116 TroubleshootingC H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E — Shut down the computer. Disconnect thekeyboard cable and check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect thekeyboard 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 —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 keyboardblink 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 appearon the display.If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective externalkeyboard.T O 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 EI N T E G R A T E D K E Y B O A R D —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 appearon the display.If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, youmay have a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see "ObtainingAssistance" on page 193).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 PC-AT CompatibleKeyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 101). Ifthe tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see "ObtainingAssistance" on page 193).
