External keyboard problems, Unexpected characters – Dell Inspiron 8200 User Manual

Page 82

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82

Solving Problems

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External Keyboard Problems

HINT: When you attach

an external keyboard, the
integrated keyboard
remains fully functional.

Unexpected Characters

C

H E CK

T H E

KE YBO AR D

C AB LE

— Shut down the computer (see page 42).

Disconnect the keyboard cable and check it for damage. For PS/2 cables, check

the cable connector for bent or broken pins. Firmly reconnect the cable.
If you are using a keyboard extension cable, disconnect it and connect the

keyboard directly to the computer.

C

H E CK

T H E

EXT ER N AL

KE YBO AR D

1

Turn off 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, point

to 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

VER I FY

T H A T

T H E

P ROB L EM

I S

W I T H

T H E

EX T ER NA L

K EY BOA RD

,

CH E CK

T H E

IN T E GRA T ED

K EYB OA RD

1

Turn off 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 then click Notepad.

5

Type some characters on the integrated 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 124).

D

I S A BLE

T H E

NU M ER IC

K EY P AD

— Press

to disable the numeric

keypad if numbers are displayed instead of letters. Verify that the numbers lock

light is not lit.

1H018bk3.book Page 82 Monday, October 14, 2002 2:26 PM

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