Non Working F8 Key On Install

clhenry · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 5:15 pm Post subject: Non Working F8 Key On Install

Replaced a HD in a dell inspiron 1501 laptop. When trying to install windows, the F8 key at the accept terms doesn't work. All other keys seem to work. When i have come across this before with a desktop, i would just use a different keyboard. No place to connect external keyboard on this laptop. any ideas?? Thanks cl.

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

A USB Keyboard! ??? (maybe)

PhotoCarp · Joined: Sep 06, 2007 Posts: 109

If it's still in warranty call Dell and they'll send you a new keyboard. Otherwise it could be that something got inside the keyboard and is preventing contact from being made. First thing to try is to clean it out.

The safest was to do this:
1) With the power off and the battery removed remove the HDD.
2) With the top open turn the laptop so that the keyboard is facing downward but about 45 degress from horizontal (sort of like you're making a tent with it).
3) Shake the laptop and look at all the crumbs and stuff that fall out and say "Yuck!"
4) With the keyboard vertical, take a can of compressed air and lightly blow off the keyboard. If you blow on it real hard you can end up pushing some of the crud in deeper.
5) Repeat step 3 except this time say "Wow there was a lot of crap in there!"
6) Reinstall the battery and HDD and fire it up.

If that doesn't work you may want to remove the keyboard and try to remove the key for a more thorough cleaning. Since I don't have the unit in question in front of me I won't tell you how to do that (besides, it's not for the faint of heart). Google it. Also look on the Dell site, they have instructions on how to replace your keyboard.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

clhenry · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:57 am Post subject:

Thanks for the ideas. I used a vista disk to bring it up. "no F8 key required" I found that there was about 6 keys not working. Tried cleaning, and reconnected. Now just get some beeps when trying to boot. "It will boot if i completely unhook key board again" So just going to order a new one. Thanks again.

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

I was once given a little Compaq laptop with a bad keyboard. It had been rained on.
(don't ask)

The keyboard did not work....even after a total disassembly and thorough cleaning.
However an external keyboard worked fine. I continue to use an external keyboard on the little lappy to this day.

But, if you can get a new one out of D'hell, all the better.

Cheers Mate!
Doc Cool