FN + F3 button not actually muting system volume

Question

Level 1

4 points

FN + F3 button not actually muting system volume

When I wish to mute my computer, I would press FN + F3 to mute my system volume. The display in the middle of the machine displays the mute icon and zero notches on the indicator. The System volume indicator next to the clock display is also displaying the "muted" icon. But, the system volume is not actually muted. In order to do that, I have to press the FN+F3 key combo twice more (once to bring the vol back up again, and once to mute it again) for it to actually "stick" to mute. Why is this happening? Thanks!

MBP 15", Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jan 25, 2007 10:26 AM

Reply

Answer 1

iVmichael

Level 6

13,740 points

Jan 25, 2007 3:14 PM in response to matt.mendick

Why are you using the [fn] key modifier, [f3] alone will mute?

Reply

Answer 2

matt.mendick Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 26, 2007 10:09 PM in response to iVmichael

Unfortunately that doesn't work, I need the fn modifier for the volume keys to work, as well as the brightness keys, and numlock. Thanks for the post though

Reply

Answer 3

iVmichael

Level 6

13,740 points

Jan 27, 2007 5:01 AM in response to matt.mendick

If [f3] alone isn't muting ...

Open System Preferences/Keyboard & Mouse
Click the Keyboard Tab
Uncheck "Use the f1-f12 keys to control software features"
Close the panel

Hit [f3]

Reply

Answer 4

matt.mendick Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 28, 2007 10:52 AM in response to iVmichael

Well, I was under the assumption that it was a matter of preference - because when I want to use Expose [f9] to bring all my windows into view, I now have to press the [fn] modifier, where as before changing the settings as you noted, I did not have to. Is it an "either or" situation? Also, why would it matter if I have to press the [fn] key or not, it's activating the muting feature well enough, but the muting feature is not actually making the necessary system changes. Just a couple of questions - thanks for your input!

Reply

Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Jan 28, 2007 6:24 PM in response to matt.mendick

The setting mentioned is an either or.

fn key must be pressed for the F-keys to act as their non-F-key commands specific to the notebook such as audio, brightness, keyboard lightning when you fill in the checkbox.

fn key won't have to be pressed if that checkbox is not filled in.

It really depends which functions of the keys are more important to you.

Reply

Answer 6

Jan 29, 2007 1:59 AM in response to a brody

i think that you are all misundersanding what the real issue is.. The problem isnt whether or not the fn key has to be pushed or not.. the problem is that when he tries to mute the mac. it doesnt react the first time the mute button is pressed... the graphics on the screen might indicate that it is muted but the sign in the menu bar says its not.. its only upon the second try that it actually mutes the machine... am i right... i think i have the same problem..

Reply

Answer 7

a brody

Level 10

85,314 points

Jan 29, 2007 3:35 AM in response to Hedegaard

This might happen if you have more than one output device connected. It may not know which item you are muting.

Reply

Answer 8

matt.mendick Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 1, 2007 4:37 PM in response to matt.mendick

Right, the fn key really doesn't seem to be the issue for me. But I only have one output device, and those would be the external speakers. All the visual cues seem to tell me that it's muted, and then, something makes a noise, and it's not. I should add, that when an application does make play a sound, I see that the system volume has been returned to it's original value, before my first attempt at muting it.

Reply