Dell KB216 Wired Keyboard Usage and Troubleshooting Guide (2024)

1. Look at the connector on the end of the USB keyboard cable.
   
2. Look for a matching port and USB symbol on the computer. For more information, seeFigure 1.

   
   Figure 1:USB Port Locations

   NOTES:

   • The connector only goes in one way. When the connector does not seem to fit, adjust the angle, or flip it over.
   • No drivers or configuration is needed for the keyboard to work.

1. Reseat the USB cable into the computer.

   NOTE: When you are still receiving a keyboard error or your keyboard is nonfunctional, connect an external keyboard from another computer, when available, to see if the replacement works, if it does, it means that the first keyboardis not working correctly, when under warranty Contact Technical Support or you can purchase a replacement from the Dell Personal Computer Accessories page.

2. Ensure that the Number Lock Key is set correctly.

   NOTE: The numeric keypad on a desktop keyboard is usually turned on. When it is off, no numbers appear when the number keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.

   For more information about where the Number Lock Key is, see the document that came with the keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual.

3. Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see Dell Knowledge base article Dell BIOS Updates.
   
4. Turn off the computer.
   
5. Unplug any nonessential devices, including the following:
   • Speakers.
   • Printers.
   • Scanners.
   • USB devices.
   • USB flash drive or other external storage devices.
6. Turn the computer back on and retest the keyboard. When the keyboard does work correctly, attach one device at a time, and test the keyboard to see which one may have caused the issue.
   
7. When the keyboard still only works intermittently, see the instructions below that best matches the issue you are having:
   1. When a specific key is not working or sticks,turn off the computerand use a can of compressed air to clean around the problem key and then retest the keyboard. For more information, see the How to Clean Your Keyboard section.
   2. When the issue only occurs in a specific application program, test the keyboard in another application program, such as Notepad. If the problem only occurs in a specific program, you must troubleshoot that specific program.
   3. When you have software that may change how the keyboard operates, uninstall or disable it, including:
      • Keyboard macro programs.
      • External gaming keyboard software or drivers.
      • KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch software.
8. Try another wired USB keyboard when available, to test if it responds correctly.

   NOTE: When the replacement keyboard works correctly, it means that the first keyboardis not working correctly, when under warranty Contact Technical Support or you can purchase a replacement from the Dell Personal Computer Accessories page.

9. When the keyboard still only works intermittently after following the preceding steps, run the Dell personal computer hardware diagnostics on your keyboard.
   1. Browse to the Dell Product Support page.
   2. You have three options to get to the product support page for your computer.
      • Touch or click the listing for your computer under THIS PC.

        NOTE: When there is no listing for your computer under THIS PC, you can touch or click Download & Install SupportAssist, which will automatically identify your computer for you. Follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.

      • Enter the Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID, or Model, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.
      • Touch or click Browse all products: Select the type of device you have, the brand name, and then the product model.

        NOTE: For more information, see Dell Knowledge Base article, How to Determine the Model Number of Your Dell Computer.

   3. When on the product support page for your computer, touch or click the DIAGNOSTICS tab.
   4. Touch or click the down arrow next to Select individual components under theCustom Component Test.
   5. Touch or click to check the box next to Keyboard.
   6. Touch or click Run Your Test. The interactive test starts, you are asking to press keys on the keyboard, and the results are shown.

1. Ensure that the Number Lock Key is set correctly.

   NOTE: The numeric keypad on a desktop keyboard is on by default. When it is off, no numbers appear when the number keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.

2. Ensure that the keyboard language setting in Windows is correct.
   1. Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
      
   2. In the Search box, type language.
      
   3. Touch or click Edit language and keyboard options.
      
   4. Using the drop-down menu, select the preferred language.

      NOTE: See the Microsoft Knowledge Base article Manage the input and display language settings in Windows 10, for information about how to add and display additional languages.

   5. Close the Time and Language window.
      
3. Ensure that the BIOS for your computer is up to date. For information about how to download the BIOS, see Dell Knowledge Base article Dell BIOS Updates.

   NOTE: Using the SupportAssist application provides automatic computer updates and detects issues that will be resolved for you. Let us take the effort out of maintaining your Dell Computer or Tablet. For more information about SupportAssist, browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page.

There are two options to switch between the F1-F12 function and special keys that are on the top row of your keyboard.

• Single keystroke:
  1. Press and hold the Fn key (), and then press the wanted function key to activate the special key that is associated with that function key.
• Function Key Lock Toggle:
  1. Press and hold the Fn key (), and then press the Escape key ().

     Pressing the function key will now activate the special key that is associated with that function key, without having to press the Fn key first.

     NOTE: Repeating the keystrokes returns the function keys to their normal state.

1. Ensure that the computer is turned off.
2. When using a wired, wireless, or Bluetooth keyboard, turn the keyboard upside down and shake it gently to remove any loose material.
   
3. Use a vacuum cleaner designed for computers, when available.
   
4. Use a can of compressed air to remove any additional loose material when available.

   CAUTION: Do not turn the can on its side or upside down. This causes a freezing liquid to spray out and can damage your keyboard and skin.

5. For more information about keeping your Dell equipment clean, see Guidance for Keeping Your Dell Technologies Equipment Clean.

6. Using a Microfiber or terry cloth wipe the keys and frame around the keys.

   NOTE: When there is a build-up, take a cotton swab, microfiber towel, or terry cloth and dip it in isopropyl alcohol. It should be damp but not wet. Wipe away the build-up and let the isopropyl alcohol evaporate away before using the keyboard again.

When a keycap comes off, perform the following steps to try to put the keycap back on the keyboard:

1. Ensure the area that was under the keycap is clean, a can of compressed air is best.

   CAUTION: Do not turn the can on its side or upside down. This causes a freezing liquid to spray out and can damage your keyboard and skin.

2. Examine the mechanism that was under the keycap for any damage.
   • When the mechanism looks undamaged, align the keycap and gently press down to try to reseat the keycap.

     CAUTION: Do not try to force the keycap back on, as you may damage other parts of the keyboard.

   • When there is damage to the mechanism, the keycap cannot go back onto the keyboard.

1. In the Search box, type settings.
   
2. In the list of programs, touch or click Settings.
   
3. Touch or click Ease of Access.
   
4. Touch or click Keyboard.
   
5. Ensure Turn on Filter Keys is set to off.
   
6. Close the Settings window.

1. In the Search box, type settings.
   
2. In the list of programs, touch or click Settings.
   
3. Touch or click Ease of Access.
   
4. Touch or click Keyboard.
   
5. Ensure Turn on Sticky Keys is set to off.
   
6. Ensure Turn on Toggle Keys is set to off.
   
7. Close the Settings window.

Using the SupportAssist application provides automatic computer updates and detects issues that will be resolved for you. Let us take the effort out of maintaining your Dell Computer or Tablet. For more information about SupportAssist, browse to the SupportAssist for PCs and tablets page.