Article ID: 975172 - Last Review: September 9, 2009 - Revision: 1.1

Numeric keypad on your portable computer types numbers instead of letters or punctuation when you have an external numeric keypad or keyboard attached

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SYMPTOMS

When you turn on the NUM LOCK (number lock) function of an external device that is attached to your portable computer, the NUM LOCK function is also enabled on your portable computer. Therefore, the numeric keypad keys on your portable computer type only numeric keypad characters even though you did not turn on this function on the primary keyboard.

In this scenario, external devices include separate keyboards that have a numeric keypad section, and stand-alone numeric keypads, such as the Microsoft Bluetooth Number Pad.
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CAUSE

Some computer manufacturers do not allow 10-key numeric keypad operation at the same time as standard keypad operation on the keyboard. When you connect specific portable computers to an external numeric keypad or to an external keyboard that has a numeric keypad section, pressing the NUM LOCK button on the external device turns on the NUM LOCK function on both the external and primary keyboards.
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WORKAROUND

If you use an external keyboard together with your portable computer, do not use the NUM LOCK function on the external keyboard. Use the NUM LOCK function only on the primary keyboard.

If you use a stand-alone numeric keypad that is attached to your portable computer, toggle off the NUM LOCK function when you have to use the primary keys on your portable computer.
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MORE INFORMATION

This problem has been reproduced on some models of portable computer, including those manufactured by Asus, LG, Sony, and Fujitsu. This problem has also been reproduced on some netbook computers.

This problem does not seem to affect portable computers manufactured by Compaq, Acer, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, or Apple.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Basic Keyboard
  • Microsoft Basic Wireless Optical Desktop
  • Microsoft Business Hardware Pack
  • Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000
  • Microsoft Digital Media Keyboard
  • Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard
  • Microsoft Internet Keyboard
  • Microsoft Internet Keyboard Pro
  • Microsoft MultiMedia Keyboard
  • Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
  • Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
  • Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard
  • Microsoft Optical Desktop Elite for Bluetooth
  • Microsoft Optical Desktop with Fingerprint Reader
  • Microsoft Reclusa
  • Microsoft Wired Keyboard 500
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 4000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop for Mac
  • Microsoft Wireless Media Desktop 1000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 700
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro 1.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 3000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1.0
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Keywords: 
kbsurveynew kbprb KB975172
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