External Keyboard Problems; Unexpected Characters - Dell Inspiron 510M Owner's Manual

External Keyboard Problems

NOTE:
When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
C H E C K T H E K E Y B O A R D C A B L E
Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check
the cable connector for bent or broken pins. Firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the
keyboard directly to the computer.
H E C K T H E E X T E R N A L K E Y B O A R D
C
1
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 blink
during the boot routine.
3
From the Windows
Accessories, and click 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.
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
I N T E G R A T E D K E Y B O A R D
1
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, point to
Accessories, and click Notepad.
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 external keyboard. Contact Dell (see page 112).

Unexpected Characters

D I S A B L E T H E N U M E R I C K E Y P A D
keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock
light is not lit.
48
Using the Keyboard and Touch Pad
— Shut down the computer (see page 32).
®
desktop, click the Start button, point to Programs, point to
— Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric
, C H E C K T H E