Skip to main content

Unsolved

This post is more than 5 years old

Closed

Murcielago

2 Posts

8187

January 12th, 2004 00:00

Keyboard sequence failure

The keyboard on my inspiron 4150 notebook doesn't seem to be
functioning properly anymore. I ran the dell diagnostics test and it
failed the keyboard sequence test. Some of the keys seemed to have been
bounded with other keys. i.e. when the key "t" is pressed, I'd get an
output of "t4" instead. When "]" is pressed, i'd get "]8" and so on.
This happens for many other keys as well.

I've also carried out the usual standard checks and,

The external keyboard appears to be working fine.

There is no POST beeping and thus no key stuck failure.

The numlock key is not engaged.

There's nothing to do with the language settings because I'd still get the same problem in DOS.
 
It appears to be a hardware issue. What shall I do next?

seto_kaiba

222 Posts

January 12th, 2004 03:00

Have you tried resetting the power on your system? Just simply remove the battery and ac adapter and press on the power button for 15secs to drain the remaining power on your portable. Then, plug them back in and try it. If no go, try updating your BIOS. A BIOS update is located in the downloads page of this support site.

Peace!

Murcielago

2 Posts

January 13th, 2004 00:00

the worst thing about this problem is that it's intermittent.

DELL-BobT

3.1K Posts

January 13th, 2004 12:00

Murcielago,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

Make sure that the number lock is turned off.  The following are suggestions you should take to correct the problem:

  2. If the system is connected to an port replicator or docking station, undock the system. Does the keyboard work when it is undocked?

  4. You should also check for any debris in the contact.

  6. If the keycap has come off of the keyboard or is stuck down, try reseating it. There are typically two rocker arms and a rubber spring which need to be fitted back onto the keyboard. Instructions are on the Keyboard FAQ, #5.

  8. Boot to DOS using a DOS diskette. Test the keys in a program such as EDIT.

  10. Reset or update the system BIOS.

  12. Remove the keyboard entry from the Device Manager and reset the computer. When it restarts, it will reinstall the keyboard driver.

  14. Run the Dell diagnostic test on the keyboard.

  15. Place the System Software CD in your computer. Reset the machine and when the Dell logo appears on the screen, press and release [F2] several times until you are in the BIOS. Press the right arrow key to go to the BOOT menu or hold [Alt] and [P] simultaneously to progress to the second page. Change the boot sequence to CD/DVD drive, Floppy drive, Internal HDD. Now press [Esc] or [F10] to save and exit the BIOS.

    The following knowledge base article can help you with this:

    How to run the Dell diagnostic test knowledge base article.

    The program should automatically load. Choose to run the test on the keyboard.

If none of these help, you may consider contacting Dell Support for a solution.

Was this post helpful?

View All

No Events found!

Top