Mapping a new keyboard

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Mapping a new keyboard

Recently we replaced the original keyboard with the new (wired) mini keyboard, and while it works perfectly to type, the entire top row (FN keys) doesn't work. Is there a way to make it work like a keyboard driver to download?

Imac 800 mhz, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Dec 16, 2009 3:30 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 16, 2009 4:14 AM in response to lostduck

They probably work as regular F-keys, correct? So you don't mean that they do nothing; you probably mean they do not perform the special functions printed on them. According to the product listing for the +Apple Keyboard+

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB869LL/A

it requires +Mac OS X v10.5.6 or later+. If you use 10.4.11 as shown in your profile, the special driver for that keyboard is probably not present. Therefore, those function keys probably work as regular F-keys, but not has the special function keys.

Note: You can use System Preferences Keyboard pane +Keyboard Shortcuts+ pane to assign some functions to the F-keys.

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Answer 2

lostduck Author

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Dec 16, 2009 6:06 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Thank you, is it possible to add a shortcut to increase/decrease volume with the keyboard?

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Answer 3

Dec 16, 2009 6:24 PM in response to lostduck

Although the current product description says Leopard or later, I did find this driver installer

http://support.apple.com/downloads/KeyboardSoftware_Update_12

It says "Install this software to take advantage of your aluminum Apple Keyboard's special features." And it is for +Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later+.

So maybe your keyboard will work with Tiger after all. If it does with your aluminum keyboard, look on the Keyboard pane in System Preferences. There should be a checkbox that controls whether the F-keys are used as regular F-keys, or as the special (printed) function keys.

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