Cannot unlock start up screen

Hoping someone can help. I have an Inspiron 15 laptop which is not letting me past the password screen. For some reason when I press the number 1 as part of the password the key registers a '1, which appears to be the symbol entered by pressing the key immediately to the left of 1. I have tried to reset the password and created a password reset key but that will not work, telling me an error has occurred. I cannot access Safe mode and therefor cannot initiate a recovery. Any suggestions please.

Welcome to TenForums @Charlie24!

You may have a faulty keyboard, or the keyboard hardware has got itself into a state that can't be reset easily. For the latter, try shutting down the PC and removing the battery (and the power lead). Then press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to discharge any residual power. This should ensure any hardware registers get reset properly.

If that doesn't fix it your keyboard may really be faulty. Try using the numeric keypad to enter the number 1 (you may need to press Num Lock first).

Many thanks I will try that. I did try the numeric keyboard but it would not enter the 1 other numbers were ok.

@Charlie24,
Another possibility is that your keyboard is not a UK one, or that several input methods have ben installed. This thread has similar 'punctuation' problems with the numbers keys.
keyboard - my dell inspiron 15 , model 3000 laptop , the number keys in the top row all have a number a punctuation and an accent mark or other mark - Super User

The solution was to switch the input method, which you can do at the login screen. Hold down the Win key and press the space bar. If you have multiple languages installed for your keyboard then this will let you choose which one to use.

Cannot access the on screen keyboard at login screen. Just noticed it will not type letter "h" , there may be others. I suspect keyboard maybe damaged.

Charlie24 said:

Cannot access the on screen keyboard at login screen..

Yes you can. It's in 'Ease of access', the icon just to the left of 'Power' at the bottom right of the login screen.

Thanks, didn't notice that.