Dell 8500 manual External Keyboard Problems, Unexpected Characters

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.

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 All Programs, point to Accessories, and 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 All Programs, point to Accessories, and click Notepad.

5 Type some characters on the external 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 150).

Unexpected Characters

DI S A B L E T H E N U M E R I C 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.

NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

Using the Keyboard and Touchpad

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