#report#How to fix a dead key on your keyboard
One bad key on your keyboard can make it impossible to write even the simplest email. After all, without the N key, your kids might be stuck eating “afterschool sacks.” Here’s how to fix the problem. [Have a tech question? As Answer Line transitions from Lincoln Spector to Josh Norem, you can still send your query to answer@pcworld.com.] First, if your keyboard doesn’t have a separate number pad, check the Numlock key. If it’s on, it might rearrange some keys and make others unusable. Otherwise, there’s probably something below the bad key. You have to get it out. If it’s an external keyboard, turn it over and gently tap the back. If that doesn’t work, unwind a paperclip and try dislodging stuff from beneath the key. But don’t try either of these with a laptop’s built-in keyboard If neither of those worked, or if the problem is with your laptop’s built-in keyboard, use compressed air to blow out whatever is beneath the problem key. You can buy a can of compressed air for as l...