External Keyboard Problems; Unexpected Characters; Lockups And Software Problems - Dell Inspiron PP23LA 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
damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the
computer.
C H 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 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 111.
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 63). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell. See "Contacting
Dell" on page 111.

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.

Lockups and Software Problems

CAUTION:
Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product
Information Guide.
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
,
Solving Problems
—
73