Is using hotkey software required?

[fmcsimmons]

Hi all,

I own a Thinkpad Edge E520 (which I know isn't considered a "real" ThinkPad). As is usually my custom, I did a fresh reinstall of Windows on it. Typically I don't install OEM provided software as it is low quality but Lenovo's seems to be superior.

My questions is whether or not using the hotkey software is required. I know of no other way to enable/disable my wireless other than having the hotkey software installed. On a clean install of Windows, pressing the F9 key (that controls the wireless) does nothing. Only if I install the hotkey software am I able to enable/disable the wireless card.

This is alright, but it would make it hard to use other operating systems that don't have that sofware available (Windows 8 right now for example).

[sarbin]

Welcome to TPF!

The hotkeys pkg is pretty good, so I leave it installed and update it when available.

If you want to try something out, the following link describes a method to use a cmd line to disable or enable a network interface. If they work, you could just create desktop shortcuts and ignore or uninstall hotkeys.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... 39209f5081

hth.