Inspiron 1500 Backlit Keyboard Timeout Settings

Dell Quickset (Win 7 version) is the only utility that I know that would allow you to adjust the backlight 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

or turn it off.  Unfortunately there isn't a Windows 10 version of quickset for the Inspiron 15 1558.

TB

Thanks or the quick reply, bummer. Although you said it wouldn't work, I can confirm that the quickset tool will error out while installing on Win 10.

I wish that I had better news for you. So you did try the Windows 7 version of Quickset? From your post I take it that the you received errors when installing Quickset, what where the errors and where you able to successfully install Quickset or did the installation fail?

TB

Yep, to clarify I tried to install the Win 7 version of Quickset. I received an error something like "this operating system is not supported" (I'm not in front of my laptop right now) right after double clicking the .exe. I also tried to change compatibility to an older OS and still failed. Thanks again for the replys. There has to be a way to change the timeout, I'll check the BIOS when I get home. Keyboard driver had nothing related to backlight.

I am not familiar with an option to change the settings for the keyboard backlight in the BIOS, although it could be possible that later revisions of the BIOS may have something.

In Windows 7 Quickset worked with Windows Mobility Center where an option could be found to control the keyboard backlight. 

It is possible that Quickset will not be needed in Windows 10, press the Windows and X keys together and look for Windows Mobility or Windows Mobility Center. Once in Windows Mobility check to see if there is an option to adjust the keyboard Backlight.

TB

Unfortunately I've checked the mobility center, no keyboard options present. Thanks.

It looks like you have covered all the bases that I can think of.  I suggest keeping an eye open for any future Windows updates as Microsoft may provide a solution.

It is also possible that there are retail utilities that may provide controls for the backlight although I am not aware of any.  It may be something to look into. I wish that I could be of more help.

TB

Would just like to report that the BIOS does not have a timeout option but does have an option to stay lit on AC, tested and confirmed it works. That's not an answer but a start at least.

As was already touched on in someone else's post, I confirmed that, in the BIOS, you can turn off the backlit keyboard timeout (on AC Power) for the Inspiron 5558 (Windows 10) laptop.

1. Shutdown/power off the laptop (not restart).

2. Power on the laptop, and right away, while the Dell screen is still displayed, hold down the following keys on the keyboard: Fn + F2  Should enter the BIOS System Setup screen.

3. From System Setup expand the "System Configuration" menu option, and then select "Keyboard back light with AC" option and on the right checkmark to enable. Click Apply to exit setup and restart.

Now when on AC power the backlit keyboard will stay illuminated, but the brightness level can still be adjusted by hitting the back light toggle key (F10).

This is exactly what I was looking for for a long time.  Yes...this procedure is correct.  It keeps the back light on all the time while plugged in.  Even though there's no time out time...you can still adjust the brightness by pressing the F10 key.  

The back light keyboard was one of the reasons why I purchased this laptop and when I noticed it only stayed on for 5 seconds...that was abit of a let down but I just dealt with it. Now after doing what was described above....I am such a happy owner all day....THANK YOU SOOO MUCH !