At work we have an IBM thinkpad. when connected to the docking station using an external keyboard it types properly, but, when disconeccted from the docking station and using the laptop’s built in keyboard typring “KParkes” gives ” *arkes)(without the quotes, including the space). any thoughts what is causing this and what can be done to fix it?

hold FN key down and press numlk to turn off num lock. Its on the same key as ScrLk.
j
could be an simple fix: try hitting your numlock key. It might be on.