Laptop Keyboard Displays Wrong Characters on a Dell Notebook
Summary:
Resolve the issue when your Dell laptop keyboard types the wrong letters. Our guide helps with common issues like the keyboard typing wrong letters, incorrect Number Lock settings, and
more.
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The numeric keypad on a desktop keyboard is turned on. When it is off, no numbers appear when pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
For laptops that have a numeric keypad on the right side, it is turned on. When it is off, no numbers appear when the keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
Some laptops simulate a numeric keypad by using dual-purpose keys. When the Number Lock Key is active, numbers appear instead of letters when pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
Ensure that the BIOS for your computer is up to date. For information about how to download the BIOS, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Dell BIOS Updates.
Using the SupportAssist application provides automatic computer updates and detects that the issue is resolved for you. Let us take the effort out of maintaining your Dell Computer or Tablet. For more information about SupportAssist, browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page.
In some instances, this issue can be caused by devices that are connected to the computer.
Remove the computer from the dock, if Docked.
Remove all devices from the computer.
If the issue does not occur after removing all devices, attach one device at a time to find out which device is causing the issue.
Check if the same happens when using an external keyboard.
Attach an external USB keyboard, if available, and test the suspect keys.
If the issue continues to occur when using an external keyboard, the issue may lie with either the Operating System or the Motherboard.
If the issue does not occur using an external keyboard, the issue may lie with the internal keyboard.
To check if the issue is caused within the Operating System, test to see if the same issue occurs in Safe Mode.