Table of Contents
Problems with Fn key and Numlock
Key not responding or typing wrong character
Key fell
off
Key functions
explained
AccessDirect
Hot Keys (buttons at the top) not working
How to
buy and replace a keyboard
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Problems with Fn key and Numlock
The keys on the right side of the keyboard with the
blue numbers on them are controlled by the Numlock
key and Fn key. The light at the top of the
keyboard near the power button, with the number "9" inside
a picture of a lock, will be lit if the Numlock is enabled.
You may need to press the Fn key to type numbers
even if the Numlock is turned on. There is a setting in
the BIOS called Enable Keypad and if you
set it to By Numlock you will not have
to hold down this key to type a number.
Changing Enable Keypad settings in
the BIOS
Any key with a blue symbol on it will type that
symbol or perform its indicated function if you hold down
the Fn key.
Blue key-functions explained
If you are still having trouble with these keys, please
see the general keyboard troubleshooting guide in this
help file.
General
keyboard troubleshooting
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Key not responding or typing wrong
character
- Undock the system if it is in a docking station.
- Be sure the Numlock key is turned off.
Problems
with Fn key and Numlock
- Reset the defaults in the BIOS.
Loading
BIOS defaults
- Press the System Reset button and reboot for
Latitude LM, Latitude LT, Inspiron 3000/3200, 3500,
7000/7500, and 5000 systems only.
System Reset Instructions
- Try an external keyboard if available.
- Test the keyboard using Dell Diagnostics from your
Resource CD or from the download on our Web site.
Downloading
and running the Dell Diagnostics
- If your keyboard fails the diagnostics test
and your computer is under warranty, please
[Reply] to this message and be sure to include the following
information:
Company name (if applicable):
Owners Full name:
System service tag:
Physical address (No PO boxes, include city, state and
zip code):
Telephone number (with area code):
A detailed description of your troubleshooting
(step numbers will mean nothing to the assisting technician):
- If your warranty has expired, the Dell
Spare Parts Department carries a full line of parts
for all Dell Computers. Please call 1-800-372-3355.
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Replacing a key on the keyboard
- If the key has fallen off and you still have the detached
key, use the following instructions to reattach the
key.
NOTE: Before performing any of the steps
below, unplug the AC power and remove the battery
from the system.
- Shake the keycap to expose the plastic x-shaped
scissor hinge hanging below it.
- Carefully note the position of the scissor hinge
relative to the letter marked on the topside
of the keycap. This will ensure that you are able
to attach the hinge to the keyboard and then attach
the key back to the hinge with the letter remaining
upright.
- From the underside of the keycap, carefully pull
to remove the scissor hinge. Observe how
the scissor hinge snaps into the underside of the
keycap.
- Slip each of the four legs of the scissor hinge
underneath the appropriate loops on the
key assembly on the keyboard where the keycap will
go. The scissor hinge will stand straight up when
its legs are slipped under the loops on the key
assembly.
- Carefully line up the letter on the topside
of the keycap with the rest of the keyboard keys
and then push firmly down onto the key. The keycap
will snap into place.
- If you cannot attach the key and your computer is
under warranty, please [Reply] to this email
and be sure to include the following information:
Company name (if applicable):
Owners Full name:
System service tag:
Physical address (No PO boxes, include city, state and
zip code):
Telephone number (with area code):
A description of the problem:
- If your warranty has expired, the Dell
Spare Parts Department carries a full line of parts
for all Dell Computers. Please call 1-800-372-3355.
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Key functions explained
Your Tell Me How help file will show you the functions
of all keys. This file is accessible from an icon on your
desktop or within the Help and Support Section of
your Start Menu.
If you need help finding this guide, click here.
For more information see the following Dell Knowledge
Base article on the function of some of the extra keys
on your Dell Portable.
Dell
Fn key extra functions
The following Dell Knowledge Base article offers tips
for using Microsoft keyboard shortcuts.
Keyboard
Shortcuts
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Internet Hot Keys not working
Configuring
The AccessDirect buttons may be configured in the Control
Panel.
For Windows XP:
- Click [Start] | Control Panel | Printers and Other
Hardware.
- Click Keyboard and then click the AccessDirect
Tab.
For all other operating systems:
- Click [Start] | Settings | Control Panel.
- Double Click the Keyboard Icon and then click
the AccessDirect Tab.
For more help configuring AccessDirect, go to:
AccessDirect User's Guide
Installing the Software
If you don't have the AccessDirect Tab in your Keyboard
Properties, you will need to install the application.
Install the application from your Resource CD
or, if you don't have the CD, download it from
our Support Web Site:
Dell
Downloads
- Select Input Device Drivers for
the download category
- The driver will be listed as: Dell
Enhanced Quietkey (PS2) / Performance (USB) Keyboards
Dell Reinstall Guide's can help you with installing
AccessDirect. Go to the Web Site below and look under
the System and Configuration Utilities or
Applications category.
Dell
Reinstall Guides
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How to buy and replace keyboard
The Dell Spare Parts Department carries a full line
of parts for all Dell Computers. Please call 1-800-372-3355.
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