Go to Setup (F2) using MS Multimedia Keyboard?

[Orrie]

My Windows XP Pro computer suddenly stopped recognizing my printer connected
to the parallel port. The printer maker (HP) suggests that I change a Port
setting in Setup. Normally, this means pressing F2 when the computer first
starts to go the Setup area.

However, I'm using a Microsoft Wireless Natural MultiMedia Keyboard with its
non-standard key assignments for the F keys.

How can I access the Setup section to make a change in the Port assignment?
Is it possible to defeat the non-standard F key assignments at a basic level
rather than using the F-Lock key after Windows XP is already running?

Thanks for your help.

Orrie

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

My Windows XP Pro computer suddenly stopped recognizing my printer
connected to the parallel port. The printer maker (HP) suggests that
I change a Port setting in Setup. Normally, this means pressing F2
when the computer first starts to go the Setup area.

However, I'm using a Microsoft Wireless Natural MultiMedia Keyboard
with its non-standard key assignments for the F keys.

How can I access the Setup section to make a change in the Port
assignment? Is it possible to defeat the non-standard F key
assignments at a basic level rather than using the F-Lock key after
Windows XP is already running?

Thanks for your help.

Orrie

Have you actually tried using F2? If you've remapped keys or it's been done
automatically when you load Windows, this won't matter when you're booting
up - Windows isn't loaded yet. If it doesn't work, do you perhaps have a
plain old PS2 keyboard you can try? It's often difficult to use USB
keyboards for this purpose (any sort).

 

[Orrie]

Thanks for your reply. I tried pressing F2 and it did not work. I'll
try an old conventional keyboard I have stuck away somewhere.

Orrie