Is there a utility to change my screen brightness?

The key which is normally used to increase brightness is broken.

Is there software available for this?

 

I don't know of any software that will completely replace the brightness key, but there is a couple of options if you want to change it the hard way.

If you install Dell's Quickset, you can adjust the power management settings in it. When you edit a profile, you can choose the brightness level. Whenever you want to change the brightness level, you'll have to edit the profile each time.

You can also change the BIOS setting so that when it is on battery, it automatically goes to a certain level. By default, it is suppose to go to 75% of full when you unplug it, but you can change this to whatever you like.

It might be just easier to buy a new keyboard. If your laptop is still under warranty, check with dell because you should get a replacement for free. If its no longer under warranty, search around on the internet. I found a replacement for mine and it cost around 25 bucks.

 

Thank you SouthernGirl, that will be a sufficient solution until I get my new laptop.

=)