse on another device. If you have access to a laptop, desktop, or any other compatible device, plugging the peripherals into it can help you determine if the issue lies with your original machine or the keyboard/mouse itself.
Step 4: Check for Malfunctioning Drivers
If the keyboard and mouse are functioning correctly on the other machine, the issue likely lies in the drivers installed on your original machine. To check whether the drivers are working correctly, navigate to the Device Manager window and look at the “Keyboards” and “Mice and other pointing devices” sections. If the devices have yellow exclamation marks next to them, then their drivers are corrupted or malfunctioning. To resolve this issue, try downloading and installing the latest version of the drivers.
Step 5: Clean Inside the Keyboard and Mouse
If the drivers are working correctly but the keyboard and mouse are still not functioning properly, the last thing to do is to open up the peripherals and clean inside them. Unplug the devices from your machine and carefully remove the screws that hold the casing together. Use compressed air or a cloth to wipe away dust, dirt, and grime from the inside; this can help ensure that the components are properly connected.
Once you have cleaned the keyboard and mouse, reassemble them and re-plug the devices into the machine. Hopefully, the issue has now been resolved. If not, the keyboard and mouse may need repairs or replacements.