Question : Problem: Keyboard shift keys do not work

My Dell Inspiron 800 notebook keyboard shift keys (both) do not function.  They both seemed to fail at the same time.  What could be the possible causes of this and potential fixes for this problem.  I have Windows XP Home Edition as the OS on this machine.
Your expert assistance is appreciated.

Answer : Problem: Keyboard shift keys do not work

it may help when testing a hardware fault to use the OnScreen Keyboard.

Browse for this file, and create a desktop short cut to it, then test when it's working, and also when it next fails.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\osk.exe
or just Start.. Run.. osk

If you press the Shift key on your physical keyboard, it will light up on the onscreen version.  You can also use the onscreen version with your mouse to get you out of a hole if you have too.  But it's painful to use....

hth, Danny