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    Dell Inspiron 4100 Keyboard Keys Not Responding

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by bjdrafts420, Sep 6, 2007.

  1. bjdrafts420

    bjdrafts420 Newbie

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    I have a Dell Inspiron 4100 which is about 6 years old! That being said, that is no reason for the keyboard to fail. Many of the keys began to gradually stop responding or responded sporadically. I decided to replace the keyboard and noticed that a couple of the keys on the new keyboard began to respond sporadically as well! Now they do not work at all. I am beginning to wonder if this is not a keyboard issue, or if I have received a bad replacement. Any thoughts on this would help greatly!!!
     
    bjdrafts420, Sep 6, 2007
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  2. HaloGod2007

    HaloGod2007 Notebook Virtuoso

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    re-install the latest chipset drivers for your lappy. Actually update all your drivers, thats all i can think of at the moment. 6 years old for a laptop is long i wouldnt be surprised if it did fail, i wish i took care of my laptops to last that long :p
     
    HaloGod2007, Sep 6, 2007
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  3. adinu

    adinu I pwn teh n00bs.

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    Why do you think that? A keyboard is an intricate piece of electrical equipment, and has a chance of malfunctioning just like any other component out there. There are circuits, moving parts, connectors etc. that if broken will render the keyboard useless.

    Also, it could be entirely because of the motherboard. Maybe the mobo connector is failing, maybe the input controller on the mobo is bad. There are lots of reasons for this.
     
    adinu, Sep 6, 2007
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  4. bjdrafts420

    bjdrafts420 Newbie

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    I should have phrased that a little better. I know it is possible that it too could have failed. I was trying to say that it is unlikely that two keyboards fail in the same way on e after another. Still you're right it is possible. I hope it is not the motherboard. If so, it may be time to put her down!
     
    bjdrafts420, Sep 6, 2007
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  5. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    Well, if you can find another 4100 or another Dell machine that uses the same keyboard, you can test to see if your keyboard is fully functional and at least eliminate one possible failure.
     
    Commander Wolf, Sep 6, 2007
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  6. kelley836

    kelley836 Newbie

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    I must have the twin to your Dell Inspiron 4100 , the keyboard did not work for 2 years, was used with an external usb board, then today it just started working again. Incidentally I tried installing another keyboard that did work on the donor computer when installed had the exact same malfunction . Switched back to the old KB same malfunction, then bingo, it started working! go figure...
     
    kelley836, Dec 10, 2007
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