Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop key faulty

Thanks for the link to the guide.

I read in another thread that a faulty key could be the keyboard or it could be a motherboard fault. However, I don't have a USB keyboard so I can't test another keyboard. Is there another way to test if it's a motherboard fault without using a USB keyboard or would I have to replace the keyboard and just hope it fixes the problem?

While you can try removing the keycap and cleaning underneath, it's more likely you're going to need to replace the keyboard.

To remove the keycap, see;

www.dell.com/.../how-to-remove-a-key-on-your-dell-laptop-keyboard

WIth just one key not working, it's overwhelmingly likely it's the keyboard.  Open the on-screen keyboard and try that - if it works, the keyboard is just about certainly at fault.

If some debris was under the key, turning it over and gently tapping or shaking may help break it loose.

I do this with my systems every now and then just to check.

But it is a switch and possibly some contacts are not up to par.

I removed the key cap. There was some debris underneath that I removed, but it didn't fix the problem, so it seems a new keyboard is needed.

I see that on Amazon there is a replacement keyboard for £13.99 but on ebay there is one for about £8.50 Would there be any difference in quality between these two, such as one being official an Dell keyboard or it is best to buy the cheapest one?

For parts I always buy on eBay.

Never had a bad one yet.

AC adapters, CD/DVD drives.