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    FN+(Some keys like hibernate) Do not Work

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by FFT, May 26, 2006.

  1. FFT

    FFT Notebook Consultant

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    My FN+(some keys like hibernate and CD eject) do not work anymore after
    I reinstalled Windows with the provided CD. Is there a way to fix these problems?
     
    FFT, May 26, 2006
    #1
  2. 05Edge

    05Edge Notebook Consultant

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    Do you have hibernate enabled?
     
    05Edge, May 26, 2006
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  3. gridtalker

    gridtalker Notebook Virtuoso

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    Make sure all drivers are updated
     
    gridtalker, May 26, 2006
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  4. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    After reinstalling Windows, did you install the Dell hotkeys/QuickSet software? You'll need that running in order to use hotkeys.
     
    kegobeer, May 26, 2006
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  5. 05Edge

    05Edge Notebook Consultant

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    I don't think that's correct. You just don't get the nice interface. When I uninstalled quickkeys before I knew what it did, the brightness and other hotkeys worked. Also, the hotkeys work in MediaDirect and it doesn't use QuickKeys...
     
    05Edge, May 26, 2006
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  6. FFT

    FFT Notebook Consultant

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    I found the solution. You need to install the Dell QuickSet software for the FN+ keys to work.

    Does anyone know what the Dell Notebook System Software is for?
     
    FFT, May 26, 2006
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  7. 05Edge

    05Edge Notebook Consultant

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    The Notebook System Software should've been the first thing you installed after the reinstall of Windows... don't be surprised if you have stability issues without it. You probably need to reformat / reinstall, then install that first...

    That said, it makes no sense to me that Dell QuickSet is needed to make the Fn keys work as all laptops have Fn keys, yet not all laptops have QuickSet. I'd say that some of that functionality is in the Notebook System Software.
     
    05Edge, May 26, 2006
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  8. FFT

    FFT Notebook Consultant

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    I am not sure that Notebook System Software is required. This is the Dell description of the software:

    "Notebook System Software (NSS) is a utility that provides critical updates and patches for your operating system. Install the NSS program to gain support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, Intel Pentium-M processors, CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD drives, Infrared (IR) communications, and USB devices. NSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell portable computer, including the Dell D/Bay, D/Dock, D/Port, and D/View family of docking devices. NSS automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration."

    I am not using their Dell Bay/Dock/Port/View and my USB devices work fine. NSS shouldnt be necessary.

    The Dell QuickSet requirement for the Fn keys might be one of the stupid Dell proprietary features.
     
    FFT, May 26, 2006
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  9. 05Edge

    05Edge Notebook Consultant

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    it says including the docks, not limited to...

    I'm telling you from experience... I didn't install it first (I didn't install a couple of things I should've installed first) and I had serious stability issues. I've used Fn keys without quickset installed... I have it installed because I like the GUI, but I highly highly doubt it's necessary. Read SG's reformat / reinstall guide... Notebook System Software is required.
     
    05Edge, May 26, 2006
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  10. j4y_7

    j4y_7 Notebook Consultant

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    From past experience, SOME FN shortcuts will work w/o having quickset installed (brightness, etc.), but some shortcuts require quickset.
     
    j4y_7, May 28, 2006
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  11. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    Notebook System Software is only ran one time to fix some hardware problems. The Media Buttons, as well as brightness, volume, etc. will work WITHOUT quickset, but like edge said, you don't get the nice (or annoying) pop up boxes.

    Most of the FN keys do work without Quickset. At the same time, some of the FN functions which require the F1-F12 keys will not work without Quickset.

    Ones that do work w/o Quickset:
    Brightness
    Volume/Mute
    Wifi
    Standby

    Requires Quickset:
    Battery Indicator (F3)
    CD eject button (F10)
    Hibernation (i assume, i haven't tried it).
     
    Amber, May 28, 2006
    #11