Aluminum Keyboard Function Keys don't work correctly

I just bough a brand new aluminum wireless keyboard and some of the function keys aren't working, from F1 through F7. F9 works like F3 should and F12 like F5. It's so bizarre. Otherwise the keys all work fine. I've updated everything, tried working through the forums workarounds on the aluminum keyboard, and so far it didn't work for my computer. I'm pretty frustrated. Has anyone figured out the solution? I'm running 10.6.7 and have updated all my software.

One last key combo to try, while holding SHIFT fn try toglling volume brightness... and see if that works. It'a been years since I've used anything but my built in keyboard.
At this point Run software update with the keyboard connected and see if there may be an update for that.
Try a SMC reset:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.
try a pram reset:
Resetting NVRAM / PRAM
Shut down your Mac.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.
After resetting NVRAM or PRAM, you may need to reconfigure your settings for speaker volume, screen resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone information. If issues persist, your Mac's logic board battery (not a portable Mac's rechargeable battery) may need to be replaced. The logic board battery helps retain NVRAM/PRAM settings when your computer is shut down. You can take your Mac to a Mac Genius or Apple Authorized Service Provider to replace the battery on the logic board.
If still no joy, contact Apple, or go to the store and find out what you may need to do, This was the bullet in my gun, I'm sorry I could not resolve this for you.It's probably something simple, or maybe your machine is too old to suport this device.
Best of luck.
If they get you going, please post back so others may find out the fix:>

Similar Messages

What can I do if my function keys don't work correctly?

QuestionWhat can I do if my function keys don't work correctly?
AnswerFunction keys can mean a few different things. You might be having a problem with the F-keys near the top of your keyboard (F1, F2, etc.), the secondary functions of the F-keys (toggling the wireless or touchpad, for example), or special media keys on your laptop.
There are a few steps you can take to try to resolve these issues. Try the suggestions listed below in the order presented. If a step fixes the problem, you're done! If a step doesn't fix your problem, continue to the next step.
Understand the FN key
First, ensure you understand how to use the FN key. In most newer models, the special utilities of the F-keys are used when you press the F-keys. To use the F-keys, you need to hold FN first. In older models, this was reversed. pressing the F-keys activated the F-keys. The special utilities of the F-keys are used while holding FN. If you're having trouble using your F-keys, try both with and without the FN key.
Reinstall TVAP or Toshiba Flash Cards Utility
Some models may use the Toshiba Value Added Package or the Toshiba Flash Cards Utility. Check the support site to see if these utilities are available for your model. If you see either listed, download and install it. Some models don't use these utilities; it's okay if you don't see either of them.
How To: Identifying and locating the correct driver for your device
Perform a power cycle
Perform a power cycle on your laptop.
How To: Proper Power Cycle Procedure for Laptops
Perform a System Restore
Restore your computer to a previous point when the keys were working correctly.
How To: Understanding System Restore, Refresh, Reset, and, Recovery options in Windows 8 + Video
How To: Perform a system restore in Windows 7
Perform a System Reset
If the previous suggestions don't help, you may want to try a System Reset (also known as a System Recovery). This returns the laptop to factory default conditions. Note that this means any data or application you added will be gone.
How To: Understanding System Restore, Refresh, Reset, and, Recovery options in Windows 8 + Video
How To: Perform system recovery - Windows 7
Seek servicing
If the System Reset didn't fix the problem, your computer could require servicing. Please call customer support.

Contact Apple Support to get it serviced or visit an Apple Store or Authorized Apple Service Provider next to your place.
iPhone - Contact Support - Apple Support

Wireless keyboard function keys don't work even though updated

Hi,
like i read in different threads, many others had this problem too.
The function keys of my bluetooth keyboard (aluminium 2009) don't work even though i did firmware update for mighty mouse AND the keyboard firmware update. I also unset the option 'use function keys with fn......' option in system preferences. I also tried disconnecting and connecting the device. In system profiler the entry says it is (still) firmware version 80.
What can i do?
I'm thankful for any hint.
Best, Jörg

wrote this in another thread, but it is relevant here, too.
Wanting to buy a keyboard and reading this thread (and others), I went to a local Best Buy. They had quite a few of the wireless keyboards out. They had MC184LL(A) models and (B) models.
ALL of the (A) models worked perfectly with the iPad (typing, brightness, volume, ipod functions, etc).
NONE of the (B) models worked other than basic typing.
They had a stack of maybe 50 new wireless keyboards on the shelf. All but two of them were (B) models.
I bought one of the two (A) models. It is working perfectly on my iPad.
Rob

I have a Mac Mini, 7 years old, new keyboard function keys don't work. How can I correct this?

I've unclicked "use all F1 F2 keys as standard functions" and tried doing fn at the same time as F10 or F11 or F12, but I cannot control the sound from the keyboard. F10 darkens the background. F11 hides the windows I have open. F12 brings up the dashboard. How can I reset these to function as sound keys?

Just tried that. It didn't make any difference. I know it's not the keyboard; I went back to the Mac store and they tested it on a current computer and it worked exactly like it should.
It's a new metallic keyboard, replacing an older metallic one whose x, s, w, 2 keys just stopped working. It's a plug-in, not wireless.

Aluminum Keyboard Arrow Keys don't work in Excel?

My new Power Mac G5 came with a USB aluminum keyboard. The arrow keys no longer work with Excel as they used to (they move the window rather than the selection). Is there a fix for this?

Kenichi - THANK YOU. AND your memory is right on. I tried to search for Scroll Lock in Excel help and got nothing so tried your solution and it worked.
Seasons greetings
Martin

Apple wireless keyboard function keys don't work with ipad2

I have a brand new ipad2 and just purchased an apple wireless keyboard. The keys work fine for typing, but the keys across the top don't seem to work at all. I play music, but none of the music control keys work. The keys on functions 1..12 appear to be totally dead.
I have seen several posts from people who seem to have this problem, but I see no answers. Did I purchase a lemon or what?

wrote this in another thread, but it is relevant here, too.
Wanting to buy a keyboard and reading this thread (and others), I went to a local Best Buy. They had quite a few of the wireless keyboards out. They had MC184LL(A) models and (B) models.
ALL of the (A) models worked perfectly with the iPad (typing, brightness, volume, ipod functions, etc).
NONE of the (B) models worked other than basic typing.
They had a stack of maybe 50 new wireless keyboards on the shelf. All but two of them were (B) models.
I bought one of the two (A) models. It is working perfectly on my iPad.
Rob

Function keys are not working correctly

I've been looking all over the various threads and I can't find an answer that solves my problem.
Here are the details:
I bought the computer in the U.S. where I live.
I have a iMac 2.4GHz intel Core 2 Duo EMC 2133 with a 20" screen. Bought it new in February 2008.
I have Mac OS X 10.5.8 (I am waiting for my order for OS Snow Leopard to come in!!)
I have been using a wireless mouse and Keyboard (Love not having cords!)
Recently, my wireless keyboard got a short and quit working. I went down to the apple store and got a new wireless keyboard.
I had the computer with me at the genius bar so, yes, the apple employee saw exactly what I have.
I took it all home got the thing all put back together and got the new keyboard paired up and working with the computer.
Here are the problems:
Went to go use the function keys while using iTunes and found they weren't working properly. The F10, F11 and F12 do not control the volume of sound as the keyboard indicates they would, they instead activate dashboard, spaces, and application windows.
Following the advice of other threads, I looked over in the system preferences and made sure the "Use all F1, F2 etc." box was unchecked (it was unchecked), things still didn't work.
I tried the fn key but it appears to not work at all it has no effect on the functioning of the function keys.
I went under keyboard shortcuts in system preferences and found the F10, F11 and F12 keys, it confirms that those keys control spaces, dashboard and application windows as they are performing but shows no options to either reassign to volume control (as marked on the keyboard) or make the fn key work.
I've gone back and forth trying various combinations of checked and unchecked boxes to see if anything would work, so far I've come up with nothing.
A couple more important or interesting facts:
Yes I have turned off and taken the batteries out of the old keyboard. My bluetooth connection currently shows it as disconnected.
I have restarted the computer.
One thing I find odd; when I go under preferences and go to Keyboard and Mouse when I go under the section "Bluetooth" it shows Bluetooth mouse with the name of the mouse and the battery level. BUT nothing is showing up under bluetooth Keyboard, I can't figure out how to change this and don't know if it is contributing to the problem.
When I go under the bluetooth logo on the top bar I find the mouse and both keyboards referenced, the old keyboard is shown as disconnected and the other two are connected. I have tried to update the device's name but it doesn't seem to let me.
I have double clicked on the device under bluetooth and it shows the new keyboard as discoverable, paired and connected. Hence, I am using the new keyboard to write this inquiry.
Please, any assistance would be of great help. I have tried to be thorough in order help narrow the possible problem. Thanks!!

Hendry
Just thought I'd let you know. Our suspicions were correct, it was the OS. After I installed Snow Leopard (10.6.8) all the problems were corrected. I also updated the RAM from 1 gb to 6 gb. The mac is working all around better. Sorry it took so long to get back to everyone. My superdrive had pooped out. Rather than replace it I got an external drive from OWC connected with firewire 800. So far everything is running very well, as far as I can tell this external drive is better than the original superdrive. My superdrive has always acted funny, infact I returned the first mac I got after a week because its superdrive was also malfunctioning. Anyway, all that to say everything seems to be fully functioning again.
Roy
Re: Function keys are not working correctly

Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard: Special Keys Don't Work

The keyboard has function keys that are programmed to perform special operations. The Apple website explicitly states:
“The extended layout has a full complement of keys, including document navigation controls, a numeric keypad, and special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more.”
Unfortunately, two of these keys don’t work, even after a special software update is installed:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/keyboardsoftwareupdate11.html
The manual that comes with the keyboard provides instructions on how to program the keyboard, but those instructions either don’t work or are incorrect.
I've posted more about this and other keyboard issues here:
http://web.mac.com/resourcesforlife/journal/writings/Entries/2007/8/21Apple_Aluminum_WiredKeyboard.html

I am using a PowerMac Dual 2.5 GHz G5 system and had trouble with the F3 and F4 function keys. The various suggestions and instructions as provided on several of the discussion threads didn't work for me.
Here's what worked for me to resolve the problem:
1. Go here and download the Pacifist utility which helps in exploring installation packages:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/12743
2. Go here and download the Apple OSX update for PowerPC:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdateppc.html
OR... get the version for Intel found here:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdatev11intel.html
3. Using the Pacifist utility, open the OSX Update dmg file you just downloaded. You will be able to navigate to /System/Library/Core Services. Click on Dock.app and click the install button. When it's uncompressed, it will ask if you would like to update or replace. Click replace. There is an option to repeat this response for all files. Complete the process and then exit the Pacifist utility program.
4. Go here and download the Apple Keyboard Software Update:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/firmware_hardware/keyboardsoftwareup date11.html
5. Install the Keyboard update and all functions should automatically work.
If the above steps resolve the problem for you, please click on the "Solved" button above. Thanks.
I've posted a lengthy review and support document for the new Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard here:
http://web.mac.com/resourcesforlife/journal/writings/Entries/2007/8/21Apple_Aluminum_WiredKeyboard.html

New wireless keyboard & volume keys don't work

I just replaced my wireless keyboard because a few of the keys stopped working. Now the volume keys don't work on the new one. When I push them one of them brings up my widgets and the others minimize the screen. Any Ideas?

Put truly fresh batteries in the keyboard.
Un-pair and re-pair the keyboard with the computer.
Attempt the PRAM reset again.
If you do not get the 2 boot chimes then I would suggest you reset using a USB keyboard. Any USB keyboard will do. If you don't get the 2 chimes when using a USB keyboard then either you are not holding down the keys correctly / early enough or there is something wrong with the computer itself.
If you do get the 2 boot chimes you can then go back to the wireless keyboard and re-pair it.
Take a peak at this article. It is fairly exhaustive in troubleshooting suggestions for this type of issue: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3048
Hope that helps.

Function keys don't work on New IMac with Leopard.. very sad

We just got a New IMac with Leopard at work and my F Keys don't work at all. I have tried everything, even checking the "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys", but it doesn't work at all. I use these keys all the time. How can I fix this?

WebWolf wrote:
My Bad, I am sure I am not the only one that has done this. I had not assigned the F Keys to their function under Exposé, I thought they didn't work after I turned on the F Keys under the Keyboard & Mouse window. So, I thought I would post this to help anyone else that did this.
They now work, yea!!!!
Sometimes we solve our own problems quite well
I believe that Leopard does reset to the default F keys.

MacBook Pro Keyboard Function Keys & Backlight Stopped Working

This is a repost of an older thread, however i am having the same exact problem and i know i am not the only one.
Origionally posted by FIDO2010 -
"Problem: The keyboard function keys (i.e. screen brightness, audio volume etc.) and backlight no longer work in Windows 7 (64-Bit) running Boot Camp 3.x. I also had the identical problem with Windows Vista (64-Bit) running Boot Camp 2.1.
Oddity: When I first installed Windows 7 and Boot Camp 3.x (same with Vista and Boot Camp 2.1), the keyboard and backlighting worked perfectly for about 3 Shut-Down/Re-Starts.
Points of Interest: I use a Logitech MX Revolution 2.4GHZ mouse and a Microsoft Blue Tooth Presenter Mouse 8000 with this machine. When I had this problem running Vista 64-Bit and Boot Camp 2.1, I assumed the problem was created by installing the drivers for these mice (suspecting that the mouse drivers over-wrote the Apple keyboard driver); however, I installed NO mouse drivers when I deleted the Vista 64 Boot Camp partician and created the "fresh" Windows 7 (64-bit) / Boot Camp 3.x partician.
I have tried the obvious of un-installing/re-installing Boot Camp, running the Boot Camp driver in repair mode, and manually replacing the keyboard driver itself. None of which have worked.
Solutions?"
Any insight will be greatly appreciated. this issue is driving me crazy. Must have installed windows a good 30-40 times in the past couple months. thank you

As you all are probably well aware, this exact problem has been asked on a countless number of discussion boards and each is answered with a different "solution." Quotation marks are necessary because the solutions suggested work for some users but don't work for others. So, in a way, I offer those who read this reply this same disclaimer. The following solution worked for me (for now!) but it may not work for you.
Just like those other users, my volume and brightness function keys on my Macbook refused to work after installing the latest Bootcamp updates and after restarting Windows 'x' amount of times. In addition, trackpad scrolling, which worked great after one of the updates, also did not respond.
Here's what I did to get them working again, and it's rather simple. Find the Bootcamp application in Windows. Mine was housed in Program Files but yours may located be somewhere differently. Right-click the application and select Open. In my case the screen went black and the resolution downgraded to 800x600 or lower when the images on the screen returned so keep this in mind if or when you attempt this. The screen is significantly cropped so you may have trouble navigating to the Control Panel to fix the resolution to your liking. Anyway, now my brightness and volume function keys and trackpad scrolling work properly.
I should mention one or two more bits of information before I sign off. To start, I cannot say if this trick continues working after restarting Windows. Also, I do not know if this process is something you have to perform everytime you run Windows. In any case, let the world know if this or any other solution fixes this stated problem for you.

Some function keys don't work onSatellite P850-138

Hi,
I've got a Satellite P850-138 and the standard functions on the function keys don't seem to work (NOT the F1-F12 that you have to use Fn for, they work fine).
The video functions on F6-F10 seem to work fine when playing a video. The functions on F2-F4 and F11-F12 don't seem to work at all. (brightness up/down, switch screen, enable/disabled touchpad, volume and wireless)
Any advice on how to get them working?
Thanks in advance.

The first thing you can try is to reinstall Toshiba value added package.
Remove preinstalled version, restart the notebook and install latest version from Toshiba download page.

Keyboard Illumination keys don't work on my Macbook Pro

On my 2008 MacBook Pro the keyboard illumination keys don't do anything. The screen icon that comes up has a circle with a slash through it. Any Thoughts?

Uncheck the Automatially illuminate option in System Preferences > Keyboard. See if you can adjust manually then.

I am running SSH in Terminal window and my function keys don't work.

Hi all,
The company I am working in is using mainly Windows and they are running a database on Putty.exe
I managed to set up the SSH in Terminal on Mac OSX and I can see the database well and fine. Certain "commands" within the database are executed by numbers 1, 2, 3 etc while other "commands" are executed by function keys F1, F2 - F16 etc. However, when I press the F1 - F12 keys on my keyboard, they don't work as expected.
If any one has any expert advice, I would greatly appreciate it, thanks!

FInd out from your database administrator what terminal type the database application supports. Examples of terminal types are vt100 and ansi. Now go back to the Mac's Terminal Preferences and set the terminal to the matching type.

Bluetooth Keyboard - Some key don't work

Hi friends,
I have a 2011 (intel based) 27'' iMac with the bluetooth keyboard. I have two non working keys (control and 1).
There's a way to repair it? My iMac doesn't have warranty and I would like to repair it. What can I do??
Note: I remove the key and see everything fine, but still don't work.
Sorry for my bad english.
Kelvyn.-

Hey KDCruz,
Thanks for the question. Let's see if we can isolate the issue further, the following article has some great troubleshooting steps:
One or more keys on the keyboard do not respond
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1381
Thanks,
Matt M.

Aluminum Keyboard Function Keys don't work correctly

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for