How to Fix the Keyboard on a Dell Latitude CPi

The Dell Latitude CPi -- an older model of notebook designed as part of the Latitude product line -- comes with an Intel Pentium II processor, 64 megabytes of RAM and a 12 to 13-inch display. The keyboard included with the laptop comes with hotkeys that allow the user to change the notebook's display, audio and power settings.



The keyboard serves as the computer's primary source of user input. If the keyboard fails to respond, you can use the mouse and onscreen keyboard -- although this is a slow and inefficient means of typing. To repair the keyboard on a Dell Latitude CPi, clean the keyboard and disconnect any devices that could be interfering with the keyboard's input.

• 1

  Turn off the computer. Use a can of compressed air to spray the keyboard and eject any debris from the keys. Hold the can upright; do not tilt the can to the side, as this could cause the can to spray ice.

• 2

  Use a damp, antistatic cloth to wipe the surface of the keyboard. Use a cotton swab dabbed with rubbing alcohol to clean in the spaces between the keys.

• 3

  Gently pry a key off the keyboard, if the key feels sticky or makes a grinding or crunching noise when pushed.

• 4

  Use a pair of tweezers to remove any particles located underneath the key or its retainer. Use a damp cloth to clean the spot where the key was inserted.

• 5

  Push the key back onto its retainer to reattach it to the laptop. Repeat the steps for any other keys on the keyboard.

• 6

  Disconnect any devices connected to the Dell Latitude CPi. Power on the Dell and test the keyboard in multiple applications. If the keyboard responds, reconnect each external device to your computer one by one to determine which device could have been interfering with the keyboard.