Dell Inspiron 1545 Function Keys

I might be taking this too far.  I'd like to keep all the multimedia keys as default except for the f4 key.  I've done things like this before with my previous MSI laptop, but it was only with help editing the bios.  Any ideas?

Nila

Am not getting Fn key behavior under Adjust commonly used mobility settings. can you please help me out. 

Thank you for this information! I found it very helpful and a LOT easier that what I had read previously.

Dude,  how do you get into Dell Inspiron 1545 BIOS Menu please? I can't find it anywhere!! tried Fn key + F2 Fn key + F12, nothing...THX

press F2 or F12(choose from the menu) at power up - don't use the Fn-key.......

Million Thanks dude - You are the best !! I was really really frustrated finding this.

Thank you very much il was looking every where and tell i found your sloution:emotion-13: thanks mat it was easy and it took me 10 sec:emotion-2:

I have purchased DELL VOSTRO 1540. Function key is not working in windows 7 but working in DOS mode by pressing F2 setup. Tried all option still problem I am unhappy with DELL

The FN-key was not part of the original IBM keyboard layout when it was devised 30 years ago.To make the FN key work a special software is needed and for Dell systems it is "Quickset".If you press the "windows-key" and the letter "x" the Windows Mobility Center" opens and if Quickset is properly installed it should have a Dell Logo included - see picture below.You might have to choose the appropriate "FN-key Behavior" - setting.

Another way to check if Quickset is active:

Click the Start button,type "msconfig.exe" (without quotation marks)and press "Enter"

If the settings are ok and you still can't make the Fn-key work uninstall and reinstall Quickset

Note : It is always a good idea to create a system restore point before making any changes to the system especially if your are not familiar

with a brandnew system - The Windows Help section gives you plenty of information about this topic.

PERFECT!  Thank you so much!  I have had this issue for almost a year now and just dealt with it.  As of today there was no easy fix, not even from Dell.  They claimed it was impossible for the Fn+keys to be swapped.  Thanks again!

I will not recommend DELL laptop to any one. I am facing such issue, unsolvable. My Eyes are stain due to low brightness of scree and not able to abject by Fu key. Finishing also  poor

Hi.  This thread was started 2 years ago, but it was helpful to me.  Can anyone tell me where I can get info on all the function keys for the Inspirion 1545?  Mine were also set up so that I have to use the Fn key.  Its not convenient for the software program I am trying to learn that uses function keys.  I'd like a keyboard layout that describes the function of each of the keys.  I know that the F2 key brings up the wireless window and F1 has something to do with the projector.  I don't see anything like that in any of the manuals online.  Thanks.

For the sake of efficiency and the ease-of-use, please refrain from using terms such as "should," "might" "possibly" or "try" Dell users come here looking for answers and it's tough to sift through non-technical advise that Should, Might, Attempt to, Possibly work...These terms are substitutes for "I don't really know, but I think my guess is better than your ability to figure out your tech problem." As for the user asking about reverting to standard Fn Key operability...You did the right thing. Bios is the only way to alter the behavior of your Inspiron 1545. Congrats! you pulled it off! 

@N7U

What about "quickset" as a second option? That way you can change the FN-key behaviour "on the fly".Try it.It should work like it does on my system and if it fails then possibly because of a Windows software problem.

Just wanted to say thanks, and I am so happy to learn the "Mobility Center" solution in addition to other info provided by this thread even tho I'm using a Dell laptop with Windows 8.