96 TroubleshootingKeyboard ProblemsCAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the ProductInformation Guide.NOTE: Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When youattach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.External Keyboard problemsNOTE: When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.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 check it fordamage, 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 Programs→ Accessories, and then 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 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→ Accessories, and clickNotepad.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 externalkeyboard. Contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 141.RU 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 Compatible Keyboards tests in the DellDiagnostics (see page 85). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell. See "ContactingDell" on page 141.Unexpected charactersDI 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 are displayedinstead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
