I gather that your keyboard stops working completely, and after unplugging/
plugging it, it works again.  My vote goes to a mechanical problem.
Swapping the keyboard will settle whether the problem is a broken wire at
the plug, or in the motherboard connector.

I have seen a plug with intermittent connections, but it was fairly
obvious that someone had "wrung its neck".

I have also seen sockets encrusted with corrosion, with the connector
"pushed in", and some of the pins broken.

In the least obvious case, the problem was only visible under 10X
magnification (or higher).  The solder around the pin had suffered a
fine stress crack in a circle larger than the pin but smaller than the
hole through the board.  Touching the end of the pin with a stick was
enough to make or break the connection.  Resolder, making sure that
the joint is wetted on both sides of the board.
(Incidentally, this problem is fairly common with transformers on
boards subjected to shock or vibration.)

All of the above was observed on XT/AT type connectors.  Aside from
being more difficult to solder (because it is smaller), the same should
apply to a PS/2 connector.  Observe the usual anti-static, etc.
precautions.  This assumes that the motherboard is out of warrantee.
If it is still under warrantee, LET THE MANUFACTURER DO IT.

By the way, whatever became of all those "bad" server motherboards at
the ISP?

Boyd Ramsay

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