T410 Type 2522-F45 with Windows 8.1.

Some of the keys seems to be getting flaky: occasionally they will work for a few minutes, but mostly the following things are giving trouble:

Ctrl keys, Delete key, down arrow key. There may be more, but that's what I have noticed.

Are there new Windows 8.1 drivers somewhere that I haven't found?

Or could it be that the keyboard or ribbon connector has gotten flaky?

These ThinkPads are so rugged and this one appears to be in good shape, so it's a bit hard to imagine that the key connectors are going bad.

Any Ideas?

First we have to check, whenever this is a Windows releated problem or not. Download a live Linux distro image (is able to boot and work from DVD/USB flash disk) like Ubuntu and prepare a bootable USB disk (e.g. using Rufus). Simply boot OS from USB and check if issue appears after the same time like on Windows.

Ah, yes. Good idea. I'll reply back when I get that done (I'm really busy right now, so it might take another day or two.)

Thanks!

I have this problem too.

One way to see if this problem gets itself (other than what the rest has suggested) is to get a replacement keyboard if your keyboard failed the testing site.

These come quite cheap but it is your responsibility to look for the correct part number.

If you install the new keyboard and realise that the same keys are giving you a headache (or that more keys have malfunctioned) - you are looking at a potential connector/motherboard failure. I tried to short the pins on the connector but we all clearly knew what happened there after.

Let us know how it goes.

I booted a Linux Mint 18 DVD and found that the questionable keys were still questionable.

I also tried keyboardtester.com and it agreed that the quesionable keys were not working.

So it looks like it's time for a new keyboard - the rest of the laptop is all good.

Thanks!

Just remember then when you install the new keyboard don't touch the motherboard connector with your bare hands or any other metal... Else your motherboard will be headed for the grave too.

Have fun.

Replacement keyboard and original keyboard have the same symptoms:

With the keyboard connected, but not installed in the chassis, all keys work perfectly.

With the keyboard installed in the chassis, the same keys fail.

Every time.

A new connector cable came with the keyboard; bending the cable before completing the installation is not the problem. The problem does not crop up until installation is complete.

The T410 has been end-of-lifed. Maybe there's a reason for that. 2 + 2 is usually 4.

I'm thinking it's time to stop beating my head on the wall.

It looks like your keyboard connector has gone cold.

Looks like your motherboard is headed for the grave. Usually once the keyboard connector fails the fan starts to go out as well... salvage the spare parts and keep them around. Your keyboards are most likely still functional.

Nonetheless, did you try the keyboard tape trick? I read it somewhere on this forum but I didn't bookmark it.

If you are looking for a long term investment, try going for the P and W series mobile workstations. I have been running by good old W510 since 2010 and it's certainly not ready to give up on me yet :)