Hi i have a dell laptop p3/256MB RAM.. recently i have been getting a wierd problem. the keys '8' 'i' 'k' and ', ' give some string of characters when pressed. and also open up applications. for eg on pressing 'i' apart from giving other characters ..it opens up internet explorer and automatically enables Numlock key... also ' k' opens up the start menu .. the problem is only with these 4 keys which are in a line.. has anyone had a similar problem or knows the solution..please let me know.. thanx

First thing to do is to turn the laptop upside down and give it a good shake. This will probably dislodge any dust, crumps or other foreign objects that is causing the problem. Failing that, you can carefully lever of the key caps and give the keys a good clean. If that fails to work you can remove the keyboard from the laptop and give it a thorough clean. To do that turn the laptop upside down. You will see loads of screws with letters next to them. Remove all the screws with the letter K next to them and the keyboard will lift out. How many will vary depending on the model you have. Be careful of the ribbon cable that connects the keyboard to the motherboard. Stuart

thanx stuart.. will try this out.. mine is a dell inspirion 8100..as it is a membrane keyboard.. u think this would work? i got an upgrade in hard disk space a few days back and asked the computer service place to clean it ..they say they did and it still has the same prob..they say i would need to replace the board... :((

If they keyboard is beyond redemption, replacing it is not a difficult job but it can be expensive. Shop around and only buy from Dell if there is no other alternative. Stuart