The forward slash key does not appear to be stuck, because it does not repeat continuously.?

Question

I popped the key off, it is a Sony VAIO laptop...it is very clean. The slash just starts and stops at will. I have run McAfee, but no virus seems to be the problem. Do you think the keyboard itself might be the problem? I am unable to type the forward slash when I depress the key.

Answer 1

I am not familiar with the keyboard manufacturing process of your Laptop...
There are a couple of basic kinds though...
If there are two plastic sheets, one on top of the other, with a thin clear sheet between them with holes cut where the keys press,
the wiring on the top and bottom sheet is sprayed on ( electroplated, electrodeposited, etc. etc. ) and often has a " dust " created where the two cross hatches of the top and bottom sheets repeatedly bend. This fine electoconductive dust usually drifts across the wiring connecting all the buttons, and the key affected may not be the one creating the problem. Similarly, the type of keyboard that has a bottom trace only, with rubber pads on the bottom of the keys that have electoconductive compounds in them, will dust with powder, and short the wiring.

You need to do a test, and press EVERY single key to verify that ONLY the / character is affected - the traces and wirings usually have multiple connections, so that a single open or short whould normally affect 2 or more keys.
Iff the / key is the only one with a problem, then you can be certain that there is a mechanical problem with that, and only that key. ( noting, that, you " CAN " go in and tell your Operating System to REPLACE the lookup table entry for the / key with anything you want, but the odds that someone would replace just this one key with something like a NOP ( no operation ) reference is highly unlikely.) If everything else on the laptop is working fine, I bet on the KEY itself being the problem...
I would guess that either two membranes under the key are permanently deformed, or that the rubber " pop " button is deformed, or some mechanical problem is causing the problem.
Since the key is randomly pressing, but YOU can't press it, I would guess the actual touch contacts " UNDER " the key, are
deformed and almost in the " closed " position at all times.
Personally, I would just remove the keyboard ( usually with a catch release or slide or whatever -- check the manual on the web for dissassembly and replacement of the keyboard ) and
take it apart. You will likely see the problem clearly.
In taking apart a complex object with lots of tiny screws and parts, get sheets of paper and scotch tape. As you take out a screw or whatever, tape it to the paper and five it a number - 1, 2, 3, etc, and write down any positional or tricky details that will help you replace it. Then when you replace everything, just do the reverse order. You can also use masking tape to put down the numbers on the unit, where you take out parts...
If the unit is under warranty, then just get it fixed. If it is out of warranty, the decision is yours as to whether you want to become a repair tech! just have a large, clear area to work, and proceed slowly and carefully if you do decide to take a look.
Another quick test would be to remove the keys on either side of the / character, ( don't take out the ENTER or SHIFT unless you have to, since these usually have and extra mechanical leveling lever, and are more difficult to replace ) and just look under bright lighting to see if the areas under the keys look, and move, the same way.
If you do take things apart, you can clean the dust, if any, off the membranes and curcuit boards with a damp, slightly soaped, soft cloth, and dry with a hair dryer. ( remember that the dust is invisible to the naked eye in most cases ! )
There are dozens of other types of key assemblies, but the two I mentioned cover most of the standard manufacturing approaches..

good luck

Answer 2

Forward Slash Key

Answer 3

Its jammed (The key for the / thingy) push it down in till it snaps. Then it should be fine. If it doesnt get a new keyboard!

Answer 4

I'm not positive what your problem is but I'm a pretty sure that you have a virus... just because your virus scan didn't pick it up doesn't mean that you dont have one.... there are a lot of viruses that can get passed a virus scan.

Answer 5

Probably a short in the keyboard, yes.

Answer 6

i'd check with a repair shop.