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HINT: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
External Keyboard Problems
CH E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E — Shut down the computer (see page 42). Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check the cable connector for bent or broken pins. Firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
CH E C K T H E EX T E R N A L K E Y B O A R D
1 Turn off the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.
2 Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.
3 From the Windows® desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Notepad.
4 Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.
TO V E R I F Y T H A T T H E P R O B L E M I S W I T H T H E EX T E R N A L K E Y B O A R D , C H E C K T H E I N T E G R A T E D K E Y B O A R D
1 Turn off the computer.
2 Disconnect the external keyboard.
3 Turn on the computer.
4 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Notepad.
5 Type some characters on the integrated keyboard and verify that they appear on the display.
If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you may have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see page 124).
Unexpected Characters
DI S A B L E T H E N U M E R IC K E Y P A D — Press 
to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
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