Dell Laptop Keyboard malfunction

rjgill · 09-17-2006, 07:16 PM

I just ran into some problems with my Dell Inspiron 2200 keyboard. It is the original keyboard that is on the laptop. When I type the letter "a" the output is "az". same goes for the following letters: "s" = "sx", "d" = "dc", "f" = "fv", same for the characters on the other side jkl;. When i type the characters below the these the output is as follows: "z" = "az", "x" = "sx" and so on. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I already tried to restore the computer. Didn't help. I also installed the touchpad drives. Still no help. Called dell and my laptop warrenty went out this May. Please Help if possible.

Will.Spencer · 09-17-2006, 07:39 PM

This sounds like a hardware issue. I would take the keyboard out of the notebook and give it a good careful cleaning, including removing and cleaning under all of the keycaps.

If that fails, I would replace the keyboard.

Here's a Dell 2200 keyboard on eBay for $19.95.

Or, Dell will fix it for you for $199.

mplostcause · 09-29-2006, 10:06 PM

I also own a Dell Inspiron 2200 and just today started having the exact same problem, even the same keys are malfunctioning. I haven't been able to figure out what is causing it yet.

Update: I removed my keyboard and cleaned it throughly and the keyboard is working perfectly now so I recommend you trying the same rjgill.

tarzen · 10-13-2006, 01:18 AM

How did you clean the key board. I removed the key board from my lattitude, but I do not know how to open it further in parts to clean the printed circuit plastic where contacts are. Please guide

Will.Spencer · 10-13-2006, 04:38 AM

Once you remove the keyboard and remove the keycaps, just take a Q-Tip and clean everything you can reach. You can also use compressed air to blow out debris.

Heck, technically you can clean a keyboard in the dishwasher (with no soap), but you would have to let it dry for a good week. :mrgreen:

tarzen · 10-13-2006, 10:57 AM

I doubt that some thing is stuck on plastic contacts as keys J,M and N are not working. How can I open bottom cover of keyboard to have access to plastic circuit board. I have tried to lift the keys but there is nothing to clean on the top side of key board.

Will.Spencer · 10-13-2006, 12:31 PM

I think that I am having trouble visualizing what you are saying.

I don't have a spare Dell keyboard here at the moment to take apart. (I'm typing on it!)

Have you taken the key caps off? Have you cleaned the contacts under the J, M, and N keys?

Some keyboards do not open any further than that. Those that do often do not go back together so easily.

If you have three keys in one spot broken though, it may not be dirt. It may be a broken connection in the keyboard. The fix for that is usually a replacement keyboard.

tarzen · 10-13-2006, 04:02 PM

I am thinking same that there must be some connection problem that is why I want to know if there any way to open key board further to check the connections. My lap top is Lattitude CPX 750J

Will.Spencer · 10-14-2006, 12:31 AM

Is your keyboard completely out of the notebook, like the picture on the second post of this thread?

Are all of your keycaps removed from the keyboard?

Do you see any screw heads?

tarzen · 10-24-2006, 11:06 AM

No, there are no screw heads. Instead there are some rivot heads.

tarzen · 10-24-2006, 11:09 AM

Actually I did not remove all key caps. I checked from bottom and there is no screw head at the bottom.

Will.Spencer · 10-24-2006, 11:17 AM

It sounds like you're out of luck as far as disassembling it further. I would take the keycaps off (CAREFULLY) and clean what I could clean.

If that doesn't work, it's time to order a replacement keyboard.