Switch Eject Key to do the Delete Function on Windows XP

Question

Level 1

32 points

Switch Eject Key to do the Delete Function on Windows XP

This is for my dad who tried to switch from Windows XP to Mac OS X. We tried the one-on-one lessons and tried many other ways to "convert" him but the damage has been done and is pretty deep. A year later he still wants to use XP (and hates that there is no key assigned for the Delete button which he loves to use when he used XP). So, I installed a full version of XP SP3 and turned the mac to do what a Dell would do. And saved him $700. Everything works fine. One problem remains... no delete button.

Question: Is there a way that I can assign the Eject button (which he does not use, nor will ever use, nor will ever understand why it is even there) to do the infamous Delete button's job??

This is on Black Macbook.

I am sure this topic has been discussed previously so if you can just guide me to the link where these topics are resolved I would really really really appreciate it. If I put it in google I am not sure how to word it correctly to actually get me there without getting me to Microsoft's webpage or other completely unrelated sites.

MacBook Air, Macbook, Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6)

Posted on Jan 5, 2010 8:47 AM

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Answer 1

Avai

Level 1

8 points

Jan 5, 2010 10:42 AM in response to solar

I've looked for this as well, but couldn't find anything.

I looked into having the button call a macro to use the right arrow and backspace keys in succession. I can get that functionality assigned to an external USB keypad, but I don't know how to map it to the eject key on my Apple keyboard.

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Answer 2

Pedro

Level 2

460 points

Jan 5, 2010 2:38 PM in response to solar

A full size Apple keyboard was my answer for both the iMac and the MacBook Pro.

My new iMac came with the new truncated Apple keyboard. Using Windows7, I immediately hated that keyboard because of the missing keys which Windows needs.

I have a couple of spare Apple aluminium full-size keyboards so it was a no-brainer to switch.

The Eject key is pretty handy for ejecting DVDs and thumb drives and my advice is to keep it unchanged. Saves us a trip to Explorer to eject a drive.

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Answer 3

solar Author

Level 1

32 points

Jan 5, 2010 3:16 PM in response to Pedro

Are you serious or are you kidding?

The whole point is to keep the current keyboard and switch one button on it NOT to add more pain to my troubles for one single key. I get your point for a full-size keyboard on a desktop mac like the iMac. However, it makes no sense to use it on a macbook or any apple mobile computer. It requires to use one out of two very precious USB ports and you need extra space in order to type on it.

Imagine using your iMac on the airplane with a full-size keyboard!!! I am not trying to be mean but your answer is quite illogical and perhaps irrelevant.

I need the eject button to become the delete button. I prefer the trip to the Explorer, can you help me now to remap the keyboard? and also keep my current keyboard. If you can't help me then don't respond.

Thanks

Message was edited by: diiimitri

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Answer 4

solar Author

Level 1

32 points

Jan 5, 2010 3:08 PM in response to Avai

Where did you look? Did you look on the forums on here? or Forums elsewhere? What kind of keywords did you search for?

I really think this can be done we just need to find people who have previously done it. It would even make sense for Apple to set the Eject button as a Delete button and use the fn+del to actually Eject.

If there were a timer to count how many times each key has been pressed in the life of the computer the Eject button must be somewhere between 10-15 times PLUS 10 times more when I thought it would work but it didn't and I kept pressing it. Useless key.

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