you can try to clean it with compressed air. if that won't work, just replace the keyboard. is the system still under warranty? call Dell Tech Support and have the keyboard replaced.

Hi kArL,

 

   Thank you for getting with me on this.  Actually, yes, the computer is still under warranty but only if I send in the whole computer to have the board replaced.  I had such a bad experience with the last Gateway I had, I hate to send the computer in to have it fixed.  By the time Gateway sent me a computer back in the mail (wasn't my "mint" computer but someone else's beat up piece of junk) that's the last thing I want to do.  I'll hope that Dell mails me a keyboard that I can install myself.  But before that I'll try the compressed air but I'd be surprised if that is the problem because when I use my computer, I am really clean about it, i.e., no food, etc.  I will try Dell support next.  Thanks again.

 

      Jerry

okay. if the system is still under warranty. call tech support and ask for parts only keyboard replacement, tell them that you need to press hard for some keys to work.

Okay, will do.  Thanks again.

 

      Jerry

Just an update.  I "talked" to Dell on line today and they have already sent me another keyboard in the mail!  What great service.  And no problem with my installing it myself.  I already looked at the process and it is very simple.  Thanks again.

 

        Jerry

WOW!  Talk about service.  In about 24 hours I reported the bad keyboard, installed the new (refurbished) keyboard and mailed the defective one back to Dell.  The new keyboard isn't exactly like the old one---a couple of the icons were different or missing on the new board but I never used the old functions anyway.  I can still use those functions if need be but I can't think of a reason why.  Very satisfied with Dell's service, right from talking with the service advisor on line, to getting the part so soon. 

 

      Jerry

Whoa! That's good to hear. I believe that is what you call " Quality Service". Good job! Hardware Warranty Support!