Function keys are secondary (Fn) on Gateway laptop. What can I do?

[flossbandit]

I got a new laptop at work and didn't realize that the manufacturer swithed the volume, brightness, etc keys with function [F1, F2] keys.

Seems like a great idea for the average user, but unfortunately I use AutoCAD mostly and it relies a lot on the F keys. Every time I use one I have to hit (Fn)+(F1).

Is there any way to switch these around?

This laptop:

http://us.gateway.com/gw/en/US/content/model/LX.WZL02.005

 

[dodger46]

Start Button and search for Keyboard. Under 'Control Panel' select 'Keyboard'
If the keys can be changed this is where to do it! Hope F keys are included...

 

[eddieroolz]

You can try to remap the so that hitting F1 actually hits F1, instead of F1 being tied to VolDown.

I usually use a tool called SharpKeys by RandyRants. You can find it here: http://www.randyrants.com/sharpkeys/

 

[jakjawagon]

I had a laptop that did this and there was an option in the bios to change it. Might be worth a look.

 

[szaboaz]

There is indeed. Take a look at the 20th page of your laptop's User Manual downloadable from here:
http://global-download.gateway.com/GDFiles/Document/User%20Manual/User%20Manual_Acer_1.0_A_A.zip?acerid=634401636043383922&Step1=NOTEBOOK&Step2=NV%20SERIES&Step3=NV77H&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=GATEWAY&SC=PA_6G

To swap the hotkey and special function of the F1 to F12 keys, change the
function key setting in the BIOS (to open the BIOS press F2 when starting your
computer, then select the Main menu and change Function key behavior to
Function keys).

 

[flossbandit]

There is indeed. Take a look at the 20th page of your laptop's User Manual downloadable from here:
http://global-download.gateway.com/GDFiles/Document/User%20Manual/User%20Manual_Acer_1.0_A_A.zip?acerid=634401636043383922&Step1=NOTEBOOK&Step2=NV%20SERIES&Step3=NV77H&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=GATEWAY&SC=PA_6G

To swap the hotkey and special function of the F1 to F12 keys, change the
function key setting in the BIOS (to open the BIOS press F2 when starting your
computer, then select the Main menu and change Function key behavior to
Function keys).

Awesome. Took me right to it. Already checked out the user's guide but somehow missed that. Honorable mentions to jakjawagon.

 

[flossbandit]

Best answer selected by flossbandit.