Keyboard strokes being altered by computer

[jadmat]

Hi,
I am not sure whether this is hardware or software issue.  I am a lap top user and this morning my laptop keyboard was malfunctioning in that if I type certain letters or numbers, they are substituted with other random entries.  i.e if I type a j for example it comes up on the screen as a 5.  This is happening for about half the alphabet which makes it unusable.
Is this a virus?
Any help appreciated...

[ucomservices]

You could try the following :-

Boot with a MS-DOS Floppy or CD and try and press the alphabet that is giving a problem. If the problem persists, it is possible that your Keyboard has a problem - in this case try to get the keyboard repaired  or replaced.

If on booting with the floppy or CD in the DOS mode, the keyboard works OK, then there is a problem with your Windows Operating System.

Install windows again and it should be OK.

[GX1_Man]

Did you play with the keyboard settings perchance?

[jadmat]

I haven't intentionally played with the keyboard settings but my 7yr old does use the computer and he may have inadvertedly pressed something....how would i check that?

Thanks for the MS DOS feedback but it is all double dutch to me as I am really just a software user and have not really had any training in systems - maybe I need to have a repair shop look at it.

Why do problems always happen when a tax deadline is upon me?

I really appreciate the help.

[jadmat]

Thanks for advice.  Problem has been resolved but feel a tad foolish - 7yr old had accidentally put number lock on so the keyboard on the RHS was not responding
 

[CBMatt]

Ha, you just saved us a lot of time.  Thanks for reporting back.

[GX1_Man]

Sometimes restarting the computer can fix problems. 

[CBMatt]

If only all problems were that easy to fix.