Combination Fn F# Doesn't Work

[jefflz]

I cannot seem to make the combination of Fn plus any function key work. Even the Fn plus magnifier doesn't work. I get the following message when Fn + F7 are pressed.

"Pressing F7 turns Caret Browsing on or off. This feature places a moveable cursor in web pages, allowing you to select text with the keyboard. Do you want to turn Caret Browsing on?"

Any suggestions?
T60p Type 8744 with Windows XP Pro


Thanks in advance.
Jeff

[yak]

The message you mention pops up if you press F7 (just one key) in Firefox. Are you sure your Fn key works properly?

Things to test:
The Fn+Space, the magnifier you mention, is software based so rather than that, check the ThinkLight (Fn+PageUp) or screen brightness (Fn+Top, Fn+Bottom) first, both of which are handled by BIOS so they should always work.

If it doesn't work, test the Fn key itself. The best way to do this is to go into the Standby mode (not hibernate, this is important) and press it. Pressing Fn while in Standby wakes up the laptop.

Let us know how it went.

[jefflz]

The message you mention pops up if you press F7 (just one key) in Firefox. Are you sure your Fn key works properly?

Things to test:
The Fn+Space, the magnifier you mention, is software based so rather than that, check the ThinkLight (Fn+PageUp) or screen brightness (Fn+Top, Fn+Bottom) first, both of which are handled by BIOS so they should always work.
.
Let us know how it went.

The combination only moves the page to the top. No light; no screen brightness; No startup from Standby by pressing Fn.
Now what?

[rkawakami]

Keyboard replacement under warranty (I would assume being a new-ish system) if you'd rather not troubleshoot further. Otherwise, you might try pulling the entire keyboard off and re-seat it and see if that helps. Refer to the Hardware Maintenance Manual for the proper procedure:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 62733.html

If not covered by a warranty, then you might try prying up the keycap and see if there's something that can be cleaned, re-sat or otherwise fixed (probably a low probability but worth a try anyway). There is a possibility of making the problem worse (i.e., actually breaking the key assembly, but if you're going to buy another one, what's the difference ). After that, source another keyboard from the Marketplace, Lenovo, eBay, etc.

You might also try downloading PC Doctor for DOS for your system:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-56222 (bootable CD image)

and run the Interactive/Keyboard test. Word of warning: testing the Fn key requires several presses and/or holding it down for a second or two; all of the other keys will respond immediately to the keyboard test.

[jefflz]

You might also try downloading PC Doctor for DOS for your system:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-56222 (bootable CD image)

and run the Interactive/Keyboard test. Word of warning: testing the Fn key requires several presses and/or holding it down for a second or two; all of the other keys will respond immediately to the keyboard test.

I downloaded the bootable PCDR and the diagnostic failed to light up the Fn key even with long hold down or multiple pressing. All other keys lit up. Machine is still under 3yr warrantee but it is a pain to send it back - already replaced LCD- in year one

Admin edit: Corrected "quote" tags

[Harryc]

The keyboard is a customer replaceable unit (CRU). Lenovo ships you a new keyboard, you replace it, then ship back the old one.

[jefflz]

The keyboard is a customer replaceable unit (CRU). Lenovo ships you a new keyboard, you replace it, then ship back the old one.

Thanks for this information Harry. This sounds ideal. I will check with Lenovo to see what I need to do. I had the keyboard out of my old T40 and it is not at all hard to manage.

[jefflz]

Thanks for all the useful comments. I ordered under warranty a keyboard replacement unit on 12/10 AM and it arrived by overnight air this morning and in ten minutes I installed the new keyboard without problem. Lenovo support was terrific and so is this forum.

Thanks again.