Thank you for this information. Would appreciate it if the more detailed functionality was in a product document. This helps to make decisions for a purchase much easier and faster and there are no negative surprises afterwards.

I have just bought the Special Edition 17 Inspiron. Backlit keyboard does not work. Does this mean it was not fitted even though it is in the specs?

I have just bought the Special Edition 17 Inspiron. Backlit keyboard does not work. Does this mean it was not fitted even though it is in the specs?

I have the same issue 

I ran BacklitKB.exe found on my laptop and it states "unable to detect Backlit Keyboard"

The item is also missing from Windows Mobility Center, which only appears if the hardware is detected.

Therefore i assume the hardware is faulty. Or there is some driver missing. Unable to locate any driver for this, i have searched until the cows came home!

Please advise

Hi, I have the 17R 7720 SE with the regular keyboard. Do you know if I can replace it with the lighted one if it will work? and where can I buy that keyboard. tx

@Xpender666: Yes you can order it from dell (you can order any single part of your notebook from dell), you can also order any keyboard layout you want that is available. I took the illuminated us international one and I like it. Just be careful during assembly to not damage to hooks that hold the keyboard back. there are 2 cables to attach. In fact it's better to use a slim  plastic bolt / pen and no common tools like screw drivers to not damage the palm rest and keyboard.

@asdf6,  TigerSpace: check if you've got the illuminated one (icon on f6 key). it's not part of the default package, you have to buy it explicitly during order process  (phone).

@  spoonflames : where's the backlitkb.exe from? can't find it.

Icon is present on F6. Icon for backlit NOT present in Windows Mobility Center. Light does not work. Dell have been very helpful and a technician in New Zealand asked to come around and look at it. Dell online say I need a new keyboard; I thought a download could solve the problem. I have been away, so have not met the technician. Suggest you email Dell and get them to send a technician to your house to fix it.

Yes, I have the icon on F6. Icon for backlit keyboard is NOT present in Windows Mobility Center (it should be present). The backlight keyboard function does not work. Dell online say I need a new keyboard. I know how to use it because I have a 15RSE as well and it works fine on that one. A mystery to me. On the 15RSE, the icon for backlit keyboard is present in Windows Mobility Center.

I am asdf6 and I have posted below. Sorry I cannot be more helpful. Dell online told me they would come to my house to fix it, so I suggest you contact them ( I live in New Zealand). Best wishes: as Dell said "you are entitled to the backlit function".

My 17R JUST did the same thing last night, it was working fine, did some update now it does not work. The quickset buttons don't work now either, I have to get into it with the windows +x button. The dell settings say my keyboard backlight is on but it does not work. The caps light still WORKS THOUGH.

Hi Nigel17R,

Please send me the system service tag or express service code through a private chat, so that I can help you further.

Click on my username select start conversation and send me the details.

So for me, the warranty tech support updated my bios to A14 against my advice and lo and behold my backlit keyboard works fine again, I can also get into my bios with F2.......... go figure.........

Hey guys, I found this tutorial which might be helpful to you all:

http://www.theblogoftech.net/2014/05/07/how-to-install-a-backlit-keyboard-into-an-inspiron-17r-n7110/