Microsoft KB Archive/894513

= The function keys do not work as expected on a Microsoft keyboard =

Article ID: 894513

Article Last Modified on 12/29/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft IntelliType Pro 6.1
 * Microsoft IntelliType Pro 6.0
 * Microsoft IntelliType Pro 5.5
 * Microsoft IntelliType Pro 5.4
 * Microsoft IntelliType Pro 5.3
 * Microsoft IntelliType Pro 5.2
 * Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
 * Microsoft Natural Keyboard
 * Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
 * Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro
 * Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard
 * Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0
 * Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth
 * Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite
 * Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro 2.0

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SYMPTOMS
When you press a function key on a Microsoft keyboard, the function key does not work as expected. Alternatively, certain keys do not work when you press them. These keys may include the following:
 * The NUM LOCK key
 * The INSERT key
 * The PRINT SCREEN key
 * The SCROLL LOCK key
 * The BREAK key
 * The F1 key through the F12 FUNCTION keys



CAUSE
This behavior may occur if the keyboard is equipped with an F LOCK toggle key, and the F LOCK key has been turned on.

Depending on the keyboard model, the following keys may be alternate function keys:
 * NUM LOCK
 * INSERT
 * PRINT SCREEN
 * SCROLL LOCK
 * BREAK
 * F1 through F12 FUNCTION

The F LOCK key toggles the alternate function keys. An alternate function key is a key that has two possible commands depending on the F LOCK toggle key state.



WORKAROUND
To work around this behavior, press the F LOCK key. The F LOCK key switches between the standard function key commands and the Microsoft keyboard enhanced command.



MORE INFORMATION
Alternate command keys give the keyboard additional functionality by providing two command modes for the top row of standard F LOCK keys.

The F LOCK key and the alternate command keys are available on certain keyboard models only, and the types of alternate commands that are available vary depending on the keyboard model.

The F LOCK key switches between the standard commands that are labeled on the front of the keys such as F1 or INSERT and the alternate commands that are labeled above the keys such as CLOSE or BACKSPACE. When the F LOCK light is on, the F LOCK key is on and these keys perform their standard commands. When the F LOCK light is off, the alternate commands are enabled. You can choose the mode that you prefer to work in, or you can switch the F LOCK key on and off to access the commands that you use most frequently.

The F1 through F12 FUNCTION keys have special alternate commands. These keys are called enhanced function keys. Enhanced function keys provide quick access to frequently used commands that can increase your productivity. These commands are printed above the keys.

The following table specifies the default enhanced-function key assignments that are available for Microsoft keyboards. However, you can reassign many of the keys by using the Microsoft IntelliType Pro keyboard software.

To download the latest software for the keyboard, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx

Keywords: kbtshoot KB894513

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