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Lockups and software problems, Keyboard problems, External keyboard problems – Dell Latitude 120L User Manual

Page 95: Unexpected characters, The computer does not start up

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Keyboard Problems

 

Fill out the

Diagnostics Checklist

as you perform the various checks.

External keyboard problems

 

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 the Start button® Programs® Accessories, and 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.

 

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 the Start button® 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. See

Technical Assistance

.

 

Run the keyboard diagnostics tests —

 

Run the PC-AT Compatible Keyboards tests in the Dell Diagnostics. See

Dell Diagnostics

. If the tests indicate a defective external keyboard, see

Technical

Assistance

.

Unexpected characters

 

Disable the numeric keypad —

 

Press 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

The computer does not start up

 

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

CAUTION:

Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.

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.

CAUTION:

Before you begin any of the procedures in this section, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.