DU IT experts - HELP

[malaise]

I can't log on on my laptop because numeral keys 1-4 aren't working - what does that mean?

[MADem]

1. I am no expert, but are there crumbs under the keyboard? nt

[malaise]

3. I'm a regular cleaner - I use the blow out and Qtips often

and I keep food away from the laptop

[Bucky]

21. That is the sexiest post I've ever read.

[malaise]

25. ROFL

:rofl:

[BlueJazz]

2. use a hair dryer ,,on cool ...turn laptop upside down...blow air sideways ..

on keys...and see if that helps.

[MH1]

4. if your first goal is to get logged in, borrow a keyboard.

then change your password to not need numbers 1 -4.

of course then you need to resolve the issue with the keyboard. Maybe crumbs, but seems unlikely crumbs would take out 4 keys at the same time. You might be able to pull the key caps off to see if anything physical is going on.

It was once possible to remap keys on your keyboard. If that's possible, you won't need to solve the key issue right away, but it would be damned inconvenient.

Sorry that's all I've got for now ...

[HereSince1628]

5. Do you have an altenate no.s key pad? Look at front edge of keys

You may be able to get 1 and 4 as an extended key function.

[malaise]

10. This is Greek to me

:evilgrin:

[barbtries]

6. USB keyboard

otherwise, i don't know. i have a cat who likes to stroll the laptop.

[barbtries]

7. make sure the number lock is on also

just thought of that

[malaise]

8. numbers lock

Where do I find that. I'll try that and then the blow dryer if that doesn't work

[pinboy3niner]

9. Top left key on numeral pad

Good luck!

[malaise]

12. No numeral pad on this Dell Inspiron n/t

[MADem]

29. There's a num lock key to the upper right of your board, above F11

but I dunno if that's your issue....

[malaise]

30. Not on this laptop

http://www.papatek.com/catalog/product/gallery/id/11991/image/246598/

[MADem]

34. Wow, that's compact! nt

[Bosonic]

11. I'd suggest getting hold of an external keyboard (at least temporarily)

Either PS/2 or USB, which will allow you to log on and save any important info.

Then shake,hold upside down, hoover the laptop.

If this doesn't work, it will be possible to take apart the laptop to get directly at the keyboard (to check connection/clean), but this requires a bit of confidence and remembering where each small screw originally came from...

[malaise]

14. Good idea

Will try that

[Jumping John]

13. Use the on-screen keyboard

For Win 7:

Click the start button - All Programs - Accessories - Ease of Access - On-screen Keyboard

[malaise]

17. I swear DUers are the best

Mission accomplished - thank you!! :D

[Faux pas]

28. Wow, I didn't know I had that, thanks! n/t

[malaise]

33. Two of us - I love DU

:hi:

[Faux pas]

36. Me too!

:hi: back at ya.

[Drew Richards]

15. just plug in an external keyboard to login...for fix well that is more complicated...

[Jim__]

16. You might try asking at DU's ...

Computer Help and Support Group. Your question will probably remain visible for a longer time.

I have a Dell Inspiron 17 laptop. I have numeric keys above my alphabetic keys and also have numeric keys all the way on the right side of my keyboard. Outside of that, the fact that the keys that don't work are all in one contiguous location makes me agree with what the others have said - it sounds like something local on the keyboard - hopefully just dust or something.

[malaise]

18. Thanks all

Mission accomplished

[pinboy3niner]

20. Does that mean it's fixed...

...now that you've cleaned the Cheetos out of there? :)

[malaise]

24. Yes I following Jumping John's instructions

First time I ever used the Ease of Access - I'll have it checked out tomorrow.
No Cheetos here. :D

[malaise]

26. Mine are above the alphabetic keys

with none on the right hand side.
Hope it's as simple as dust - will have an expert check it out tomorrow.
:hi:

[Jazzgirl]

27. The numlock key should be on the very top row on the

right side of the keyboard. It should be the 3rd key, right next to the power button. Try that.

[slackmaster]

19. Probably a hardware problem

Like dirt, or moisture, or the keyboard is worn out.

[Bucky]

22. How can you type "numeral keys 1-4 aren't working" if those keys aren't working?

[malaise]

23. From our PC

:evilgrin:

[Motown_Johnny]

31. If restarting hasn't helped, maybe you can use an on-screen keyboard

to log in.


That won't make the 1-4 keys work but it will get you started



Just search for on-screen keyboard in your search programs and files window and turn it on.

[malaise]

32. It worked - I am on now

and I'll have it checked by an expert tomorrow. Thanks :hi:

[Motown_Johnny]

35. glad I could help