Keyboard Problems; External Keyboard Problems; Unexpected Characters - Dell 6400 Owner's Manual

Keyboard Problems

CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
NOTE:
Use the integrated keyboard when running the Dell Diagnostics or the system setup program. When you
attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.

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
damage, and 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 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 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.
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
T
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 click
Notepad.
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 external
keyboard. Contact Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 133.
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
R
Diagnostics (see page 79). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell. See "Contacting
Dell" on page 133.

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
instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
90
Solving Problems
Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for
—
—
Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell
—
Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed
—
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
, —