Windows XP clean install - keyboard not working properly

Question

ADMIN NOTE: Service tag removed per privacy policy  I've performed a clean install of Windows XP. Networking and video display wasn't working so I installed the drivers R155246 and R165797 (in that order).  Wireless wasn't working as well, but I went ahead and installed my software and started using my computer.  I didn't realize that drivers needed to be installed in a certain order. I currently have problems with my keyboard a few times a day where I can't enter certain keys.  These have included keys such as Esc, 'r' and others.  Rebooting (sometimes more than once) will fix the problem.  Suspecting that my problem was due to drivers, I read through postings and articles on Dell's website.  I then installed the following drivers in that order.  Note that I didn't re-install Windows. 1. notebook system software - none 2. chipset - R161772 4. intel storage( serial ATA) - R154200 5. audio - R166782, R171879 6. video - R165797 7. network card - R151336, R155246 9. dell quickset - none 10. wireless network card - none - stopped here for now The keyboard problem still occurs.  It wasn't clear which drivers needed to be installed because when I enter my service tag into the Drivers & Downloads page, I get 15 drivers listed, some of which are optional.  On the other hand, the wireless driver R205204 wasn't in the list which I believe I need. Besides installing some application software, I also added two entries into my registry: swapping the capslock and left ctrl key and adding a context (right-click) menu item.  I've done this before and these features function fine. Thanks for any help that you can offer. Stan I've performed a clean install of Windows XP. Networking and video display wasn't working so I installed the drivers R155246 and R165797 (in that order).  Wireless wasn't working as well, but I went ahead and installed my software and started using my computer.  I didn't realize that drivers needed to be installed in a certain order. I currently have problems with my keyboard a few times a day where I can't enter certain keys.  These have included keys such as Esc, 'r' and others.  Rebooting (sometimes more than once) will fix the problem.  Suspecting that my problem was due to drivers, I read through postings and articles on Dell's website.  I then installed the following drivers in that order.  Note that I didn't re-install Windows. 1. notebook system software - none 2. chipset - R161772 4. intel storage( serial ATA) - R154200 5. audio - R166782, R171879 6. video - R165797 7. network card - R151336, R155246 9. dell quickset - none 10. wireless network card - none - stopped here for now The keyboard problem still occurs.  It wasn't clear which drivers needed to be installed because when I enter my service tag into the Drivers & Downloads page, I get 15 drivers listed, some of which are optional.  On the other hand, the wireless driver R205204 wasn't in the list which I believe I need. (Vostro 1400) Besides installing some application software, I also added two entries into my registry: swapping the capslock and left ctrl key and adding a context (right-click) menu item.  I've done this before and these features function fine. Please let me know what I should do. Thanks,Stan

Philip_Yip · Answer

Yes inputting the service tag unfortunately does not yield a full set of system drivers in many cases like it used to. I have put through this complaint on IdeaStorm.

Although you shouldn't put in your service tag as it can be used to identify you (I will edit it out your post). I have used in this case to look at your original configuration to see what you have missing. Your Vostro 1400 should have the following drivers:

1. Notebook System Software R181862.exe
2. Chipset - R161772.exe
3. Video R165797.exe
4. Intel Storage (serial ATA) - R154200.exe
5. Conexant Modem D330* R167368.exe, R148605.exe, R147130.exe
6. Sigmatel Audio - R171789.exe
7. Knowles Acoustic Driver R166782.exe
8. Broadcom Ethernet R155246.exe, R151336.exe
9. DW1390 Wireless Card R205204.exe
10. Dell Quickset R286806.exe
11. Touchpad/Pointing Stick R165804.exe
12. Webcam Driver R165116.exe
13. Dell Webcam Centre R230103.exe
14. Dell Support Centre (Optional)

*There is no mention of the modem in system configuration but the modem is usually standard. I would try installing it, R167368 will fail to install if you have no modem, if thats the case you should ignore R148605, R147130. In Windows XP failure to install the Conexant drivers before the Sigmatel drivers sometimes causes audio problems.

If you need any more advice on Windows XP reinstallation follow my wiki A Clean Install of Windows and use the drivers I have mentioned above. Ensure there are no errors in Device Manger.

Although its important you have all your drivers installed, reinstallation of Windows XP will likely not solve your keyboard problem. From the symptoms you are mentioning it is likely a loose connection of the keyboard to the mainboard. 99 times out of 100 reseating the keyboard fixes the problems you mention. Follow the instructions in the Service Manual for keyboard removal, then reseat the keyboard. It should be quite straightforward. If you have any additional problems or that doesn't work post back.

stanjang · Answer

Thanks for your post and links.

At this point, given that drivers were/will be installed out of order, should I do another clean install of win xp? Or should I just install all of the drivers that you list in order and not worry about the drivers that were already installed?

Regarding the keyboard problems, I haven't had a key stop working for several days, but I my cursor occasionally jumps elsewhere while I'm typing (as if I clicked to some other part of my text with my mouse). Neither of these problems took place before I did a clean install. Given this, do you still suspect a physical connection issue rather than install-related?

Thanks,

Stan

stanjang · Answer

I just had my cursor jump while typing email, and it actually jumped to where my mouse was.  So it seems that I'm getting a false mouse button event.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Sorry we missed 2 drivers:

11. Touchpad/Pointing Stick R165804.exe
12. Webcam Driver R165116.exe
13. Dell Webcam Centre R230103.exe

*I think the webcam is optional 12 and 13 may or may not apply.

Try installing them and the others you are missing. If you still are experiencing issues attempt the reinstall from scratch with everything in the correct order. Again if that doesn't work, try reseating the keyboard and also the touchpad connectors to the mainboard.

Windows General

Windows XP clean install - keyboard not working properly

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