Some function keys do not work in Virtual PC for Mac (825428)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Connectix Virtual PC for Mac version 5.0
  • Connectix Virtual PC for Mac version 6.0
  • Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac version 6.1

SYMPTOMS

When you are using a virtual machine in Virtual PC for Mac with a Windows 95 guest operating system, certain function keys may not work.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because function keys have been assigned for use with Macintosh programs. When the keys are assigned, you cannot use them in Virtual PC.

Note If you are using an iBook or a PowerBook computer, the F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 keys may be preset to control screen brightness, sound volume, and Num Lock.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use either of the following methods:
  • Verify that no other Macintosh programs are using the same function keys as the ones you want to use in the Windows environment.
  • Verify that you have not assigned a modifier key (such as SHIFT, CTRL, or OPTION) to the function key in the Macintosh operating system.
To view a list of all the keyboard shortcuts that are assigned in Mac OS X and remove the shortcuts, follow these steps:
  1. Click the Apple Menu, click System Preferences, and then click Keyboard & Mouse.
  2. In the Keyboard & Mouse window, click Keyboard Shortcuts.
  3. Expand Application Keyboard Shortcuts, and then expand All Applications.
  4. Click to clear the On box for each function key shortcut that you want to remove.
  5. Close the Keyboard & Mouse window.
To change the function key behavior in Mac OS 9, follow these steps:
  1. Click the Apple Menu, click Control Panels, and then click Keyboard.
  2. Click the Function Key button.
  3. Under Hot Function Key Settings, click to clear the Enable Hot Function Keys check box, and then click OK.
Note If the Function Key button is not available in Mac OS 9, your computer cannot use function keys.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:2/8/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB825428