External keyboard problems, Unexpected characters – Dell Latitude 131L User Manual
Page 73

Solving Problems
73
External Keyboard problems
NOTE:
When you attach an external keyboard, the integrated keyboard remains fully functional.
C
HECK
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.
C
HECK
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 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.
T
O
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 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 113.
R
UN
THE
KEYBOARD
DIAGNOSTICS
TESTS
—
Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell
Diagnostics (see "Dell Diagnostics" on page 63). If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, contact
Dell. See "Contacting Dell" on page 113.
Unexpected characters
D
ISABLE
THE
NUMERIC
KEYPAD
—
Press
instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
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