Fn Key Functions Don't Work

Question

I bought a used Inspiron 2500 and reformatted the hard drive and installed Win2000Pro, then downloaded and installed various drivers from the Dell download site.  Everything is fine except that the Fn+* functions don't work.  I'm stumped!  One thing I see is that the device manager shows that I am using the standard Windows keyboard and keyboard driver.  Could this be the problem?  Can someone tell me what the proper keyboard and driver is for an Inspiron 2500 and Win2000Pro system.  If you have an Inspiron 2500/Win200 laptop, would you please tell me what keyboard and driver the device manager shows.

Mary G · Answer

Chipset drivers and Notebook System Software must be installed before all other drivers.

1d49f54a95134b2 · Answer

Get system drivers & utilites Dell QuickSet is what you are looking for,had the same problem myself.

wolong · Answer

I installed the video and audio drivers before I installed the chipset driver.  Does that mean I must wipe the hard drive again and start all over.

wolong · Answer

Humm???..I don't see any such driver or application listed for an Inspiron 2500 running Windows 2000.

1d49f54a95134b2 · Answer

I think so. I called Dell when i had the same problem he said wipe the hardrive,install the chipset driver first.Then all the rest but he did not tell me to restart. I just restarted at the end.

1d49f54a95134b2 · Answer

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/type.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&SystemID=INS_PNT_CEL_P3CG_2500&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=676&libid=25 Try these first.

JeepConcepts · Answer

You can also try checking the setup F2 settings.where the FN key Enable option is chosen.

wolong · Answer

I do plan to try all these recommendations, but first I would like to find out if the Device Manager in my Inspiron 2500 is supposed to  showing standard Microsoft keyboard and keyboard driver, instead of a Dell keyboard and Dell driver.

1d49f54a95134b2 · Answer

I think that is normal as my Inspiron 6000 shows a Microsoft Keyboard as well.

wolong · Answer

OK - Well, I'm confused, (A standard microsoft keyboard doesn't have an Fn key)   Thanks for checking

1d49f54a95134b2 · Answer

well its a microsoft driver...

JeepConcepts · Answer

On first boot, press the F2 key to enter bios setup.follow instructions on screen to change page to get to the Basic Device Configuration. On my Inspiron 8200 its alt+P. scroll down and look for the 'Enable Keypad' and set it to 'only by FN Key'. this option feature lets you use the Fn key on windows to change the LCD Brightness,Contrast,Speaker and what ever else your laptop is equipped with.i hope this info helps.

JeepConcepts · Answer

Its a Bios setup. Its before you even get to the windows.

wolong · Answer

That BIOS option is not available in the Inspiron 2500, but thanks anyway

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