I have a laptop sitting around, it's almost 5 years old, but the inner parts are good and more then adequate for it to be used. Unluckily, the disk reader is broken and some keys of the keyboard are unresponsive.

Here is the problem: since I need to make an USB boot I have to access the BIOS to set the boot priority, but to switch to the boot priority items I need to press the left/right keys and those keys are broken...

How could I ever solve this situation? Should I just buy an USB keyboard and hope it's recognized in the BIOS menu (it should be as far as I know.. )?

You can replace keyboard of laptop in service shop.

Also usb keyboards work in linux, but usually we have to set 'usb legacy' option in BIOS to make it work in bootlader or dos.

maja ldm,

Why not just borrow a USB keyboard from a friend or neighbour for a short time?

Access the BIOS and first get the USB keyboard recognised.

Then set the USB HDD to boot before the notebook HDD, save the changes, press F10 and exit.

Download and install a suitable Linux distro on the USB stick using UNetbootin or the dd command.

See link:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...sk-4175538588/

If this all works then go and buy a USB keyboard.

The reason I'd like to do without buying a new keyboard is that my plan is to use the laptop in remote desktop from my tablet and I already have far too much stuff laying around on my (real) desktop. I guess I'll try to find a keyboard to borrow (won't be easy as i live in a dorm surrounded by laptops.. I may have to ask in some office).

Wonder if you could use an alt or ctrl plus number combo to select bios? I have never tried it myself but a keyboard is just a way to send keycodes.

What is the key stroke to enter bios?

It would be worth a try to remove data or power to internal drive and see if usb will boot. Usb flash is normally an internal hard drive order choice NOT a usb choice.

Might be other much much more complex ways to access bios.

There isn't a spare keyboard in a dorm? They only cost $15 don't they, goodwill ought to have them for $3 or so.

It would be helpful if we knew what OEM Your Laptop Is then I can find alternate bios keys. Or fail sadly and a usb keyboard sounds great

Hi...

I'm not sure the OP is from the United States or Canada.

Regards...

sometimes you can still work the contacts where the keys are missing. it's the round little thingie in the center, try pressing it with a match or anything handy. might work.

If it's just the mechanical parts of the key that are broken/missing, places like laptopkey.com will sell you replacement parts (key + hinge + cup) for a reasonable price.

(I have no relationship with laptopkey.com other than as a satisfied customer.)

1 members found this post helpful.

That makes two of us! My brand new NNNNNNNNNNNNNN key which came in the mail Friday!

as op stated - surrounded by laptops.
a realistic situation with young people in 2015.

anyhow, thanks for mentioning laptopkey.com! bookmarked!