The backspace key on a Dell The backspace and delete keys are both mapped to forward erase key code. Control-H must be used to backspace when using X. To get the backspace key to work one must edit the file /etc/X11/Xmodmap and uncomment the i386 xmodmap line for the backspace.
Is this some special keyboard that isn't directly supported by XFree86? Can you please attach the X server log from a session where the glitch is active, as well as your X configuration file. Also, what version of XFree server is running - 3.3.6 or 4.0.x/ The global Xmodmap file is intended for local configuration to override the system default. If there is a problem with the Dell keyboard not working as expected, the proper solution would be adding support in the main XFree86 package. I'd need to know the details of your setup. I also might need a 106 key keyboard in order to solve this correctly unless someone that has one could figure it out and send me a patch.
I am unable to diagnose this problem without the hardware, and nothing seems obvious from looking at any keymap files. It might be that a new map file is needed especially for this keyboard. If you could arrange for me to be sent a Dell 106 key keyboard, I will add support for it as soon as I can. Let me know via email and I'll send you my shipping address, and you can forward this request to someone at Dell who can send me a board to work with. TIA