Remap [Fn] key for external USB keyboard for my laptop

Mr Chan

unread,

Apr 13, 2010, 5:43:15 AM4/13/10

to

I use an external USB keyboard for my laptop. That keyboard also has a Fn
key but it does not work. Anyone know how to remap such Fn key?

Thanks

Beverly Howard

unread,

Apr 13, 2010, 3:39:31 PM4/13/10

to

>> That keyboard also has a Fn key but it does not work. <<

Two answer possibilities depending on your reference point.

If you mean the <Fn> key on the USB keyboard, exactly what keyboard is
it? (make/model) AFAIK, none of the MS keyboards have a <Fn> key, but
they do have an <F-Lock> key which toggles the functionality of the
keyboard's "Function Keys" plus the <printscreen> and <pause> keys.

This key is hardwired for the above job and cannot be reprogrammed.

On the other side, the <Fn> key on most laptops is a hardware toggle so
that the limited keyboard space can be used to provide a full set of
keys to the user.

For the most part, and external keyboard is going to have those keys
such as the number and cursor pads, so that is already addressed.

The remaining keys, such as screen toggles, may be addressable with
other references such as the video driver shortcut keys...

...can you post exactly what you are trying to achieve?

Beverly Howard

Mr Chan

unread,

Apr 14, 2010, 1:15:36 AM4/14/10

to

Yes.

The laptop is used mainly as a desktop replacement so it is normally closed:
externally a LCD and USB keyboard and mouses etc are used.
So is there any way ( programming or any softwares ) I can achieve the same
purpose of using the Fn key such as turn on/off the Wifi and brightness ,
volume etc without opening it again?
In additional, there is a Fn key on my usb keyboard but it does not operate
like the one on the laptop.

Thanks

"Beverly Howard" <B...@NoSpamBevHoward.com>
???????:e$qoIE02K...@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

Beverly Howard

unread,

Apr 14, 2010, 12:33:43 PM4/14/10

to

without knowing exactly what the keyboard make/model, it's not possible
to make specific suggestions... i.e. is it of of the microsoft keyboards
with programmable keys?

As for the functions you mention, in general, there are normally apps or
control panel applets that can be launched to control many of these
needs. They could be assigned to a programmable key or as shortcuts on
the desktop launchable using hotkeys.

Some options (such as controlling an LCD monitor's brightness) will be
specifically dependent on if the LCD's drivers support remotely
controlling such settings.

Finally, I think all ms keyboards have volume controls... again, no way
to know what you have on your desk.

Beverly Howard

Mr Chan

unread,

May 3, 2010, 10:21:05 AM5/3/10

to

Will there such keyboard models that work the same as the Dell notebook
keyboard including its special Fn key for controlling LCD brightness and
Wi-fi etc?
Will such models also work for other brands such as IBM, Sony?

"Beverly Howard" <B...@NoSpamBevHoward.com>
???????:%23R1I%23A$2KHA...@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...

Beverly Howard

unread,

May 3, 2010, 4:58:34 PM5/3/10

to

>> Dell notebook keyboard including its special Fn key for controlling
LCD brightness and Wi-fi etc? <<

The <FN> key on laptops is essentially a hardware key that remaps the
hardware keys to provide extended options for the limited number of
keys... i.e. providing a keypad or more cursor keys, so, no, mapping
that key is not possible.

It is, however, normally possible to map the functions (such as
brightness) by workarounds such using a programmable key to launch the
control panel applet that controls screen brightness.

Beverly Howard