92 Troubleshooting
NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you
attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

External Keyboard problems

NOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE —Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for
damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the
computer.
CHECK THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD —
1
Shut down 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 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 VERIFY THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE EXTERNAL KEYBOARD, CHECK THE INTEGRATED KEYBOARD —
1
Shut down 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 click
Notepad
.
5
Type some characters on the internal 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 "Obtaining Assistance" on page149).
RUN THE KEYBOARD DIAGNOSTICS TESTS —Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell
Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 81). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard,
contact Dell (see "Obtaining Assistance" on page 149).

Unexpected characters

DISABLE THE NUMERIC KEYPAD —Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are
displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
Lockups and Software Problems
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see "Diagnostics Checklist" on page153) as you complete these
checks.