topic Re: Fn (function) keys not working in PCs & Accessories

Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:38 GMT

Gentlemen,

I have a new problem! During an install of Norton Internet Security 2010 (previous versions always fine for me) Symantec took control of my laptop and, I am sure, made some adjustments to my registry (I think) to improve my Boot time. I think they also deleted my 'prefetch' file(s). Since then my Fn function keys are not working and I have 'lost' my bluetooth icon from the taskbar (allowed me to switch bluetooth on/off - it's on all time now).

Can you help me please?

Thank you,

Gyron

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

Blencogo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:40:33 GMT

Hi Gyron,

Unfortunately NIS 2010 is very new so not many will have tried it. I personally hate programs like this (and Vista) that seem to think they know what is best for your PC without letting you know what they are doing. But ignore me - I am very anti Norton.

It sounds like it is blocking all the Sony Utilities.

I can only make three suggestions: -

1. Uninstall Norton and get a good IS product. No honestly, get the Norton Uninstaller Tool and uninstall it. Then, when you are sure it has been all removed, reinstall it and say NO to all the automatic features offered during the install.

2. Try reinstalling the Utilities that control the FN keys and see if they start working again without uninstalling Norton.

3. Go to the Norton main screen and try disabling all the fancy features like 'SONAR Protection' and 'Insight Protection' and see what happens.

Good Luck - but wait to see if Rich has any suggestions - he is usually up on these things.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:52:05 GMT

Hello Blencogo,

Thanks for reply.
I have managed to 'reconnect' taskbar icon that sorts the bluetooth problem.

How do I reinstall the Fn key utility - where do I find it pleae

Thanks again

Regards,

Gyron

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

Blencogo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:01:48 GMT

Try reinstalling the Utilities first.

You will find them in C:\Utilities, C:\Utils or on your Recovery Dosc in C:\Utilities.

Failing that you can download them from here: -

Z1_Utilities.zip

I think you need to run the Hotkey Utility but you may need the others starting with the SonyUtils, then the Sony Shared Library etc.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

Blencogo — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:10:00 GMT

Thinking about it, it is likely that Norton has stopped these Utilities from running automatically at startup to try to speed up boot time.

Try clicking on Start -> Run and type MSCONFIG into the run box and press enter. Click on the Startup Tab and see if Hotkey.EXE is set to run automatically at boot. If it has been disabled - then re-enable it.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:02:45 GMT

Hello Blencogo,

Apologies for delay in responding to your last message in reply to my problem, Grandparent duties!

Yes, you were quite right, the utilities in question, Fn & Bluetooth controls, had indeed been switched off in the Startup menu. Having switched them on they now appear to be working fine except for one - the screen switching facility. This is the Fn control (F7 on my machine), that allows you to switch between an auxilliary moniter and the laptop LCD screen. Will have to try and sort this one out in due course.

Thank you again.

Kind regards,

Gyron

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

Blencogo — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:15:42 GMT

Good luck Gyron. I'm sure you will sort it in the end.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:13:12 GMT

Hi Blencogo,

I wish I had your confidence!!

The screen switch toggle (F7) is an interesting one - it appears to be the only one not working now.

The manual says, quote; 'this function can only be used by the first user to log in, it will not work if you have switched to another user account'

I am the only user and listed as the administrator in the computer 'user accounts', so what's that all about I wonder! The screen switching facility used to work fine.

Kind regards,

Gyron

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

rich912 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:55:49 GMT

Hi Gyron,

Blencogo was spot on with his diagnosis of the problems you listed, i.e. startup programs disabled by Norton 2010.

You may find that the loss of functionality of the Fn + F7 key is also related to a disabled startup program as the hardware relies on both the Sony utility and the ancillary graphics software.

If you have an ATI graphics chip then make sure that both atiptaxx.exe and ati2mdxx.exe are enabled at startup.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:24:19 GMT

Hello Rich,

Thank you for input to my latest 'problem'.

Tried switching atiptaxx.exe and ati2mdxx.exe 'on' in the Start Up list to no avail. I then switched all the Start Up items on to try that (so I could eliminate culprit) also to no avail!!

Could the statement in the 'manual' - 'this function can only be used by the first user to log in, it will not work if you have switched to another user account' - be some sort of clue?

I do know that both Symantec and BT, when hey had 'control' of my laptop for various problems, started in Safe Mode. Could this action have switched either of them to the 'First User'?

For info I am (was?) the Administrator and no other accounts are active on laptop.

I have to go to daghters in Surrey now 'till tomorrow afternoon but would still greatly appreciate any help/input.

Kindest regards,

Gyron

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

rich912 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:52:42 GMT

Hi Gyron,

I do know that both Symantec and BT, when hey had 'control' of my laptop for various problems, started in Safe Mode. Could this action have switched either of them to the 'First User'?

As you say that you are the only user and that you have administrator privileges I doubt that this is the problem.

You could however check in Control Panel -> User Accounts that yours is the only account listed and turn off the Guest Account to be certain.

There is one other thing that you could check...

Open Windows Task Manager and on the Processes tab see whether ati2evxx.exe is running. This is the executable for the Ati Hotkey Poller.

If you find that it is not listed under running processes then click on Start -> Run and type Services.msc into the run box and press enter. Scroll down to Ati Hotkey Poller and double click on it. On the General tab select Startup type as Automatic and then click Apply.

You could then (on the same tab) try starting the service but if this fails to work then re-boot.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:01:09 GMT

Hello Rich,

Thank you for reply and apologies for not replying earlier - extra day at daughters gardening!

You were correct, ati2evxx.exe was not shown as running in the Task Manager/Processes window. Modifying Hotkey Poller in Services.msc/General tab and a re-boot have fixed the problem. Fn+F7 now works perfectly.

Thank you so very much once again, great job. What would we do without you gentlemen out there to help us!!

For my own satisfaction, what do you think caused this to facility to be 'switched off'?

Thanks once again,

Kind regards,

Gyron

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

rich912 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:41:19 GMT

Hi Gyron,

I’m pleased to hear that the problem is solved

For my own satisfaction, what do you think caused this to facility to be 'switched off'?

I suspect that, as Blencogo suggested, Norton turned off anything it didn’t consider necessary. I am also very anti Norton and for that matter of any programme that makes changes to your system without clearly detailing the changes made or providing a transparent roll-back facility.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:58:29 GMT

Hello Rich,

Thank you for that. Yes I understand and agree with what you say re. software auto switching 'things' off without clearly detailing what they are about to do.

Regarding Norton, I suppose its 'the devil you know' syndrome. However. when my current subscription runs out I will have a look around for an good alternative. Any suggestions what would be a good Firewall/Virus Protection Package alternative, or should I not be asking that sort of 'sensitive' question here?

Kind regards,

Gyron

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

rich912 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:01:04 GMT

Hi Gyron,

My apologies for the delay in responding.

Regarding Norton, I suppose its 'the devil you know' syndrome. However. when my current subscription runs out I will have a look around for an good alternative. Any suggestions what would be a good Firewall/Virus Protection Package alternative, or should I not be asking that sort of 'sensitive' question here?

This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many variables and we all have our own preferences.

I personally prefer to use a firewall that uses very little system resource as I am behind a NAT router that will take care of incoming threats (but not outgoing if your PC is infected).

I am over cautions about what I install on my main PC and very careful with my browsing. Also, I have installed Spyware Blaster that will warn you if the site you are browsing poses a known threat.

Bloated Antivirus programmes are possibly the major cause of poor performance and in my opinion one of the major offenders are Norton.

Taking the above into account I would recommend either Kaspersky or AVG Internet Security.

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

Thalamus. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:52:48 GMT

Hi Gyron,

Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 is my choice, the 3-user version is currently on offer in PC world/Currys for £23.99, and includes a 3-user version of Tune up utilities

Re: Fn (function) keys not working

gyron1 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:16:58 GMT

Thanks for reply Thalamus & Rich,

I understand what you say about Norton, it certainly does seem to slow down my laptop quite considerably, especially start-up.

I will have a close look at Kaspersky Internet Security, thanks for advice. Pity about Tune up Utilities - already have it. Never mind it may save me the upgrade they are offering.

Thanks again,

Gyron