Pipe/Backslash Key (|\) not working

Question

I have an Inspiron 5100 and the \| (Pipe/backslash) key is not working. It is the only key that doesn't work and I have replaced the keyboard but it still doesn't work. I cannot upgrade the BIOS because the laptop seems to be missing its service tag. I have however run the diagnostics test and that too fails to detect the Pipe/Backslash key. Any ideas?

DELL-Corey · Answer

amitm777,

Thank you for using Dell's Community Forum.

If the keyboard has been replaced and the same key is malfunctioning, then your issue is most likely software related.
Worst case scenario is that you would have to attempt a reinstall of the operating system.

amitm777 · Answer

Thanks for the reply but I don't think the OS is the issue. I have tried changing the keyboard drivers without any luck. Also The Dell diagnostics tests run at the BIOS level before the OS has started up.

Any other suggestions?

jpbe7 · Answer

I'm having the same problem with an Inspiron 1100. After talking to Dell (they are sending a tech today to replace the motherboard) I noticed when looking through the BIOS that the keyboard layout was set to Japan. It shows this but I am unable to change it. I have reflashed the BIOS twice once downgrading, and changed the regional settings in Windows, but the BIOS keyboard layout is still set to Japan. I checked another 1100 and it was set to United States, but there is still not a way to change the setting....I find this rather odd.

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Pipe/Backslash Key (|\) not working

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