Constant Attaching/Detaching of Keyboard and tried obvious solutions

Hi Doug, this was a great breakdown of the issue. I am having the exact same issue, even having trouble just typing this response. I did want to share one thing that seemed to help for a time. If you go into task manager, stop the Surface DTX Service. Good luck, hope we both find a more permanent solution.

On Surface Book laptops with intermittent connectivity issues between the keyboard and the screen - often the problem is oxidation developing on the metal contacts. A good electronic contact cleaner like Deoxit D100L should be able to remove the oxidation because isopropyl alcohol alone generally can't remove oxidation. I've found success on a number of Surface Book laptops with the following procedure: Detach the screen. Apply Deoxit D100L to both sides of the three keyboard contacts on the keyboard as well as both sides of the dock connector on the screen, and then reattach the screen. Open and close the lid a few times to work the liquid into the connection. Detach the screen and wipe away any excess liquid from the keyboard contacts. The liquid is non-conductive, so there no risk of shorting; but since the liquid has red dye in it, it's a good idea to clean off the excess so it doesn't stain your clothes.

Hi there, I have found that on the screen side of the middle connectors there is a metallic bezel around the connector ports which may have old glue accumulate under it which may dry out after 2-3 years of usage.

I suspect this accumulate starts to flake into connectors causing odd issues and potentially interfering with the magnet (which may also be weakening over time. I can't conclude that, maybe someone more knowledgeable could.)

Now I don't recommend doing this in the first instance but if you've come to a point where no amount of cleaning is helping, and you have very carefully inspected there is no further debris externally.

Once you have determined the above, then it's worth giving the following a go!

Anyways, using something hard gently lift this metallic bezel. You may find it lifts quite easy, it did in my case. If you can't get under it, I found the easiest point is sliding under it via the fan grill.

Once you've pulled it off, use some Isopropyl Alcohol and a clean cloth to clean any excess gunk from both the bezel that has been removed and the now exposed surface under the bezel. Place the bezel back in location and try using the keyboard.

I have not, and do not know if there is a suitable replacement adhesive to better secure the bezel after this cleaning. The magnets and the fact it's sandwiched appear to be holding this in place just fine (although, it will be more of an issue when using 'tablet' mode.)

If anyone knows a suitable adhesive that would be great!

(Thanks to @jeffreykess6484 above for the direction.)

It's also possible that it's a hardware failure.

Firstly check out the Microsoft tutorials on Fix problems detaching or attaching your Surface Book keyboard.

I don’t know everything I tried…. ha.

I actually just went out and got a Bluetooth keyboard and when I hooked it up the disconnecting problem went away. I picked up an small Anker brand at Walmart. I have uninstalled it and installed it a couple of times when the problem came back after updates. I am glad I didn’t return it after everything started working again. Knock on wood it keeps fixing the problem. I don’t think I will update for awhile to keep the magic going. Good luck.

Hi Doug. I am having this exact same issue. In frustration, I stopped using my SB for about 3 weeks. When I turned it back on, the problem had disappeared. Unfortunately, after 2 days, it returned. I have tried every proposed fix I could find online, but nothing has worked. Did you ever find a permanent solution? Thanks, Sean.

I have been having the same issue. Typing also triggers the detachment. The light turns green and my processes freeze. Also my five and six keys do not work along with my tab key. I have tried everything above. This is the second surface book (I have the OG surface book) and I had to return it. I really don’t want to keep starting over on a whole new hard drive. Also, with no stores I have to mail it in and pray it comes back in a timely manner. I can’t be without my device for long. I run my business from it. Ugh. Best of luck to you all.

Mine plainly came back to good working order on its own. Guys, it's so weird! I sent mine to post-warranty and they returned it saying that the fluid marker was activated and that they could only replace the whole Dock board for around 1800 euros. I told them to return it to me because other than maybe vapour or condensation there was no fluid contact with the laptop and that their solution is absurd! I changed my laptop from SB2 to another because I couldn't work like that (i.e. with an external keyboard) and after a year on the shelf, when a friend asked if he could use it as a desktop replacement at home, we just figured it worked just as before (this after all the updates - many - were made)… so, my SB2 works great now!

Using rubbing alcohol to clean the pins on the connectors helps. This was the last thing I tried because the pins looked clean to me. It was surprsing that it worked. Use compressed air to clean the connectors on the display part if you have a can of it.

Hi.

I have exactly the same problem. I've done everything you discribe plus a total reset. Nthe error is still present..

It shows when i'm working with word or using file explorer.,

Did you find a solution on your side ?

I had this same exact issue, I tried everything above. However after more troubleshooting, mine was most certainly a hardware failure. Since if you held the screen just right it would work. I have added a guide of what I did to take apart the base if you have to replace the Dock Connector.

I ran into this today and I realized it was not charging also. It eventually ran out of juice and now won't turn on. Not sure what may have happened. Worked perfectly up until today. I noticed that the surge protector was off, I wonder if a rain storm with lightening may have damaged it. Sucks, only got about 2 years use out of this expensive thing.

Mine also came out and created same problem. Later I felt issue came because of moisture. So I placed key board part at bright sun light for an hours. Then problem fully get resolved. One month is over not yet faced any problem. Later I bought one more second hand laptop incase

I have a surfacebook 2 and it is a great computer - if it works - unfortunately the docking mechanism for the tablet portion is very poorly designed and not made for long term reliability. Thank you Mr Gates for wasting my hard earned money.