change the brightness without the fn key?
Jay
replacement keyboard will not help. So I am using an external Keyboard.
Only problem is: There is no fn button on that, and I have no way to adjust
the screen brightness!
Any idea?
Elmo
Here's a couple of ideas I found with a Google Groups search.
http://groups.google.com/group/comp.sys.laptops/browse_thread/thread/b7bc25fa7d3930d4/7b032dae3338c7ad?lnk=st&q=fn+key+alternate#7b032dae3338c7ad
http://groups.google.com/groups/search?q=fn+key+alternate&qt_s=Search
--
Joe =o)
Jay
function-button.
DellCA
Jay,
My name is Brad and I work at Dell headquarters in Round Rock, TX. I
was wondering if you are still having a problem with the system? If you
are what model system is it?
Brad
Dell Customer Advocate
--
DellCA
Posted via http://ms-os.com Forum to Usenet gateway
Jay
Actually, I got it resolved in the BIOS. It gave me an option to change the
brightness settings. It also said in the BIOS that I can NOT change it with
an external keyboard which is plugged in with a USB port. (of course my
laptop only takes a USB.)
So problem is solved! I am using an external keyboard.
PS: In such a case, as I am not covered by any Dell gaurantee, what are my
options in such a case, if I could not have managed?
Thanks~
DellCA
Thank you for getting back with me. The other option to change the
brightness on the system should be in Windows through the Quickset
program. If you do not have a warranty with Dell you can call in and pay
for support to troubleshoot the problem, and then from there you can
order the part from Dell that needs to be replaced. If you know what
part is not working, you can skip the troubleshooting and order the part
from Dell.
I was curious what model system you were using and what troubleshooting
you have tried on it? There could still be a possibility that it is a
loose connection, or a bad keyboard. If it is a bad keyboard then it
will be a much cheaper fix than replacing the motherboard.
Jay
How do I get to the Quickset Program?
It is an Inspiron 1300.
I looked it up in Google, and no one seemed to have a fix, as they said the
BIOS will not allow you to change or even recognize the fn key, as the key
for itself means nothing.
I also took it to a computer tech, who cleaned out the milk my son spilled
on the keyboard. He ordered a new dell keyboard, but when that failed to work
he called Dell, and did some troubleshoting, which said it was the
motherboard.
Actually I am fine working with an external keyboard. I got myself a
wireless set. The mouse just acts up too often, so I may return it for a
corded one.
Thanks~
Shenan Stanley
> How do I get to the Quickset Program?
> It is an Inspiron 1300.
Same place you'd get updated drivers... ;-)
Under "Applications". Looks like a 9MB download. Last updated 3/19/2007.
Matter of fact - several drivers aren't too old either - you might benefit
from updating some hardware drivers (and possibly a BIOS update - although
that is a little trickier and only recommended if you are having issues.)
--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
Donald L McDaniel
I suggest using Logitech Bluetooth devices. Their drivers are excellent, and
you will have little trouble with mice or keyboards which constantly disconnect.
Dell makes crappy keyboards and mice: Use Logitech instead.
*** This is NOT an advertisement, BTW. It is the result of many years of
experimentation with various input solutions, including Dell. ***
--
Donald L. McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread and newsgroup.
--------------------------------------------------
Donald L McDaniel
wrote:
>
>
>
>Donald L McDaniel wrote:
>> I suggest using Logitech Bluetooth devices. Their drivers are
>> excellent, and you will have little trouble with mice or keyboards
>> which constantly disconnect.
>>
>> Dell makes crappy keyboards and mice: Use Logitech instead.
>>
>> *** This is NOT an advertisement, BTW. It is the result of many
>> years of experimentation with various input solutions, including
>> Dell. ***
>
>Although I second the recommendation for Logitech Mice and Keyboards
>(bluetooth or not) --> I do have to wonder what brought the topic of
>"Bluetooth" up...
>
>The OP original said, "The Keyboard on my Dell laptop broke." So they have
>a Dell Laptop - which would come with Dell parts/Dell keyboard...
>
>Later you find out *why* the keyboard 'broke', "... cleaned out the milk my
>son spilled on the keyboard ..." So it was an accident that likely broke
>the keyboard and perhaps other components inside the laptop (liquids and
>computers - I would not recommend putting them together. hah)
>
>Finally they state they are using an external USB keyboard with it - which
>supposedly solves the issue to their current satisfaction. I can see why
>you *might* recommend they utilize a Bluetooth keyboard at this point (as an
>alternative to having to plug something in each time - just make sure the
>Bluetooth is on if available.)
>
>However - in this case - it would do them no good. They state later in the
>thread they have a Dell Inspiron 1300 laptop - and that model does not/did
>not have an internal Bluetooth option available... Therefore they would
>still have to purchase a dongle/something to plug into the computer in order
>to utilize Bluetooth instead of a USB/wireless USB device. (In other
>words - they gain little in getting a Bluetooth device over some wireless
>USB device in this case.)
>
>Is there something about having a bluetooth device as opposed to a wireless
>(or wired) device in this case that makes bluetooth a better alternative?
>
>--
>Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
Actually, Shenan, I agree with you. I prefer wireless USB connections over
Bluetooth. And for a simple reason: because I had so much trouble with
Microsoft over a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse.
Sometime ago, I bought my first Bluetooth keyboard, the Microsoft Desktop Elite
for Bluetooth, to replace my old worn-out Microsoft Wireless Desktop Elite
(USB). It failed to work right out of the box, because the Bluetooth dongle
they provided with it did not get a good electrical connection to my computer.
So I simply put it on the shelf, and continued to use my worn-out Microsoft
Wireless Desktop Elite (USB).
After a couple of years, I bought a Logitech USB desktop set (the MX3200), which
worked great. However, the keys were too small, as well as the LCD display, so
I bought a Logitech MX5000 Desktop Set for Bluetooth. Man, that was a GREAT
keyboard. I used it happily a minimum of 8hrs per day, with absolutely no
problems (except for one: the keyboard required battery changes very often.)
When Microsoft called me out of the blue to inform me they were replacing my
unusable Bluetooth keyboard/mouse (I had called MS Support a few months earlier,
finally, to get this loose end tied up), I about pissed my pants. They
replaced it with a Microsoft Wireless Laser 6000 v.2 USB set. And I gave the
Logitech Bluetooth set to another brother.
Anyway, I love Logitech keyboards and mice.
Shenan Stanley
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/browse_frm/thread/6093de44399f0405/4865de6725c78286?lnk=st&q=insubject%3Achange+insubject%3Athe+insubject%3Abrightness+insubject%3Awithout+insubject%3Athe+insubject%3Afn+insubject%3Akey+author%3AJay#4865de6725c78286
Donald L McDaniel wrote:
> I suggest using Logitech Bluetooth devices. Their drivers are
> excellent, and you will have little trouble with mice or keyboards
> which constantly disconnect.
>
> Dell makes crappy keyboards and mice: Use Logitech instead.
>
> *** This is NOT an advertisement, BTW. It is the result of many
> years of experimentation with various input solutions, including
> Dell. ***
Donald L McDaniel wrote:
> Actually, Shenan, I agree with you. I prefer wireless USB
> connections over Bluetooth. And for a simple reason: because I
> had so much trouble with Microsoft over a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse.
>
> Sometime ago, I bought my first Bluetooth keyboard, the Microsoft
> Desktop Elite for Bluetooth, to replace my old worn-out Microsoft
> Wireless Desktop Elite (USB). It failed to work right out of the
> box, because the Bluetooth dongle they provided with it did not get
> a good electrical connection to my computer.
>
> So I simply put it on the shelf, and continued to use my worn-out
> Microsoft Wireless Desktop Elite (USB).
>
> After a couple of years, I bought a Logitech USB desktop set (the
> MX3200), which worked great. However, the keys were too small, as
> well as the LCD display, so I bought a Logitech MX5000 Desktop Set
> for Bluetooth. Man, that was a GREAT keyboard. I used it happily
> a minimum of 8hrs per day, with absolutely no problems (except for
> one: the keyboard required battery changes very often.)
>
> When Microsoft called me out of the blue to inform me they were
> replacing my unusable Bluetooth keyboard/mouse (I had called MS
> Support a few months earlier, finally, to get this loose end tied
> up), I about pissed my pants. They replaced it with a Microsoft
> Wireless Laser 6000 v.2 USB set. And I gave the Logitech Bluetooth
> set to another brother.
>
> Anyway, I love Logitech keyboards and mice.
Thanks.
I was just curious if you were pushing Bluetooth devices over other
wireless/wired types. My experience with some bluetooth devices (Kensington
was the last Bluetooth beast to bite me) has been less than favorable -
although some of that can also be attributed to the system and its bluetooth
support. Always learning - so if I see someone with a differing opinion - I
find it is better to ask why they have that opinion than to continue with a
closed mind and never change mine... Especially in the world of computing.
In any case- I agree 100% about Logitech mice/keyboards and thanks again for
clarifying!
DellCA
Jay,
I am not sure if you still need the link for the Quickset Program but
it is located here http://tinyurl.com/3c94d3 Once this is installed it
should be in the bottom right corner of your screen/Taskbar in the
"notification area". Once you open this program it will allow you to
adjust the brightness settings as well as a few other things. Please let
me know if you have any further questions.
Brad
Dell Customer Advocate