82 Solv ing Pr oble m sw w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o mExternal Keyboard ProblemsHINT: When you attachan external keyboard, theintegrated keyboardremains fully functional.Unexpected CharactersC H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E — Shut down the computer (see page 42).Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, checkthe cable connector for bent or broken pins. 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 EX T E R N A L K E Y B O A R D1 Turn off the computer, wait 1 minute, and turn it on again.2 Verify that the numbers, capitals, and scroll lock lights on the keyboard blinkduring the boot routine.3 From the Windows ® desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, pointto Accessories, and then click Notepad.4 Type some characters on the external keyboard and verify that they appear onthe display.If you cannot verify these steps, you may have a defective external keyboard.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 EX 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 D1 Turn off the computer.2 Disconnect the external keyboard.3 Turn on the computer.4 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, pointto Accessories, and then click Notepad.5 Type some characters on the integrated keyboard and verify that they appearon the display.If the characters appear now but did not with the external keyboard, you mayhave a defective external keyboard. Contact Dell (see page 124).D I S A B L E T H E N U M E R I C K E Y P A D — Press to disable the numerickeypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers locklight is not lit.1H018bk3.book Page 82 Monday, October 14, 2002 2:26 PM
