How can I keep my laptop safer while it's in for repair?

[Wee Bold Davy]

For over a year I've had trouble with a group of 6 or 7 adjacent keys on my laptop. When I press them, nothing happens unless I press the large area below them hard at the same time. Having to do this makes typing a long email or writing on the forum very tedious. I found a video on YouTube which suggested I remove the keys and clean below them. I did this and it helped briefly so obviously there's an issue with the keypad. I'm thinking of taking it to my local PC repair shop but I'm very concerned with a total stranger having access to personal information and files.
When I switch it on, I have to sign in with my password. I don't suppose the repair shop needs to sign in to fix the issue but I can't be sure. Any advice would be appreciated thanks

 

[Googlebot]

I wouldn’t give them the password, you can create a guest profile though which will keep your data safe and enable them full functionality.

Just use the settings to create a computer shop login.

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

I wouldn’t give them the password, you can create a guest profile though which will keep your data safe and enable them full functionality.

Just use the settings to create a computer shop login.

Thanks, that's beyond my knowledge and ability.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

You are in a rock and hard place. Inevitably to be sure any repair works, because they will want to add check software, confirm updates to firmware and stuff they will need admin access. Only way to protect on that is to backup your stuff and settings elsewhere so you can then delete and give them the blank computer.

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

You are in a rock and hard place. Inevitably to be sure any repair works, because they will want to add check software, confirm updates to firmware and stuff they will need admin access. Only way to protect on that is to backup your stuff and settings elsewhere so you can then delete and give them the blank computer.

Sounds like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut

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[Kannon Fodda]

Sounds like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut

Yep, you either trust the repairer with your stuff, repair yourself, or get a new computer so you can destroy the broken one.

 

[barryd]

I wouldn't bother doing anything but make sure you have a backup of any important stuff just in case. I worked in IT for decades and still do for a few select clients. I have full access to all their machines 24/7 and of course all their data. All the IT people I know have no interest in anyone's data, just looking after it and making sure it all works. Might be worth finding someone on recommendation if you are worried. Its easy enough as mentioned to set up a new user in Windows but that wont stop someone accessing your files if they really wanted to. Neither will not giving them the password. Any IT person worth his salt can bypass Windows security in minutes. They wont though. They are just interested it fixing it and getting paid.

 

[meanders]

Take guidance from them. They may just boot a completely separate install on USB stick. If not, Login and get them to set up a new login, then as a minimum log out, but preferably shut it down before you leave. Just make sure they don't set up the new log in as 'administrator'. If established, they will be very used to the problem.

 

[stevewagner]

Have tried blowing out under the keys with a can of compressed air?

 

[Jon Stewart]

For over a year I've had trouble with a group of 6 or 7 adjacent keys on my laptop. When I press them, nothing happens unless I press the large area below them hard at the same time. Having to do this makes typing a long email or writing on the forum very tedious. I found a video on YouTube which suggested I remove the keys and clean below them. I did this and it helped briefly so obviously there's an issue with the keypad. I'm thinking of taking it to my local PC repair shop but I'm very concerned with a total stranger having access to personal information and files.
When I switch it on, I have to sign in with my password. I don't suppose the repair shop needs to sign in to fix the issue but I can't be sure. Any advice would be appreciated thanks

Pull all your data off, make sure you have all passwords etc.

Complete reset.

Get them to fix it.

Reinstall data.

(There is an even more secure additional step as well).

Personally, I would never hand my personal device to any unknown shop to fix, or some of the big ones.

By the way, the battery wouldn't be under that part of the keyboard? How old is the laptop?

Jon

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[meanders]

Have tried blowing out under the keys with a can of compressed air?

Very unlikely to work on a laptop.

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

Pull all your data off, make sure you have all passwords etc.

Complete reset.

Get them to fix it.

Reinstall data.

(There is an even more secure additional step as well).

Personally, I would never hand my personal device to any unknown shop to fix, or some of the big ones.

By the way, the battery wouldn't be under that part of the keyboard? How old is the laptop?

Jon

It's an HP Pavilion, probably around 8 years old. No the battery is nowhere near those keys

 

[Widge]

I would just find someone via a recommendation, all this creating a new login etc, is a waste of time, any engineer worth his salt could soon bypass that, if he needed to.

If you have lots of sensitive documents, then you could back them up onto a USB stick, and remove them from the hard disk.

Probably the key thing I would do is ensure you don't have any sensitive passwords saved for things like banking etc.

Also see if you can find someone who will repair it while you wait, if it is really a keyboard problem, it shouldn't take too long to replace, although he may need to do a quick assessment first and possibly buy a replacement keyboard.

Or even track down a replacement keyboard before you take it in.

 

[Jon Stewart]

It's an HP Pavilion, probably around 8 years old. No the battery is nowhere near those keys

It's done well.

TO be honest, I'd pull the data, dismantle it and find the part number for the keyboard, get a replacement.

Never too old to learn new things.

Probably, ifixit.com is your friend.

 

[lorger]

Not sure about a shop but at work if we have a hardware issue the IT department will sign in background (I’m not a computer person) and do their work, if the issue is something to do with a package we use like email or word they would then ask us to sign in for them or do it remotely while you watch. I’d say yours is a hardware so no reason to sign in to your account, remember though I’ve not got a clue

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[Montezuma]

Maybe a silly suggestion, but it worked for me.

I purchased a wireless keyboard, together with the necessary gizmo to plug into the USB slot on the laptop, and all was well.

It may not be ideal, but the 'Advent' keyboard that I purchased, was cheap as chips, and it solved my particular problem.

Obviously, the mobility of the laptop is now compromised, but at least it is still usable ?

 

[meanders]

On a network it's easy to do things without the he user knowing. I have a usb sick with a version of Linux on it and but it it from there if a hardware issue. Yes I know I can use that to find the windows password, or even copy away files to look at later, but why would I? I had the problem with the MD of a company I worked for who was paranoid that someone in IT might 'hack into his machine'. I didn't like to tell him that the files were on the server(s) protected by Active Directory", and that the sealed and in a safe super user 'fire call' login could do anything anywhere albeit logged. Equally he was stunned when he forgot the password to an important spreadsheet that it took me less than an hour to open the file.

You can make these things as hard as you like, a bit like securing your motorhome, but there are always ways around it if people are determined enough. File encryption helps a lot, but lose the key, and if it's business sensitive enough, a way in will be found.

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

For over a year I've had trouble with a group of 6 or 7 adjacent keys on my laptop. When I press them, nothing happens unless I press the large area below them hard at the same time. Having to do this makes typing a long email or writing on the forum very tedious. I found a video on YouTube which suggested I remove the keys and clean below them. I did this and it helped briefly so obviously there's an issue with the keypad. I'm thinking of taking it to my local PC repair shop but I'm very concerned with a total stranger having access to personal information and files.
When I switch it on, I have to sign in with my password. I don't suppose the repair shop needs to sign in to fix the issue but I can't be sure. Any advice would be appreciated thanks

Just take out your HDD from the laptop before you give it to them.
They can bypass a window password or even put your HDD into their own machine to copy all files over.

 

[meanders]

Just take out your HDD from the laptop before you give it to them.
They can bypass a window password or even put your HDD into their own machine to copy all files over.

I suspect if that's in the OP's skillset, then he could change his own keyboard! If he decides to go that route he needs to make very sure he properly earths himself before diving the in and handles the drive with great care.

 

[Gromett]

I wouldn't bother doing anything but make sure you have a backup of any important stuff just in case. I worked in IT for decades and still do for a few select clients. I have full access to all their machines 24/7 and of course all their data. All the IT people I know have no interest in anyone's data, just looking after it and making sure it all works. Might be worth finding someone on recommendation if you are worried. Its easy enough as mentioned to set up a new user in Windows but that wont stop someone accessing your files if they really wanted to. Neither will not giving them the password. Any IT person worth his salt can bypass Windows security in minutes. They wont though. They are just interested it fixing it and getting paid.

I would agree with this. Providing it is not critical / highly sensitive data then you should be good. I personally have access to many servers and thousands of users if not 10s of thousands of users emails. In the last 30 years I have never once been even slightly curious or tempted to look at any of it. Just isn't a thing usually.

For over a year I've had trouble with a group of 6 or 7 adjacent keys on my laptop. When I press them, nothing happens unless I press the large area below them hard at the same time. Having to do this makes typing a long email or writing on the forum very tedious. I found a video on YouTube which suggested I remove the keys and clean below them. I did this and it helped briefly so obviously there's an issue with the keypad. I'm thinking of taking it to my local PC repair shop but I'm very concerned with a total stranger having access to personal information and files.
When I switch it on, I have to sign in with my password. I don't suppose the repair shop needs to sign in to fix the issue but I can't be sure. Any advice would be appreciated thanks

Might be worth looking at doing the keyboard replacement yourself. I would be surprised if you have to pay more than £20 for a replacement keyboard. And it is usually just screws and occasionally a few clips to replace it.
iFixit has lots of guides. If you tell use the make, model and year I may be able to track down the keyboard and instructions on how to do it.

PS: Whatever steps you take to protect your data can with pretty much very few exceptions be bypassed by any decent computer guy, without breaking too much of a sweat. Can be a bit harder on later windows systems with per account file system encryption. But I am not sure if many people do that.

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[rod_vw]

This is where having a skilled IT engineer in the family is priceless. I've recently had a total crash of our desk top machine caused by a power surge, it took out the additional hard drive that stored all our user data. The NAS drive that should have carried daily back-ups proved not to be so resulting in domestic chaos. Luckily said IT engineer managed to extract 90% of the data from the HDD and rebuild the machine.

 

[Gromett]

Wee Bold Davy here is a video of someone replacing their keyboard on a Pavilion 15" laptop to give you some idea of what is involved. Yours may be different however.

 

[Nanniemate]

Maybe a silly suggestion, but it worked for me.

I purchased a wireless keyboard, together with the necessary gizmo to plug into the USB slot on the laptop, and all was well.

It may not be ideal, but the 'Advent' keyboard that I purchased, was cheap as chips, and it solved my particular problem.

Obviously, the mobility of the laptop is now compromised, but at least it is still usable ?

I was going g to suggest the same, my keyboard & mouse fit snuggly into the laptop bag Deal: Compact Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, 2.4G Portable Small Cordless Keyboard & Mouse Set UK QWERTY Layout for PC Computer Laptop, White and Silver https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09LLPFTRK?tag=mhf04-21

 

[PP Bear]

Buddy, if you can afford it, buy a new one and transfer the data and then smash the old hard drive up with a hammer.

Doesn’t matter what advice we give you, it’s only you who can feel safe or not. At 8 years old, it’s ancient in the computer world, so maybe a nice treat for you

 

[Gellyneck]

Buddy, if you can afford it, buy a new one and transfer the data and then smash the old hard drive up with a hammer.

Doesn’t matter what advice we give you, it’s only you who can feel safe or not. At 8 years old, it’s ancient in the computer world, so maybe a nice treat for you

Replace laptop was what I was going to say if OP doesn't have the capability / desire to do a DIY fix. Cost of repair and lifespan of machine vs (possibly) refurbished unit???

Alternatively, purchase a mini external keyboard / mouse set, not ideal when travelling but cheaper and transferable to a replacement when the time comes. One of these resides permanently in the motorhome for use when we're away. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Wireless-Combo-Transfer-Keyboard/dp/B019F9NALM?tag=mhf04-21

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[TheMobileWanderer]

Buddy, if you can afford it, buy a new one and transfer the data and then smash the old hard drive up with a hammer.

Doesn’t matter what advice we give you, it’s only you who can feel safe or not. At 8 years old, it’s ancient in the computer world, so maybe a nice treat for you

That suggestion is more about wasting money than helping a motohomer.

Mine is 8yrs old; I just realised after reading your post. It does everything I need as quickly as I need it. To replace it would be a waste of money.

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

This is where having a skilled IT engineer in the family is priceless. I've recently had a total crash of our desk top machine caused by a power surge, it took out the additional hard drive that stored all our user data.

Not that skilled, eh? Otherwise surely, wouldn't you have been using a surge protector?!

 

[PP Bear]

That suggestion is more about wasting money than helping a motohomer.

Mine is 8yrs old; I just realised after reading your post. It does everything I need as quickly as I need it. To replace it would be a waste of money.

Not really helpful and not appreciated either. It’s just a suggestion to a fellow Funster, as to an option for him.

 

[PP Bear]

Not that skilled, eh? Otherwise surely, wouldn't you have been using a surge protector?!

Am I wrong, or are you just going to dig at more posts

 

[gus-lopez]

I purchased a wireless keyboard, together with the necessary gizmo to plug into the USB slot on the laptop, and all was well.

I did this also^^^^^^
My died completely from the 3 to 7 keys diagonally down to the M;N alt-gr key. whole lot dead . used the above for a while

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