Hi Lee,

Are you facing this issue using any particular application? If not, try using the on screen keyboard to see if you face the issue:

• Click on 'Start' and type 'Run' in the search box.
• A small window will open up.
• Type 'OSK' and press enter.
• On Screen Keyboard appears.
• Use the On Screen keyboard with different applications and check if you face the same issue.

• Turn off the system completely.
• Disconnect all the external devices connected to the system.
• Disconnect the ac adapter.
• Slide the release latches to unlock the battery.

Slide the battery out of the chassis and remove it from the computer.

 

• Press the keyboard down. Pry the keyboard with the use of a flat-head screwdriver towards the display to reveal the first keyboard retainer.

Pry up the second keyboard retainer.


 

Pry up the third keyboard retainer.
 

Pull up the keyboard from the palm rest.
 

Release the latch on the system board connector then disconnect the keyboard back-light cable.
 

Release the latch on the system board connector and then disconnect the keyboard cable.
 

Steps to install the keyboard:

1. Connect the keyboard data cable to the back of the keyboard.
2. If your computer comes with a backlit keyboard, connect the keyboard backlight cable.
3. Replace the adhesive tape to secure the keyboard data cable to the back of the keyboard.
4. Install the keyboard.
5. Install the battery.

You can also refer to the user manuals of the system:  http://dell.to/T4vRsN


After re seating the keyboard, check if the issue is fixed. Keep me posted. Please reply if you have any further questions.

thank you very much for replying, i resolved the issue by doing a restore.

the likely cause was a windows update, surprise! surprise!

thanks again.

kind regards, lee.

Hi Lee,

I am glad that the issue has been fixed. Please get back to this community for any other issues with your Dell system. We will be glad to assist you.