Dell 6400 - Inspiron Laptop, Owner'S Manual

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Solving Problems
Keyboard Problems
CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide .
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.
C HECK 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.
C HECK 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
→
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.
T
O 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
→
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 "Contacting Dell" on page 133.
R UN THE KEYBOARD DIAGNOSTICS TESTS —
Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell
Diagnostics (see page 79) . If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell. See "Contacting
Dell" on page 133.
Unexpected characters
D ISABLE 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.