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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 Start® All Programs® Accessories® 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 Start® All Programs® Accessories® 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).
Run the keyboard diagnostics tests — Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see Dell Diagnostics). If the tests indicate a
defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see Contacting Dell).
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
The computer does not start up
Ensure that the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet.
The computer stops responding
Turn the computer off — If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for
at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Then restart your computer.
A program stops responding or crashes repeatedly
End the program —
1. Press <Ctrl><Shift><Esc> simultaneously.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Click Applications.
4. Click the program that is no longer responding.
5. Click End Task.
Check the software documentation — If necessary, uninstall and then reinstall the program.
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
NOTE: Software usually includes installation instructions in its documentation or on a floppy disk or CD.