Author Topic: Question about Laptop Function Keys  (Read 200 times)

Offline Beefcake

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2285
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« on: March 17, 2007, 07:47:39 AM »
Hey guys, I have an odd problem, my function keys on my laptop have stopped showing up on my computer. Some of them still work but some like the "Show Battery Life" key no longer popup the battery window, also when I adjust the volume I no longer get a little window that shows the current sound level. Anyone know what I did to cause this and or how to fix it? Thanks.
Retired Bomber Dweeb - 71 "Eagle" Squadron RAF

Offline CptA

  • Copper Member
  • **
  • Posts: 186
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2007, 08:43:41 AM »
All laptops are different, and your description is very vague.

First the function keys are marked F1 thru F12.

Some laptops have a little row of keys that are separate from the main keyboard, and and arranged by themselves near the display screen.

These are not function keys...these are programmable shortcut keys that require a special piece of software to work. Sounds like you may have un-installed the software or turned it off somehow. The software can usually be down-loaded from the manufacturers website and re-installed.

Or, are you refering to the multi-purpose keys marked in blue, yellow, or some other color different from the main keyboard? These keys include the embeded numeric keypad keys.

These usually require that you activate them with a special key (sometimes labeled as "FUNC" or "FN") marked with the same color, or a special combination of keys (refer to the owners manual).

CptA

Offline Beefcake

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2285
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2007, 08:55:25 AM »
On my computer they're little blue letters on the f1-10 keys and you have to hold the blue fuction key to activate them. The problem is last week they stopped working and I'm not sure why. And yes before you ask I am pressing the Fn key and then the key I want to use, but it won't work. :)
Retired Bomber Dweeb - 71 "Eagle" Squadron RAF

Offline dmf

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2920
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2007, 08:56:07 AM »
windows xp :)

Offline CptA

  • Copper Member
  • **
  • Posts: 186
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2007, 10:52:10 AM »
OK, now that I know what we're dealing with...let me ask some additional questions.

Are you a smoker? The residue from Smoking likes to settle on the keyboard contacts and can cause corrosion or prevent a reliable contact. It can be cleaned by removing and disassembling the keyboard and cleaning them with a warm dish-soap and water solution, rinsed, and air dryed. Note: This procedure is not recommended for those with less than an "expert" level computer of computer repair skill.

Does the Fn key action "feel" normal, or does it "feel" different than the other keys when you depress it? Dirt, food crumbs, hair, and other debris can get under the keycaps and prevent the keyswitch contacts from closing. Shut down the computer, disconnect the power supply and any peripherals, hold the laptop inverted, and blow out the debris with "canned air" and a soft bristle brush (like a small paint brush). Pay special attention to the keys that are not working, but try to get them all.

Do the F1-F10 keys work correctly as normal function keys (not the blue function) when used without the Fn key?

Or do they just malfunction only when used along with the Fn key?

Do the other keys in the column directly above and below the Fn key work correctly, or are they malfunctioning too?

Do the keys in the rows directly left and right of the Fn key work properly?

When keyboards fail, most often an entire column or row of keys stop working at the same time. This is due to the fact the the keyboard circuit is arranged as a matrix of crossing electrical pathways. Pushing a key closes the circuit path and causes the keyboard encoder to generate a key press.

If one or more of the column or row pathways has been damaged, or if the keyboard connector has become loose or been mis-alligned in it's connector, it can cause intermittent problems. Remove the keyboard and check the keyboard cable connection to the motherboard. Re-connect it if necessary.

As a last resort, the keyboard can be replaced with a new part from the manufacturer.

CptA

Offline SH33P

  • Zinc Member
  • *
  • Posts: 24
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2007, 03:41:10 PM »
If its a Dell and still under warranty call tech support 800-624-9896 and make them replace it. Its a known issue on several of their systems.

DUDE YOU F'ed UP AND GOT A DELL!

Offline Airscrew

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 4808
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2007, 04:02:59 PM »
sounds like a Dell to me, I'm looking at mine and that description of those function keys fits mine.  fortunately for me I didn't buy it, our IT guys did...

Offline Dichotomy

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 12391
Question about Laptop Function Keys
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2007, 04:15:48 PM »
your IT guys should be shot in the kneecaps
JG11 - Dicho37Only The Proud Only The Strong AH Players who've passed on :salute