M1530 Keyboard issues

Anybody else having problems with their keyboard? Several of my keys are doing strange things. For example, when I hit the number "1", it automatically tabs and enters a 1. Hitting the "Y" key gives me a 7Y.

Obviously something's really messed up. And the thing is, I haven't even used my keyboard in some time. I had the notebook connected to my TV via HDMI and used a bluetooth keyboard.

Is this type of problem an easy fix? It's obviously the hardware.

 

You haven't given us any evidence of that. A quick way to tell is to boot up off of your Windows installation disk, open up a command prompt, and type some stuff in there. If the issue persists, then it is indeed the hardware, and the fastest fix is to get Dell to replace the keyboard for you.

 

I assumed it'd be the hardware because the computer works flawlessly with my bluetooth keyboard.

 

Had exactly this happen on my M1330 which has an identical keyboard to the M1530. It happened immediately after I had the motherboard replaced so I figured that maybe the cable hadn't been reseated properly or something. But Dell swapped out my keyboard. If you boot off the drivers CD and go into the 32-bit diagnostics tests there's a test for the keyboard where you have to press each key in turn. If you have the same problem doing this then it's hardware. If you dont see the problem it's OS or software related.

If it is a hardware problem (and it sounds identical to what I saw, so probably is) and you're under warranty then get Dell to replace the keyboard otherwise new keyboards are ~$15 on eBay so pick one up there and schuck it in yourself. You can get silver or black replacement keyboards.

 

Thanks for the great advice! Will give the driver disc a shot tonight and see what happens.
In the event it's the hardware, are there any "how to's" out there on how to swap the keyboard out yourself?

 

Try the Dell Service Manual. Wouldn't surprise me if there's video guides out there on the tubes too.

 

Is the Keyboard test after ALL the memory tests? Cause this is taking forever to get to if so.

 

Clearly I'm not very computer saavy. lol Regardless I figured out how to run the correct diagnostics, and the result..... My keyboard failed!

Looks like I'm ordering a new one right this second!

Thanks again for your help Captain! Now if I only knew how this happenned? The physical keyboard on the laptop itself was almost NEVER used! Looks as fresh as it did the day I bought it!