Can I fix the Backslash key on my keyboard or do I need a new one?

Q  The Backslash key on my keyboard doesn’t seem to work. I’ve connected it to two computers, with the same result. What could the problem be?
George Wilkin

A  On most keyboards it’s possible to gently prise off the key tops to check if there’s anything stuck below them, which may stop the keys from working (the key tops simply snap back in place afterwards).

This is certainly worth trying but from your troubleshooting efforts to date, this is most likely to be a broken switch inside the keyboard itself.

Keyboards are so cheap these days that, really, it usually makes more sense to buy a new one than to contemplate a repair – even if it’s technically possible (with some keyboard designs, such fixes may be entirely impractical).

However, if you’re particularly attached to this sickly keyboard and simply want a way to type the backslash symbol, then use the on-screen keyboard that’s supplied with all versions of Windows.

In Windows 7 and Vista, find this by clicking Start, pointing to All Programs followed by Accessories then Ease of Access; in XP, point to Accessibility after Accessories.