Some of these steps may not apply to your computer. Test your keyboard after performing each step.

If you are having issues with your fingerprint reader, please visit fingerprint reader tips.

1. Verify that the Scroll Lock (), Num Lock (), and Caps Lock () are in the correct setting for the application requirements.
   Note: The indicator on the ThinkPad system will be lit green when the function is enabled.
   Press and hold the Shift key and then press the NumLk key to change the Num Lock setting.
   Press the ScrLk or the Caps Lock key to change these settings.
   
   For Microsoft Windows NT and 2000, the Num Lock setting may be enabled once you log in. To remove this setting:
   1. Logon to the affected user account.
      
   2. Press and hold the Shift key and then press the NumLk key to disable the setting.
      
   3. Press the Ctrl-Alt-Delete keys to log off the account. It should be disabled the next time you log on.
      
      
2. Verify that any external keyboard is connected properly to the ThinkPad system's PS/2 or USB port. Remove any keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) switch attached between the device and the ThinkPad system.
   The Keyboard/mouse connector (Option p/n 54G0441) should be used to attach a PS/2 interface external keyboard directly to the ThinkPad system's PS/2 port.
   Notes:
   • The following is an example image of a ThinkPad system PS/2 port
     
   • The following ThinkPad systems do not have a PS/2 port and do not support PS/2 interface only devices:
     • A30/p, A31/p
     • R30, R31, R32, R40, R40e, R50, R50e, R50p, R51, R51e, R52, R60, R60e, R61
     • T30, T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p, T43, T43p, T60, T60p, T61
     • X20, X21, X22, X23, X24, X30, X31, X40, X41, X41 Tablet, X60, X61, X61s, X61 Tablet
     • Z60m, Z60t, Z61e, Z61m, Z61t
     • TransNote

A USB port and an operating system with USB support is required to attach a USB interface external keyboard to a ThinkPad system.
Note: The following is an example image of a ThinkPad system's USB port

4. Test the keyboard for errors
   In Easy Setup for ThinkPad 600, 600E, 770, 770E/ED, 770X, and 770Z systems.
   1. Press and hold the F1 key, then turn on the computer. Hold the F1 key until the Easy-Setup menu appears. If a password prompt appears, type the correct password.
   2. Select Test.
   3. Press the Ctrl and A keys simultaneously to activate the Advanced Diagnostics. The ThinkPad FRU Connections window will appear.
   4. Verify the keyboard is listed as Connected, and then click exit. A key position diagram will appear. When you press a key, a mark appears or disappears on the corresponding key position on the screen. Repeat this for any keys that need to be tested.
   5. Click Exit or press the Ctrl and Break keys simultaneously to close the test screen.

Run the PC Doctor diagnostics for all other current ThinkPad systems. PC Doctor for DOS is available by pressing the F11 key or the Access IBM button during startup to access the predesktop menu area. If these methods are not available for your system, then PC Doctor for DOS may be downloaded. This DOS version requires two or more floppy diskettes depending on the ThinkPad system.

5. Verify that the latest BIOS for the ThinkPad system has been installed.
   Click here to view the latest BIOS files for all ThinkPad systems.
   
   
6. Verify the failure after a minimal boot.
   Check if the same key(s) fail after booting the machine with a bootable diskette, if available.
   
   
7. Reseat the internal ThinkPad keyboard, if applicable.
   If the keyboard is a customer replaceable unit (CRU), then reseat the keyboard connector.
   
   
8. Verify the language selection in the operating system is correct.
   
   
9. If these steps have not solved your problem:
   Refer to "Need more help?"
   
   

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