Remapping special function keys

Hello,
I have a new Penryn MacBook Pro and I like the new special function keys for Expose, Dashboard, and audio controls. However, I use the Expose "Application Windows" command far more often than the Expose "All Windows" command, which is mapped to the F3 key here. Does anyone know how I can map the F3 special function to "Application Windows" instead?
I have the "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" preference disabled because I rarely use the true function keys and would like to continue using the special functions with a single keypress. Also, I know I can map the All Windows command to fn-F3, but I'd rather just press F3 if possible.
I'd prefer to do this without installing a third party extension, but I'm not opposed to editing a config file from the command line if necessary.
Thanks in advance.
-Arlo

Well, I haven't figured out a way to do this. I looked into DoubleCommand, but based on the screen shots I don't think it can do it (or change my right-option key back to an Enter key, which I would also like to do). And the release notes mention a lot of kernel panics, so I didn't want to deal with that. I also looked at Ukelele (sic), but its user manual explicitly states that it can't change to special function keys (and also isn't fully supported under Leopard).
What I ended up doing is changing the keyboard shortcut for Expose - Application Windows to fn-F3, and Expose - Desktop to fn-F4. So now I can access the three Expose commands and Dashboard with the F3 and F4 keys, with and without the fn. That lets me access those commands with one hand, and frees up my F8-F12 keys for the occasional Word or Flash keyboard shortcut.

Similar Messages

Satellite U840W/001 W8 Fn+Z not working in Special Function Key Mode

Hi,
I realised that the Fn+Z does not work when my Special Functions Key mode is on i.e: when I can control the volume by just pressing F9 without pressing the Fn button.
However, when the Special Function Keys Mode is off (& I have to press Fn with the F# buttons to control the volume), only then does the Fn+Z switch the keyboard backlight on & off.
When I open my function key program, the only option available is to either switch the notification settings on/off. There's no timer control or anything useful on it.
My BIOS does not have any keyboard backlight setting, only the option to use the normal Fn+F# or to use the special function key mode.
Please help me.
Thanks

>I realised that the Fn+Z does not work when my Special Functions Key mode is on i.e: when I can control the volume by just pressing F9 without pressing the Fn button.
Hmm in my case using Windows 7, the Fn + Z works even if the Special Functions Key mode is enabled. But I cannot say for sure how it works running Win 8
On Satellite U940 with Win 8, the Fn + Z works properly too (Special Functions Key mode ON)

Satellite L850 - Special function key not working properly

Hi Everyone,
I had Satellite L850 (pskg8a-07f001) running windows 8 64 bite for just 2 months.
Just within this week, the special function key not working, each time I start the pc, i have to go into toshiba desktop assist then function key then click ok, it will working.
But the touch pad has been set as enabled, also under keyboard setting has been set as special function mode. But don't know why each time start the pc have to go into function key box then click ok.
When I bought it everything is ok, i can use the special function key to turn up and down the volume and disable wireless...etc
Please advise. Thks a lot!

Take a look here:
Function key changes in Satellite and Qosmio 800 series
http://aps2.toshiba-tro.de/kb0/TSB2903E00000R01.htm
You can use the traditional FN + F key mode or just an F key mode.
This can be enabled and disabled in BIOS or the HWSetup
In BIOS go to Advanced -> System configuration -> Function key mode
This mode can be changed
Also be sure that Function Button option is enabled too

HP Pavilion Laptop; Only Special Function Keys are Working

I got my first HP laptop, a HP Pavilion 17-e049wm Notebook, refurbished a few months ago when my original quit out. Until recently, I've been more than happy with its performance. However, a few weeks ago the keyboard started acting both weird and also not working. I'll try to provide as much information as I can, and thank you in advance for your assistance!
Circumstances before the event:
-The night before, my keyboard worked one hundred percent fine. I played some games and went to sleep with it closed and hibernating like I always have. The next morning, I took it up with me to play music as I showered. Before I'm accused of water-damaging it, my laptop was very far from shower, so no direct water contact occured, and also we shower with the door open, so there was no build up of steam or humidity that could've done it that couldn't be present in any other situation. I knew that it worked that morning, as I must have logged in to play my music. After closing it and bringing it to my car (without drops or any other jarring), I learned a few hours later that my keyboard had stopped working.
-My house doesn't have internet and I havn't recently installed anything, so it's doubtful that some kind of software did it to me.
What the keyboard does(n't do):
-Almost every key doesn't work. The letters, esc, enter, shifts, fn, numberpad, caps lock, etc. I've tried them each, and none work.
-There are two exclusions to the above statement:
-The 'special' function keys; All of the keys that share space with my function keys work fine. So my mute, pause, change display, brightness controls, help shortcut, airplane mode, etc. work. So everything from F1 to F12 work.
-Before anyone assumes that my fn key is stuck or something, the special part is the default. On my keyboard, you hold down the fn key to do the normal fn key functions (f11 skips to the next song, fn+f11 does fullsrceen).
-Also, I'm not sure if my 'normal' functions work. I tried holding fn on this USB keyboard and then the f# keys, but the 'special' function still is the one that works. However, as I have no control, I don't know if that would have happened anyways.
-The second exception, which makes me doubt that it is a hardware problem, is that if I hold 'X' and 'C' at the same time, the brightness lowers, as if I tapped my f2 key. Each of those do nothing on their own, but when pushed together, they act identical to the f2.
-Another thing is that my ported keyboard's caps lock indicator light still shines when either the USB or on-screen's caps lock keys are used.
What I've tried:
-Turn it off and back on
-Turn it off, take out battery, hold the power button, wait, turn on with/without battery
-Uninstall keyboard driver, restart
-Summoning a demon
-Tried to update driver (can't, up-to-date)
-Check status through device manager (claims that it's running fine)
I've basically tried everything I could find that seemed relatively useful from browsing the forums, but it's on my third week keyboardless, nothing works, and I'm so tired of using my girlfriends pretty, sparkling and bedazzled, purple USB keyboard from her days in middle school. If nothing works, I'll have to resort to the system resets and lose applications and my files, which would be a mad bummer yo.
Thank you again for your help, internet.

@cbowman08 ,
Hello and thank you so much for posting on the HP support forums. Now please I am not stating you have done anything wrong in any way. This kind of thing happens all the time.
You do not need a bunch of steam to cause an issue with water for one thing.
Inside your notebook is a huge differential in temperature zones. If you take a notebook into a shower room even if your water is slightly above room temp there is ample moisture in the air.
Air has to travel and if your notebook was on the counter and it is between your shower and the door, any moisture in the air gets to get heated way up and then gets to cool way down and gather on the little metal bits in your notebook.
It only takes one drop of water the size of a pin head to bridge a connection and cause a short.
I hope this is not the case. I am hoping that the connection cable for your keyboard has come loose.
So to see if this is just a loose connection instead of a bit of moisture causing the issue here is a link to your maintenance guide,
Maintenance and Service Guide
This will show you have to get your system apart to check they keyboard connection.
As well here is a link to how to gain access to the keyboard and its connection.
HP Pavilion 17 Replace Keyboard HDD SSD Ram New Model Laptop.
Check to make sure the keyboard cable didnt just come loose. Very easy fix. If it is connected and nothing is loose then you are looking at a replacement keyboard or if the board did get some moisture on it from condensation then you will need to have it sent in for repair.
If that is the case you will want to contact phone support for repair options.
Please call our technical support at 800-474-6836. If you live outside the US/Canada Region, please click the link below to get the support number for your region. http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assist.html
I am hoping for the keyboard connection coming loose here.
Have a great day and thank you again for posting let me know how it goes.
Please click the "Thumbs Up" on the bottom right of this post to say thank you if you appreciate the support I provide!
Also be sure to mark my post as “Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others who face the same challenge find the same solution.
D5GR
I work on behalf of HP

Special Functions keys not working on Satellite C50 - Windows 8.1

Hello,
Please could someone help me out.
I have a Toshiba Satellite C50-A0393 that I got a few months ago with Windows 8.1 already installed (64 bit). Today I got a message saying I needed to look at the PC Health, a Toshiba blue message concerning the access agreement, and I noticed that there were three upgrades that needed to be done, the only one I can remember being the Toshiba Video Player. I think that another one had to do with the charger light?
I don't know.
But once I restarted my laptop after the updates I noticed that the special function keys were not working (i.e. the volume, mute, pause and play, etc.). i then went onto the Toshiba Desktop Assist and into system settings and selected the keyboard tab. I then made sure the setting for special function mode was selected.
Now, when that setting is in place, certain keys work but for F3, F5, F6, etc and when I want to use the special functions only the volume up and down work when pressing 'Fn', but special function mode is still selected? Only those two work, not the mute or flightmode or bluetooth, which was working normally before the upgrades.
I have googled but cannot find anything specific to 8.1, or not relating to upgrading to 8.1. I cannot find the flashcard utility and do not want to try something where I do not know what I am doing. How can I get these special function keys working again normally? Sorry for the long message but I wanted to give as much info as possible.
Many thanks,
Melanie

Hi
It sounds strange to me that a Toshiba update (Toshiba Video Player, etc) would affect the function key functionality.
Nevertheless the function key (F1-F10) can be used in combination with or without the FN button. This depends on the special function key mode.
In case you want to use the F1-F12 functions without the pressing FN button, the function key mode should be enabled (should be set to special function mode)
Here the full details how it works:
https://aps2.toshiba-tro.de/kb0/HTD2503B90001R01.htm
Now it these buttons would not work even if the FN button has been pressed, then there is some problem with the software.
First of all I would recommend you to set the BIOS to default because this function key mode can be changed in BIOS too.
After that, check if the key would work. If not, reinstall the
Toshiba Function Key Utility
And Toshiba System Driver
You can also check if the essential service has not been disabled.
Start the Task Manager and go to start up items. There you should enable all Toshiba apps and services and then restart.

Special function keys

I want to make my 'F' keys F1, F2, etc (top row on keyboard) perform normally, bypassing the 'special functions'. How, please?

here's a twist for you, I use a legacy application via remote desktop for work. I have to use the function of F13 (shift f1) alot.
the keyboard (aluminum with number pad) doesn't allow me to do that. I have turned on the feature via sys pref to use the f1, f2, etc as normal functions. how do I make the other functions go away while I work?

I've remapped the Function key to show desktop, can't undo.

As the title says, I remapped this key to the show desktop feature. Now when I want to use the function keys I have to use them blind as the windows disappear when I try to use it!
I've reset all keyboard shortcuts in Keyboard. I've made sure that "show desktop" under mission control is not set to function either.
Any ideas?

https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Installing%20Firefox%20on%20Mac
thank you
and this for adobe:
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/908/cpsid_90893.html
thanks again

Remapping the function keys

I make extensive use of the screen shot function "Command—Shift—4" where I can then select an area of the screen and generate a clipped picture. The onset of arthritis has made extensive use of this finger aerobics difficult. As my F5 and F6 function keys are not needed I was hoping there was a way of remapping them to take the Command—Shift—3 and the Command—Shift—4 functions so I just have to hit one key for each of those. Thanks for the input.

Probably not doable, since there's no application menu option that you can choose to reset it via System Preferences->Keyboard->Keyboard Shortcuts. However, there is a Capture Selection From Screen service under Services->Pictures that you could add a shortcut to that might do the trick. You'll have to try it out.

I have an iMac 8.1, OSX 10.6.8 with XP running in Boot Camp partition. My USB keyboard (MB110LL/A) was damaged by water. I ordered a new keyboard from the Apple Store. I was sent model MB110LL/B. Special function keys will not work in XP. Any Ideas?

I have an iMac 8.1, OSX 10.6.8, Boot Camp 3.2 running Windows XP. My original keyboard (MB110LL/A) was damaged by a water spill. I ordered a new one from the Apple Store. They sent me MB110LL/B, function keys need updated drivers (Boot Camp 3.3) which will only install if Windows 7 is installed. I have a large amount of older software that runs under XP but not Windows 7. The Apple support team basically said "too bad". If they replace a keboard model with a new model, they should at least make it backwards compatable or provide a Boot Camp update that will allow this model to work on older iMacs. Reloading Bootcamp 3.3 several times has no effect because it does not detect Windows 7. Any Ideas or help would be appreciated.

It is free. It is beta. It works well - I use it on mine and two PCs as well...
MS Security Essentials will no longer install due to compatibiliity issues - that is the idea of a beta - and the RC could be out in June.
Windows 7 doesn't work great on any Mac, or Apple drivers, fan cvontrol to manage heat, and other issues.
Put 8 in and get to know it, then when the RC comes out you'll be ready

[Solved] Can't remap special sleep key in Gnome 3.4

Hey,
my keyboard has a key that, by default, suspends the computer.
In gnome 3.2 I could remap that key, through gnome-control-center to hibernate instead.
I can still map it that way, but when I press it it still suspends.
Edit: Solved. If anyone has the same problem: I changed a switch with dconf-editor under org.gnome.settings-daemon.power there are several switches for buttons. Changed several from suspend to hibernate -> profit
Last edited by th3voic3 (2012-04-24 17:32:04)

Thanks for the replies. I don't have an xorg.conf file. I tried one (generated by Xorg -configure) in my attempts to fix the problem, but I deleted it when I didn't work.
I'm not at home right now, so I can't get the exact output from xrandr, but I know it showed that the resolution was 1024x768.
When I first installed the system I thought that I needed the xf86-video-s3 driver, but that didn't work (X just ignored it and used vesa) so after a bit of research I found that the driver I needed was xf86-video-savage, which, as you can see from the log file, it is using.
karol, I'll try your suggestion of the UseBIOS option when I get home. The problem in your link looks exactly like mine!

How to disable "special" f-key function on Apple Wireless Keyboard in Windows 7

Hi. I dual-boot my iMac using an Apple Wireless Keyboard. In Mac OS's "Keyboard" system preference pane, I've chosen to treat the F-keys as actual F-keys, and not the "special" function keys, such as volume control and screen brightness. This however does not carry over to the Windows environment.
I cannot find an option to do this on the Windows 7 side. I've tried SharpKeys (popular Windows freeware key-mapping registry editor), however the program doesn't recognize the key being pushed (unless I hold the "Fn" key, at which point, it sees it as the F# key).
To reiterate, I'd like to know how to use the F1 through F12 keys as F1-F12 in Windows 7, without having to use the "Fn" key.

Hi alexia416,
If you would like to use your Apple keyboard in Boot Camp with the standard function keys as the default, you may find the following article helpful:
Boot Camp: Use the function keys on an Apple keyboard
For other keyboard-related Boot Camp issues, this article is also useful:
Boot Camp: About keyboards and key assignment for Microsoft Windows - Apple Support
Regards,
- Brenden

Remapping function keys

Does anyone know how to remap the function keys in Rel. 11i? For example, in Rel. 10.7 character base, f10 was the save key. In Rel. 11i, it's Ctrl S. This is not going to be very acceptable by our data entry people.
Thanks,
Sue Chronister
null

Sue,
Copy $ORACLE_HOME/forms45/admin/resource/US/fmrpcwed.res to say $FND_MOD/resource/fmrweb.res. This file has the Smart Client mapping that you want. You can change the mapping if you wish. Compare this file to the Standard NCA mapping which is $ORACLE_HOME/forms45/admin/resource/US/fmrweb.res. In your html login file (eg testdb.html), you can map it to this file by adding:
term=/usr/testdb/10.7/nca/fnd_mod/1.0.0/resource/fmrweb.res or where your $FND_MOD/resource/fmrweb.res is. You add it at ....FNDSCSGN/userid=APPLSYSPUB/PUB&TESTDB fndnam=APPS term=/usr/..../fmrweb.res.
Hope this helps.
Rgs,
Paul Thien
DBS Consulting
Melbourne
Victoria
Australia
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sue Chronister ([email protected]):
Does anyone know how to remap the function keys in Rel. 11i? For example, in Rel. 10.7 character base, f10 was the save key. In Rel. 11i, it's Ctrl S. This is not going to be very acceptable by our data entry people.
Thanks,
Sue Chronister <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
null

How can I use Automator to toggle the Function Keys?

I am trying to create a Automated process to toggle the Function Keys on my keyboard. This is because I use several programs, including After Effects, which use the F1-12 keys, but when I am not using that program I commonly use the Apple-defined shortcuts on the keyboard. I have a full-sized keyboard, hence no Fn key. So that's out right away – I've read several comments on this topic where people suggested that this is the ONLY option. I refuse to beleive that.
Automator contains a "Watch Me Do" feature, which I have tried to use to record this process. Problem is, it never clicks the right object. If I record clicking the dock, the magnification (I suspect) throws off the virtual-controlled mouse and picks the wrong object. If I record the Apple Menu route, it gets it about 1/2 the time.
I think what I'm really looking for is a console command I can feed into the Terminal which toggles the keys. It seems to be that this HAS to be an option, even if it is more than one line of commands. I believe if I can feed this process into Automator, it would work.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance, Mac Geniuses!

iKey lets you define function keys per application. You seem to want to turn on & off the defined apple keys. Not sure if these keyboard re-mappers will do the trick.
Here is my other most favored application. Of course, I haven't checked these out in newer OS's. I'm a Tiger man myself.
iKey is a front end program that simulates typing and mouse movements. I use iKey to remap the Function keys.
"iKey is an automation utility, a program that creates shortcuts to accomplish repetitive tasks. In essence, an iKey shortcut is a little program in its own right, but you don't need to know the first thing about programming to create an iKey shortcut. All you have to do is put together three necessary parts of a shortcut: One or more commands that give the shortcut its functionality, a context in which it runs, and a launcher that defines how the shortcut is activated."
http://www.scriptsoftware.com/ikey/
iKey has a little more function then the previous free version called youpi key. For many years, I used youpi key before switching to iKey. It works fairly well for me in MAC OS 10.4 although not officially supported. The youpi key download is hard to find & no longer here.
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/11485&vid=75326
( Send me a message for a copy of youpi key. )
*Examples:*
I have the common programs that I use assigned to function keys. I have F4 assigned to Firefox. When I want to start FireFox, I press F4. When I want to switch to firefox, I press F4! Starting & switching to an application in Mac OS are the same thing in Mac OS.
Here is an example of to assign volumn control to a function key.
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=10361085#10361085
Here is my script for listing my application folder. I have it assigned to function-key 6.
tell application "Finder"
   open folder "Applications" of startup disk
   select Finder window 1
   set bounds of Finder window 1 to {-3, 44, 691, 545}
   --set position of Finder window 1 to {33, 44}
   set position of Finder window 1 to {60, 45}
   activate
end tell
The second portion of this script was generated in the script editor record mode. After I recorded the script and did some editing, I copy the script to ikey/youpi key.
Full Key Codes
http://download.cnet.com/Full-Key-Codes/3000-2094_4-44175.html
Spark
"Spark is a powerful, and easy Shortcuts manager. With Spark you can create Hot Keys to launch applications and documents, execute AppleScript, command iTunes, and more... You can also export and import your Hot Keys library, or save it in HTML format to print it. Spark is free, so use it without moderation!"
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/22675
Mac OS X remap or rename keyboard keys
by vivek
So how do you remap or rename keyboard keys under Mac OS X?
Simply use DoubleCommand software. It is a free program
http://theos.in/apple/download-doublecommand-to-remap-keyboard-keys/
Keyboard Maestro is a powerful macro program for Mac OS X (including Tiger and Leopard) which has received glowing reviews. Keyboard Maestro will take your Macintosh experience to a new level in “Ease of Use”. With Keyboard Maestro you can design a custom action sequence with your own shortcuts and use them at any time, you can navigate through running applications and open windows with Program Switcher, and you can work with an unlimited number of clipboards - all by pressing simple keystrokes.
http://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/
"Spark is a powerful, and easy Shortcuts manager. With Spark you can create Hot Keys to launch applications and documents, execute AppleScript, command iTunes, and more... You can also export and import your Hot Keys library, or save it in HTML format to print it. Spark is free, so use it without moderation"
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/22675

Windows 7 Brightness and Function key not Working Properly

i have HP 15-af024AU APU Quad Core A8-7410 - (4 GB DDR3,1 TB HDD) Noteboook and it came with windows 8.1 preinstalled than i installed windows 7 ultimate.
i have problem in Display Brightness i am not able to change Brightness by function key or by manually from windows settings.
2. my Function key are not working properly . all key are fliped whiout holding function key it work as function key. 3. bluetooth is not working when i search for new device not able to find any available discouable bluetooth device. 4. wireless button software is not wokring in windows 7 i already updated my bios that available in drivers support and install alll drivers too properly so please give proper drivers for windows 7 for this product that works perfect.

Sorry that driver didn't work. You can try this graphics driver and if that doesn't work, unfortunately, I won't be able to help you with that issue. This package provides the AMD High-Definition (HD) Graphics Driver and Catalyst Control Center for supported notebook models that are running a supported operating system. For notebooks with switchable graphics modes, this package includes drivers for both graphics processing units (GPUs). Switchable graphics enable users to switch between a power-saving graphics mode (normally used under battery power) and a high-performance graphics mode. If high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) video output is supported, this package also installs the HDMI Audio Driver. File name: sp71253.exe As far as the Fn keys being 'flipped,' I have no idea what you mean by that, or what to do about it. Did you install the software that controls the funtion keys? This package contains the HP System Event Utility, which enables special function keys on supported notebook models to be programmed. For example, HP System Event Utility enables users to press the Fn+ESC keys to view system information. This software works with the supported operating systems. File name: sp71156.exe

Toshiba Satellite C850-F12S Function Keys not working

I recently formatted my laptop after the OS was corrupted by a virus and reinstalled windows 7 but now my Function keys that enable me to adjust brightness, volume and turn on wireless are not functioning, They only work when in BIOS setup and even when I tried to enable them to be standard F1-12 or special function keys they still dont work after starting windows. This computer has no flash cards for toshiba and i dont know which drivers to look for for this specific model. I also lost toshiba eco-utility and its player. How do i get all this back without losing my data?I have partitioned my hard disk.

Hi Eldorado
Thanks for your suggestion. Have done as you said but still have the problem.
I've managed to get rid of the TouchED error dialogue by uninstalling the Touchpad on/off utility, but I can't get the function keys to work again. The problem appears to be that the Common Modules drivers are not reinstalling properly - the software (thotkey.exe) that operates these has to be within this. I have tried extracting the cab files for the Common Modules but nothing with let me into Toshiba's cab files to see if they are there so that I can copy them across manually.
I can live without the function keys on my machine, but this is a pain - especially when I'm sure the problem has a simple solution.
Cheers
David

Remapping special function keys

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