Strange problem

[#1]

My laptop has a strange issue, I'm hoping somebody can point me towards a fix?
On the number pad, when num lock is on, the button 9 doesn't work when pressed normally.  If I press and hold the 9, I get a list of 9's like 99999999999999999.
So to confirm, all the number keys work, and 9 did work. Now randomly when I press 9, it doesn't work, when I press and hold, it does work!

[#2]

take the key off and clean underneath it 

[#3]

I had a similar problem.....  with the letter e ....... it would not work on a single press... but after several "hits" it would... so I replaced the keyboard..
Keyboard cost £9.00 on ebay... and viewed a video on ebay... job took 15 minutes .... start to finish...
Laptop is Dell Inspiron 1545

[#4]

I was wondering if it was faulty... the laptop is quite new, so is under warranty.
And nothing has been spilt Jim...  
However....  when I press the button, it works! I just noticed that it opens/switches to another tab instead of typing the number 9.  When I hold it down it gives me loads of 9's. 

[#5]

Quote

However....  when I press the button, it works! I just noticed that it opens/switches to another tab instead of typing the number 9.  When I hold it down it gives me loads of 9's

I'm sure you have already checked this but is the language/region set correctly ? What you said above sounds like the keyboard might be set up for another language and that's why the 9 might be opening another tab on a single press

[#6]

I run through the diagnostics when I got home from work, and the 9 key actually is registered as the page up key. 
I have no idea how to change it!
@gtowen no I didn't actually check the region as it was working a few days ago, but I just checked and it's set to the UK layout.

[#7]

To change it you need to edit the registry
However this program may well do it for you http://sharpkeys.codeplex.com/ although have a read here for other options http://lifehacker.com/5883003/the-best-key-remapper-for-windows

[#8]

Thank you Jim, you are a star.
I'll have a look when I get a moment.

[#9]

@jim
would that software be able to disable a Key ?
the Tilde key is always a pain,,, unnecessary 

[#10]

I have no idea - I only have one change on my keyboard - Caps Lock is now Shift

[#11]

Quote from: rongtw

the Tilde key is always a pain,,, unnecessary

The tilde ~ is used to indicate the home directory in script files.

[#12]

Quote from: Devonian

I run through the diagnostics when I got home from work, and the 9 key actually is registered as the page up key.  I have no idea how to change it!

Try pressing NumLock. On my full size keyboard with Num lock on the numbers work, with it off 7 is Home, 8 is Uparrow and 9 is pageup.
Check that the keyboard is set to the correct type - it sounds as if the OS thinks you have a 106 key keyboard (the kind with a keypad to the right) rather than the correct one for the laptop. Have you connected an USB keyboard to it at any point?
Clues at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927824

[#13]

I think it must be a dodgy keyboard, I'm sending it back to HP on Tuesday.