It's not uncommon for computer users to take for granted the extreme importance of their keyboard. After all, the keyboard remains one of the earliest adopted hardware tools (even before the trackpad or mouse) and has remained largely unchanged in its core functionality for the past several decades. But, keyboard issues can come as a shock, particularly when computer users realize just how hobbled their actions become when a functional keyboard is not present. With that in mind, learning how to unlock a keyboard may be an incredibly important possibility that you didn't even know existed.
Unlocking a Dell Keyboard: Basics
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In order to begin unlocking your Dell keyboard, first assess some key issues which, though simple to fix, may be causing the problem in question. For example, if you're using a wireless keyboard, the locking issue may be caused by dead batteries. With that in mind, take a moment to check the batteries in your wireless keyboard and replace as needed.
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Yet another common cause for a locked keyboard is activated "Num Lock" or "Scroll Lock" keys. Although neither of these keys could cause your entire keyboard to be locked, they may cause specific elements of your keyboard to stop functioning. With that in mind, make sure both of these keys are deactivated when diagnosing your specific keyboard problems.
Other Tools for Unlocking
If your keyboard issues aren't resolved using the prior methods, you may need to shut down your computer and, if you're using a laptop, remove and re-insert your battery. Although depriving your hardware of power is one way to help initiate a hard "reset," you may find that this is not enough in itself to fix the problem. As a final step, disconnect your keyboard from your computer and reconnect it after the system reboots. This may help restore functionality.
In a situation where no methods described in this article resolve your problem, you may need to consult with an experienced repair technician. Working with a professional may require a financial investment, but it's bound to help you save the time and energy spent making a diagnosis on your own. If all else fails, you may consider buying a new keyboard and replacing your current unit. Given the relatively low price for keyboards today, this method of "fixing" your problem could be an attractive option for those who simply don't wish to struggle with their tech-related issues any further.