MetaChat - How do I turn off

MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.

17 March 2008

How do I turn off the built-in keyboard on my Dell Inspiron (Windows XP) laptop?→[More:]I'm using a USB keyboard because the keys on my laptop are ceasing to function, and I want to turn off the built-in keyboard so I can use the USB keyboard right on top of it. Is this possible?

post by: ThePinkSuperhero at: 10:25 | 7 comments

Well you can go in and disconnect the keyboard. What model is it?

It's really not that hard to do.

posted by danf 17 March | 10:27

Inspiron 6000.

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 17 March | 10:30

Does this show up for you?

posted by danf 17 March | 10:33

Hmm, that could work. Problem is, I do travel with this laptop a decent amount, and I don't want to have to carry a keyboard everywhere I go. Which is why I was hoping I could turn the keyboard on and off from the machine, and use the built-in one when necessary (it still works for the most part- except for the G key and now maybe the space bar).

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 17 March | 10:46

You could get a new or used keyboard from ebay. . my 'spiron is on it's third.

You've just tried plugging it in and the external keyboard won't work? You might plug it in, go into the Control Panel under "keyboard" and you may be able to toggle back and forth between the two. . .I am sure that there are people here besides me, that know more.

posted by danf 17 March | 10:55

I'd love to be able to kill the trackpad on my Acer laptop at work. It's right where my hands rest when I'm typing.

posted by Eideteker 17 March | 12:22

I don't know about the keyboard question, but you should be able to disable the touchpad on a laptop via the Control Panel (assuming you use Windows). I wish I could do that with my laptop, but I don't have room for a mouse on the train :-(

posted by dg 17 March | 16:01

← America The Beautiful. || WHO'S AWESOME? YOU'RE AWESOME! →

HOME || REGISTER || LOGIN