Bizarre and rare pattern unlock problem, Android issue?

[RXT334]

This is happening on an HTC Desire Z (A7272) with Android 2.3.3. I bought it new and it has worked great for over 3 years. A few days ago I was unable to input the pattern to unlock my phone. It wasn

 

[Thom]

Welcome to Android Forums.

I moved your question the the phone forum to maximize exposure.

... Thom

 

[olbriar]

I would have suggested a factory reset RXT334 but you've tried that. I guess the obvious work a round is a different unlock pattern. I wish I could tell you what's wrong and how to fix it. Perhaps another will chime in with something for you. Welcome to AF. I hope you enjoy your time on these forums.

 

[RXT334]

I appreciate your welcome. Unfortunately I joined this forum to access an Android audience and people reading posts about Android. I have already posted this issue in two other forums that focused on hardware. I thought this was a place for Android. Only 57 views so far. I imagine there is a very small amount of people browsing any particular phone model, especially a 3-year-old model. This means minimum exposure for me, not maximum. And because the notification of the forum move was a "reply", this wouldn't be put in the "unanswered threads" list. So no help with exposure there either.

 

[Slug]

I have already posted this issue in two other forums that focused on hardware. I thought this was a place for Android.

It is, which is why we have hundreds of forums dedicated to specific devices; problems get solved and questions answered more quickly and accurately by users of the device in question.

Your problem does sound very like a defective touchscreen i.e. it's not actually registering the 'touch' on that area of the display. Is this behaviour carried over to normal use e.g. are you able to tap and open apps in the drawer that are in the same area of the screen?

 

[RXT334]

As I said, it is not like the touchscreen isn't sensing my touch. It shows a green line through the Android pattern unlock buttons, but doesn't turn the button green or red. I wanted to post a photo, but your system wouldn't let me. I have no trouble using the touchscreen with other programs or functions in the bottom area.

If it is a touchscreen issue, perhaps due to being used for over 3 years, is this a replaceable thing? When I thought this thing was dying I priced an HTC One locally and it was $1000. So if I can just save this thing for much less I would be happy. I can't complain. I don't know if it is a fluke, but my HTC seems to have reliability I haven't seen since my old Nokia 6100 series.

 

[olbriar]

The glass and digitizer are both replaceable. I'd hate to replace it not knowing for certain that would fix the problem. However, you might check with a local repair shop. Replacing such is a very common task.. mostly from being dropped and broken. You can also google the replacement. There are some splendid vids on self replacements if you are so inclined.
Best of luck to you.