Lockups And Software Problems; External Keyboard Problems; Unexpected Characters; The Computer Does Not Start Up - Dell Latitude D820 User Manual

Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist (see
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.
Check the keyboard cable — Shut down the computer. Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage, and firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
Check the external keyboard —
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 Start® All Programs® Accessories® 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.
To verify that the problem is with the external keyboard, check the integrated keyboard —
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Disconnect the external keyboard.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. From the Windows desktop, click Start® All Programs® Accessories® 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
Run the keyboard diagnostics tests —
defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see

Unexpected characters

Disable the numeric keypad — Press <Num Lk> to disable the numeric keypad if numbers are displayed 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.

The computer does not start up

Ensure that the AC adapter is firmly connected to the computer and to the electrical outlet.

The computer stops responding

Diagnostics Checklist) as you perform the various checks.
Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see
Contacting Dell).
Dell Diagnostics). If the tests indicate a
Contacting Dell).