Solving Problems 67External keyboard problemsNOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.Unexpected charactersLockups and Software ProblemsCAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in theProduct Information Guide.CH E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and checkit for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to thecomputer.CH 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 keyboard blink during the boot routine.3 From the Windows desktop, click the Start button, point to All Programs→ Accessories, and clickNotepad.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 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 DK 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 All Programs→ Accessories, and clickNotepad.5 Type some characters on the external 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 externalkeyboard. Contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 113.DI 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 numeric keypad if numbers aredisplayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.