switced keys on laptop

[force123]

i checked one of my friends laptop (HP compaq, nx7300)
there's a key between left ctrl and windows start key , named fn , which i guess is "function"
it works as ctrl ,and the ctrl key works as fn , i tried to run task manager by ctrl alt delete , but it didn't worked ,
then i did fn alt delete , then the task manager came up . tried with some other commands including ctrl, and all was the same, the fn key worked as ctrl and ctrl as fn .
unfortunately i don't know why i didn't try all with right ctrl ! i was focusin' on left ctrl and fn key that was beside it!
is it hardware problem or software?

[cloasters]

Sounds like a hardware boondoggle to me. Or software, whichever you like more. It's a temptation to fill in the nonexistent blank between "f" and "n."
Lousy answer, or what? Shame on me!

[force123]

even it is hardware , leads me to another question, can we change keyboard keys? i mean with a program or somewhere in registry or something to change each key a diffrent order ? (individual , not qwerty kind...)

[force123]

searched, seems like there is. wonder that would solve the problem ? gonna test first on mine... :-s

[force123]

nope , this programs should run to let you have desire key , if you exit them , all the thing would come back! anything in registry ?

[Samuknow]

Can you reset the bios settings? Is there an update for the bios?

[Aedan]

The Fn key is generally used to access various functions that are provided on a laptop. For instance, switching between LCD and external monitor, mute, screen brightness and volume control. It's generally hardwired - IE it works without Windows getting involved, so I don't think you'll be able to remap it via Windows.

Is it possible that someone might have disloged those key tops and put them back on the wrong way around?

[Favu]

Originally Posted by Áedán

Is it possible that someone might have disloged those key tops and put them back on the wrong way around?

This is what I was thinking, it is generally quite easy to remove keys with a ballpoint pen or similar.

And no, I don't know that because we messed around with the keys in college so the arrow keys all pointed up. Honest.

[force123]

no , as you see in the pic , the fn is placed between WIN and left ctrl key (the letters written on it is blue), so it was exactlly like the laptop i saw , another thing the size of fn and ctrl is not the same, so you can't switched the key tops !
i remember he used fn key to on/off numlock , which he did it by left ctrl , no doubt they are switched ,
i hope i could find something via windows ...

[Aedan]

Is there a BIOS or controller firmware update for the laptop?

Otherwise you might have to contact HP to resolve this.

[force123]

i don't know , should search for any bios update?

[Aedan]

Head over to HP's site and see if there's anything there for you.