F2 key in Parallels/Windows 7

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Level 3

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F2 key in Parallels/Windows 7

I just got an ultra thin Apple keyboard (Num version). Today I noticed while in Windows and Excel (Bootcamp), the F2 key does NOT bring up the "edit" function. This is a key I used a lot in Excel and would sure like to have that function.

If someone knows how to bring up the edit function, I would appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks

MacBook 3.1 S.R. Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz 4GB, Mac OS X (10.6), IT 8GB-IP 3Gs 32GB-Nano 16GB-21.5 IM

Posted on Dec 29, 2009 6:30 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Kenichi Watanabe

Level 8

41,572 points

Dec 29, 2009 7:13 PM in response to Macaby

Since you are booted into Windows (when using Boot Camp), don't you just use the control panel in Windows or preferences in Excel to designate what F2 does?

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Answer 2

Macaby Author

Level 3

923 points

Dec 30, 2009 10:13 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

I found the answer to my F2 question this morning. On my UltraThin Mac keyboard, the F keys have different assignments than a IBM keyboard. However, there is a Fn key over on the right side that works in conjunction with the F keys and when pressed together (in this case Fn and F2), the result in Bootcamp and Excel brings up the "edit" function.

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Answer 3

Dec 30, 2009 12:22 PM in response to Macaby

That's how you use the F-key function (instead of the special function printed on the keys) under Mac OS X too. I guess the special driver that Apple provides for Windows replicates that functionality.

Note: There is a setting in System Preferences Keyboard pane Keyboard tab that makes the F-keys act as regular F-keys (instead of the special function keys) under Mac OS X. You should check in the Windows control panels to see if there is a similar setting on the Windows side that does the same thing. Then, you may not need to use the fn key along with F2 to do that function.

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Answer 4

Macaby Author

Level 3

923 points

Dec 30, 2009 1:50 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Kenichi Watanabe wrote:

Note: There is a setting in System Preferences Keyboard pane Keyboard tab that makes the F-keys act as regular F-keys (instead of the special function keys) under Mac OS X. You should check in the Windows control panels to see if there is a similar setting on the Windows side that does the same thing. Then, you may not need to use the fn key along with F2 to do that function.

The setting within OS X preferences did switch the functions of the F keys in Mac. However, that setting doesn't have anything to do within Parallels, nor can I find anything that would remap the F keys in Windows.

However, now that I know how to switch the the Fn key, it's not a problem.

Thanks...

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