Keyboard Keys not working

Question

Hi, I have an inspiron 15 3567. I'm facing a strange problem. Some keys of the keyboard aren't working like "b","n", space key, down key, left key, right key.

I have changed the keyboard but still, those specific keys are working. I'm using windows and Ubuntu with dual boot, and those keys don't work on each operating system, so I don't think that it will be a driver issue. On screen keyboard works fine.

DELL-Nat M · Answer

If you need assistance regarding keyboard issues, please reach out to our support team by clicking on ‘Get Help Now’ in the bottom right corner of this page.

Additionally, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Restart your laptop: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve the issue.
Check for debris: Ensure there is no debris under the keys. Cleaning with compressed air can help.
Run a diagnostic test: Use Dell’s SupportAssist to run a diagnostic test on your keyboard.
Update your drivers: Make sure your keyboard drivers are up to date.

For more detailed instructions, you can refer to Dell’s Keyboard Troubleshooting Guide.

The blinking pattern of 3 amber and 6 white typically indicates a corrupted BIOS.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to try and resolve this:

1. Initiate BIOS Recovery:

Read the steps here: How to Recover the BIOS on a Dell Computer or Tablet

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you might also want to try resetting the CMOS:

2. Reset CMOS:

Power off the computer and unplug it.
Open the case and locate the CMOS battery (a small, round battery on the motherboard).
Remove the CMOS battery for at least 10 minutes.
Reinsert the battery, ensuring it’s properly seated.
Power on the computer and see if the issue is resolved.

If you still need assistance, please contact support by clicking the Get Help Now button located at the bottom right corner of the page. The button is marked with a help icon for easy recognition as per the picture below:

XPS_Man · Answer

What about an external keyboard ?? Same issue ??

areef99 · Answer

I haven't tried an external but I assume it would work. I want my laptop keyboard to work properly. is it related to the motherboard?.

XPS_Man · Answer

Yes It most likely is Motherboard.

AdrianG001 · Answer

Go into device manager uninstall keyboard and driver and restart PC. Let driver install again and see if keyboards works correctly. If not then the keyboard is either contaminated with something causing some keys not to work. Or the keyboard simply requires a replacement. If you believe nothing has been spilled on the keys I would try compressed air in a can to see if you can loosen any debris that worked under keys.

nsk360 · Answer

Is the ribbon cable properly connected?  The first time I took my laptop to pieces I didn't refit the cable correctly and I had the exact same issue.

DadeMurphy · Answer

I doubt it is a coincidence that I am also having problems with the 'b' and 'n' keys on my XPS 12.  I had just removed Windows from the machine and installed Ubuntu.  Did anyone find resolution on this issue?

sf32 · Answer

Exact same problem here:

Dell Inspiron 15 5510/5518 - "b","n", space, down, left, right keys not working, despite uninstalling the 2 keyboard drivers “HID Keyboard Device” and “Standard PS/2 Keyboard” followed by restart, several times.

Once in a while - randomly - all of those keys would work again for a while. It is usually all or none of the above group working or not working at the same time.

Strange that only those few keys would be affected if the flat keyboard connector to the motherboard got loose?

How did you fix it?

sphyrincs · Answer

Same problem. except for me it spread to n,m,left,right,up,down,b,j,h,y,u,5,6 and space

casablahblah · Answer

Same here. Suddenly my M, N, U, and Y keys aren’t working.

albertsdsww · Answer

same situation with a xps 951 eith up, left, delete and a few others. they will work all fine or none of them at the same time. then will work again and so on.

is there an insight what is causing this?

estevaobr · Answer

I have the same problem, the 'n', 'b', 'space' and arrow keys on the keyboard don't work. It is very difficult to use the laptop. There is a palliative solution, just open Windows CMD and start typing the letters, including those that are not working, but after a while it stops starting again. I've read that it could be a BIOS problem, by searching for drivers on the Dell website, but I upgraded and downgraded and it didn't work.Another solution I've seen is to change the keyboard, but it doesn't make sense to do that, when it's a software problem and not a hardware problem. This is the second problem I have with my Dell Inspirion 15 3530, the first was with the headphone jack that I didn't recognize. It's frustrating and disappointing.

Anass8k · Answer

I m facing the same problem on my dell g3 3500 with the same keys, does anyone have a solution for this ?

Kimxx · Answer

This is driving me completely nuts too with b, n and space not working.  And then all of sudden it works but can duplicate b, n and space when I only want one.  Very frustrating!   However - I have found that if I switch on the laptop half an hour before I need to use it,  it tends to work without a hitch.  I have also discovered that ctrl, alt delete and then escape for a few times can help it spring back into action.  Its crazy Dell!

buruhan · Answer

Same problem with Dell XPS 13 9360, Ubuntu pro 22.04.4 LTS

Inspiron

Keyboard Keys not working

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