I have a Dell Latitude laptop, and periodically (but with increasing frequency) the "i" and "k" keys stop working. Sometimes this can be cured by restart or shut down and reboot, but not tonight--luckily I also have a desktop, hence the ability to write this message. The laptop is still under warrenty thru July 2003, so I called for tech support. I was told that 99 times out of 100 it is simply a loose cable from the motherboard to the keyboard. Given that I've been working on computers since it required a soldering iron, I decided to try opening it up and tightening up all cable connections. One little snag--I can't get the case open. There are about a dozen screws on the bottom labelled "K" or "P", no visible screws on the sides or top. Can anyone advise? Yes, I know laptops should be left alone, but all I want to do is check the connections for Pete's sake! Thanks!

If the problem is greater than a loose connection [which I stronly doubt, because ALL the key would be flaky] between the keyboard and motherboard, then why run the risk of invalidating your warranty by opening the case.

Don't give Dell any scope to duck a warranty claim: get the Laptop back to them ASAP. Save all you files and data across to your desktop befre sending it back.

PS there are quite a few POSTS regarding bad keyboards on Dell systems, if you care to search through other postings on this site.

Most power loops in your keyboard consist of 4 keys on most keyboards.

The loops are ussually in a line like 8IK,

If it were a loose conection the probability of lossing 2 keys is not good. Sounds more like a problem in the keyboard to me.

Send it back. It wont cost you anything but shipping.

same problem for me, my "i" and "k" keys stop working once in a while.
guess i gotta send mine out too...