The function keys do not work as expected on a Microsoft keyboard (894513)


The information in this article applies to:

  • 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

SYMPTOMS

When you press a function key on a Microsoft keyboard, the function key does not work as you expect. 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 your keyboard is equipped with an F LOCK toggle key, and the F LOCK key has been turned on.

Depending on your 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 on top of 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 on the top of 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.

Enhanced function keyWhat it does
CloseCloses the document or the file in the active window.
ForwardForwards the e-mail in the active window.
Function Lock (F LOCK)Switches between the standard function key commands (F LOCK light on) and the Microsoft keyboard enhanced commands (F LOCK light off). Leave it on or off, or alternate between modes for increased key press functionality.
HelpOpens the Help system for the active window.
NewCreates a new document in programs that support this command.
Office HomeStarts the Web browser and goes to the Microsoft Office Web site.
OpenOpens a document in programs that support this command.
PrintPrints the file in the active window.
RedoCancels the previous undo action.
ReplyReplies to the e-mail in the active window.
SaveSaves the file in the active window.
SendSends the e-mail in the active window.
SpellStarts the spell checking program in the active document, if the document's program has this feature.
Task PaneShows or hides the Office task pane that was previously displayed.
UndoCancels the previous action.

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

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

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:7/14/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot KB894513 kbAudEndUser
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.