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    Keyboard Problem with my new Vostro 1500.

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by nbaumann, Sep 17, 2007.

  1. nbaumann

    nbaumann Notebook Deity

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    Hey, I just got my new Vostro 1500 today but there is an issue with the keyboard. When I press the "o" key, I get this "op", when I press "p" I get "po". Same goes with "l" and ".", when I type these I get "l;" and "./" respectively. What's going on? Do you think this is a software or hardware issue? This really sucks, I don't feel like going through the pain of sending it back.
     
    nbaumann, Sep 17, 2007
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  2. Devedander

    Devedander Notebook Evangelist

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    Dust out your keyboard and see if the buttons feel different than other ones as maybe somethings stuck under them.

    Worst case I think they would send you a new keyboard as I am pretty sure that's a user replaceable part...
     
    Devedander, Sep 17, 2007
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  3. nbaumann

    nbaumann Notebook Deity

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    What would be the best way to do that?
     
    nbaumann, Sep 17, 2007
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  4. Devedander

    Devedander Notebook Evangelist

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    Press each key in order while not looking at the keyboard, see if one feels different.

    The keys on laptops can be popped off similar to desktop keyboards however are tricky to get back on and can be delicate, you can try prising one off or at least lifting it a bit to see if something is obviously wrong under it.

    Hit it with some canned air from all angles to see if that helps anything.

    See if it does this in BIOS screen also (if you can find somewhere to type the effected letters) if so it's probably a hardware fault.

    If you need to ask dell for a replacement keyboard they will probably send you instructions on how to replace it.
     
    Devedander, Sep 17, 2007
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  5. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    I wouldn't take off individual keys; they're really hard to put back on... at least on my older-model Dell. Instead I'd suggest taking out the whole keyboard. There are instructions in the service manual (dell.com, support section) for how to remove it. (You can also look at Sirius's RAM installation guide, linked from the information booth sticky thread in this forum... there's pictures of how to remove the keyboard... it's a different laptop but it's done pretty much the same way.) Then take a small screwdriver (or something like that) and "floss" between the keys and underneath the keys to clean out any junk.

    If that doesn't work, have Dell send you a replacement keyboard. You can install it yourself so you won't have to send the machine back.
     
    swarmer, Sep 17, 2007
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  6. nbaumann

    nbaumann Notebook Deity

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    Dell sent me a new keyboard but the issue is still there.
     
    nbaumann, Sep 18, 2007
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