Hello everyone! I have a GE Wireless keyboard, but my function keys do not work! Also, my numeric keypad (right-side of keyboard) does not work either... I installed the drivers for the keyboard, whcih came with it, and still nothing good has happened... I have also tried surfing the web for an upated driver, but again, no help... Does anyone know what's going on here? :cry:

Dani AI

Generated

Quick summary: spotted the NumLock issue (good catch) and already tried the supplied drivers and looked for updates. The remaining problem — F1–F12 not acting as function keys (and inability to use F8 for Safe Mode) — is usually one of three things: an F‑lock/Fn toggle, a driver/utility issue for multimedia keys, or the wireless receiver not being recognized early enough during boot.

Practical checklist to try right away:

  • Toggle any F Lock or Fn key on the keyboard and test the top row. Some models default those keys to special/media functions until toggled.
  • Move the wireless receiver into a rear USB port (avoid hubs and front-panel ports) and try different USB ports. Hubs or front ports can initialize too late for boot-time keys.
  • Test the keyboard and receiver on another PC. If F‑keys still fail there, the keyboard is likely defective and should be exchanged.
  • In Windows XP, open Device Manager -> Keyboards and Human Interface Devices, uninstall the wireless keyboard entries, then unplug/replug the receiver so Windows redetects it. Remove any extra/old keyboard entries first.
  • If the F‑keys only perform special actions in Windows, the keyboard may require the vendor’s “keyboard utility” (multimedia/key mapping driver) to expose F1–F12 behavior. If no utility is available, generic HID drivers will still provide basic keys but not vendor shortcuts.
  • If you cannot use F8 during boot, use msconfig to force Safe Mode on next restart as a workaround.

Notes and cautions: enabling USB keyboard support in the BIOS (often called “USB Legacy” or “USB Keyboard Support”) lets USB receivers work at boot — change BIOS settings only if comfortable and note originals first. Also check fresh batteries and reduce interference (move the receiver away from other USB devices). If, after testing on another machine and trying the steps above, F‑keys still fail, it is most likely a hardware defect and a replacement is warranted.

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All 15 Replies

For the number pad is number lock on?

For the number pad is number lock on?

Thanks for the speedy reply! Well, it looks like you have SOLVED my numeric pad issue, but my function keys are still out... PLEASE HELP!

What do you mean not work? What is it that you want them to do?

Well.... First, I should tell you that if I use the keyboard that my computer manufacturer gave me, everything works fine.... However, when I use the wireless keyboard (which I bought from the store), then I have trouble... (The manufacturer's keyboard uses a wire, and is not wireless...) What I expect my wireless keyboard to do, is let my function keys work... For example, I did something to my computer a while ago, and I had to use safe mode to access my computer... As you know, you have to use one of the function keys to access safe mode.. I had to switch my keyboards temporarily, becuase I could not use the keys.... Do you understand what I am saying?

Yes yes now I get it.

Is there a solution then?

Well is your computer an XP?

yes it is. Xp Home.

Does ANYONE know how to fix this?

I am having trouble finding function key help any where but have you uninstalled the old keyboard?

Well, the old keyboard did not have drivers.... If it did, then it is somewhere that I do not know about.... Remember, this is the manufacturer's keyboard that I had before.... I'm not sure that removing the drivers for that old keyboard is possible...

Well you said it worked on the old keyboard. So it might be a defect in the keyboard.

Crap! Well, I guess I kind of knew that you would say that, so I probably shouldn't be suprised... Thanks for your help!

Flame
www.computerhope.com

So does that mean your gonna take it in for a replacement?

Ordinarily, yes. But in this case, no. I know that you tried your best, and I honor that! :cheesy: But, if you can't find help in one place, then try another. I have been a member of Computer Hope for a while, so I asked them for help, and I THINK they have an answer... We'll see... Once again, I apreciate your help! :cheesy:

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