External Keyboard Problems; Unexpected Characters - Dell Inspiron 1521 Owner's Manual

If you have problems with an IEEE 1394 device not provided by Dell —
Ensure that the IEEE 1394 device is properly inserted into the connector.
Keyboard Problems
CAUTION: Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
Fill out the Diagnostics Checklist as you perform the various checks.
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, then 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 then 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
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
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 —
Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics (see
Contacting Dell).

Unexpected characters

Disable the numeric keypad —
Contact Dell or the IEEE 1394 device manufacturer (see
® All Programs® Accessories® Notepad.
® All Programs® Accessories® Notepad.
Dell Diagnostics). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact Dell (see
Contacting Dell).
Contacting Dell).