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If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
C H E C K T H E E X T E R N A L K E Y B O A R D —
1Shut down the computer, wait 1 minute, and then turn it on again.
2Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blink during the boot routine.
3From the Windows desktop, click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ Notepad.
4Type 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 E X 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 —
1Shut down the computer.
2Disconnect the external keyboard.
3Turn on the computer.
4From the Windows desktop, click Start→ All Programs→ Accessories→ Notepad.
5Type 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 "Contacting Dell" on page 201).
R U N T H E K E Y B O A R D D I A G N O S T I C S T E S T S — Run the
Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 115). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see "Contacting Dell" on page 201).
Unexpected characters
D I S A B L E T H E N U M E R I C K E Y P A D — Press <Num Lk> 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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Troubleshooting