I think the sensor beneath the space bar has gone bad, as you seem to have the problem only with the "space bar key".
You could reinstall the keyboard drivers and check. (Delete keyboard drivers from device manager and reboot, the system would automatically re-install the driver)
To go to device manager:
1.Right click on my computer
2. Select properties-click on device manager
The second option would be to use the "Dell Diagnostics cd" to check the "Keyboard functionality".
Please update your user profile with the service tag of your system. The following are suggestions you should take to correct the problem:
If the system is connected to an port replicator or docking station, undock the system. Does the keyboard work when it is undocked?
Press the reset button and reboot. This would be a hole that looks like the hole on the floppy drive. Use a straightened paperclip to press the button.
You should also check for any debris in the contact.
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.
Boot to DOS using a DOS diskette. Test the keys in a program such as EDIT.
Reset or update the system BIOS.
Remove the keyboard entry from the Device Manager and reset the computer. When it restarts, it will reinstall the keyboard driver.
Run the Dell diagnostic test on the keyboard.
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:
Nick Nolte
22 Posts
0
September 1st, 2004 08:00
Hi Dianna,
I think the sensor beneath the space bar has gone bad, as you seem to have the problem only with the "space bar key".
You could reinstall the keyboard drivers and check. (Delete keyboard drivers from device manager and reboot, the system would automatically re-install the driver)
To go to device manager:
1.Right click on my computer
2. Select properties-click on device manager
The second option would be to use the "Dell Diagnostics cd" to check the "Keyboard functionality".
Nick
Diannacda
2 Posts
0
September 1st, 2004 14:00
DELL-BobT
3.1K Posts
0
September 1st, 2004 18:00
Diannacda,
Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
Please update your user profile with the service tag of your system. The following are suggestions you should take to correct the problem:
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.
Nick Nolte
22 Posts
0
September 2nd, 2004 02:00
The possibility of your case putting pressuer on the "space bar" is possible but, very limited.
You would need to physically evaluate for the case to come in contact with the key mentioned.
Nick