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Q: Wireless Keyboard Function Keys Not Working

I recently bought a wireless keyboard and am using it with an iMac running 10.5.8.

The function keys don't work, for example F12 brings up Dashboard instead of increasing the volume, F8 brings up Spaces etc.

I've unticked "Use all F1, F2 etc. keys as standard function keys" and have tried installing the Mighty Mouse update and Wirless Keyboard update 2.0 to no avail.

 

Any help in fixing the issue would be greatly appreciated.

WIreless Keyboard, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Apr 13, 2012 10:51 PM

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Q: Wireless Keyboard Function Keys Not Working

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  • by Barry Hemphill,

    Barry Hemphill Barry Hemphill Apr 14, 2012 3:54 AM in response to thecite2
    Level 8 (38,062 points)
    Peripherals
    Apr 14, 2012 3:54 AM in response to thecite2

    Hello:

     

    The update you mention (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3932) should address your issue.

     

    First, I would delete the keyboard in system preferences, restart, and have the system discover the KB.

     

    I would try trashing preference files and restarting.

     

    Begin with com.apple.bluetooth.plist.  Then look in your preferences and trash anything that has "keyboard" in it.

     

    Barry

  • by sandro-qc-ca,

    sandro-qc-ca sandro-qc-ca Apr 29, 2012 10:10 AM in response to Barry Hemphill
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 29, 2012 10:10 AM in response to Barry Hemphill

    Hi,

     

    I have the exact same issue: I'm running OSX 10.5.8 and the "Apple Wireless Keyboard Update 2.0" does not resolve my problem with the "fn" key. The "fn" key simply does not work. For example I cannot adjust volume regardless of whether or not this key is pressed. Also, I cannot perform a "del" action, which is normally "fn" + "delete" keys combined. The "delete" key only performs backspace action, whether or not my "fn" key is pressed.

     

    I have tried removing the keyboard from the bluetooth devices and adding it again to no avail. I also tried deleting the com.apple.Bluetooth.plist in the preferences folder, rebooting, adding the keyboard, and finally installing the 2.0 update. Still no difference; the keyboard gets recognized properly, but the "fn" key does not work.

     

    This is driving me nuts, any help would be appreciated.

     

    Thanks.

     

    Sandro

  • by sandro-qc-ca,

    sandro-qc-ca sandro-qc-ca Apr 29, 2012 10:19 AM in response to Barry Hemphill
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 29, 2012 10:19 AM in response to Barry Hemphill

    Just read this thread: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3590058

     

    Seems I could be facing the same problem since my keyboard has that same F4 key with the six squares on it. Can it be that this keyboard requires a min OSX of 10.6.8 ?

  • by Pedro Dentzien,

    Pedro Dentzien Pedro Dentzien Jul 18, 2012 10:27 AM in response to sandro-qc-ca
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 18, 2012 10:27 AM in response to sandro-qc-ca

    Hi all,

     

    I'm having the same problem. I have an i7 macbook pro with OSX 10.7.4.

     

    I just found out that OSX recognizes my BT keyboard as a keyboard with a Numeric keypad. In the numeric keypad keyboard, there is no FN key, as all the keys are present and there is no need to modifier keys.

     

    Pressing the FN key on the BT keyboard shows the keys being modified on the Keyboard viewer - so the keyboard is working, but the software does not recognize the modified keys.

     

    My guess is some Mac update or another app I installed messed this up, as it was working fine a month ago.

     

    There is no update available in my case, so I'm guessing I'll have to find some config file that does the trick...

     

    I'll let you know if I find anything.

     

    Regards,

     

    Pedro

  • by gavd_UK,

    gavd_UK gavd_UK Dec 11, 2015 4:24 AM in response to thecite2
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 11, 2015 4:24 AM in response to thecite2