30 Solving Problems
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Keyboard Problems
Mouse Problems
RESTART THE COMPUTER — 
• If the mouse is functioning, shut down the computer through the 
Start
 menu (see page 13). After 
the computer shuts down, press the power button to restart the computer.
• If the computer does not respond to a keystroke or the mouse, press the power button for at least 8 
to 10 seconds until the computer turns off. Press the power button again to restart the computer.
CHECK THE KEYBOARD CABLE — 
• Ensure that the keyboard cable is firmly connected to the computer.
• Shut down the computer (see page 13), reconnect the keyboard cable as shown on the setup 
diagram for your computer, and then restart the computer.
• Check the cable connector for bent or broken pins and for damaged or frayed cables. Straighten 
bent pins.
• Remove keyboard extension cables and connect the keyboard directly to the computer.
TEST THE KEYBOARD — Connect a properly working keyboard to the computer, and try using the 
keyboard. If the new keyboard works, the original keyboard is faulty.
CHECK FOR INTERRUPT REQUEST CONFLICTS — See page 49.
RESTART THE COMPUTER — 
1
Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the 
Start
 menu.
2
Ty p e  
u
, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight 
Shut down
 or 
Tur n O ff
, and then press 
<Enter>.
3
After the computer turns off, press the power button to restart the computer.
IF YOU CONNECTED THE MOUSE BEFORE TURNING ON THE COMPUTER, RECONNECT THE MOUSE CABLE — 
1
Simultaneously press <Ctrl><Esc> to display the 
Start
 menu.
2
Ty p e  
u
, press the keyboard arrow keys to highlight 
Shut down
 or 
Tur n O ff
, and then press 
<Enter>.
3
After the computer turns off, reconnect the mouse cable as shown on the setup diagram for your 
computer.
4
Start the computer.