Unexpected characters, Lockups and software problems, The computer does not start up – Dell Inspiron 5160 User Manual
Page 63: The computer stops responding

Solving Problems
63
Unexpected Characters
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
The computer stops responding
NOTICE:
You might lose data if you are unable to perform an operating system shutdown.
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, point to Accessories, and click
Notepad.
5
Type some characters on the external 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 page 101).
D
ISABLE
THE
NUMERIC
KEYPAD
—
Press
displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock light is not lit.
E
NSURE
THAT
THE
A C
ADAPTER
IS
F
IRMLY
C
ONNECTED
TO
T
HE
C
OMPUTER
AND
TO
T
HE
E
LECTRICAL
O
UTLET
T
URN
THE
COMPUTER
OFF
—
If you are unable to get a response by pressing a key on your keyboard or
moving your mouse, press and hold the power button for at least 8 to 10 seconds until the computer
turns off. Then restart your computer.