Hi chuggett,
I am glad that most of the issues have been alleviated!
I also grasp that the buttons are still not responding on the keyboard. Here is a link to Notebook Keyboard Troubleshooting (Windows 8), please not the section on" problem with extra buttons or volume control". If this has not resolved it completely, I suggest contacting HP support.
Please call HP technical support at 800-474-6836. If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get the support number for your region. HP Technical Support Sitemap