Quite often, an overworked keyboard connector becomes electrically separated
from the motherboard due to metal fatigue of the solder joints.  It usually
takes a powerful magnifier to see the small circular crack.  Another way
of diagnosing this problem is to use a "beeper" or "penlight" type continuity
tester.  If pressing the pin at the centre of the open connection to
the side with a small stick suddenly causes it to conduct, then this is
the problem.

Ground yourself (touching the shiny metal of the power supply case before
anything else, as a minimum) to neutralize static.  If you use a grounded
wristband, make sure there is a 10 MegOhm resistor in series to protect YOU.

Go ahead and resolder the joint - after all, it doesn't work now - what have
you got to lose?  If you try a hot, smaller soldering pencil (say 30 W)
first, with a little ROSIN (NOT ACID) flux and solder, you should be
able to fix it in 10 seconds or less. If not, you may have to use a
slightly more powerful soldering gun.  The joint should look smooth and
shiny when cleaned.

Boyd Ramsay

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