Missing letters on keyboard

[cjackson]

The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 3800, running Windows XP Pro, Pentium III.

The 'i' and 'k' keys on the keyboard produce nothing. All other keys on the keyboard are functional, as is the laptop itself.

Anything obvious, or should the laptop owner take it back to Dell and have them fix it?

CFJ

[PrntRhd]

I would recommend the keyboard be replaced. Is the notebook under warranty?
If not, the keyboard replacement procedure is not extremely difficult to do, you may be able to do it yourself if instructions are at the ready.

[sassie05]

Here (http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pstar/) is a service manual.

[cjackson]

Thanks for both answers. The laptop is five years old and a new keyboard is $75, plus shipping. I told the owner to get a new laptop.

CFJ

[PrntRhd]

Yeah, newer laptops are much more capable these days. I would suggest he/she look at Newegg or similar sites for a new one.