Default Function Keys not working in HP Pavilion tx2500z

I have a HP Pavilion tx2500z (model: KD436AV) laptop with Windows 7 64 bit OS installed. Since last few months, I am not able to use default function keys (F1, F2...F12) and other keys at the top row of the keyboard, including Pg Up, Pg Down, Home, End, Insert, Delete. However, all the Action Keys available on these keys are working without pressing Fn Key (e.g. Sleep, Brightness, num lock etc). I get same Action Key behaviour even after pressing Fn Key.

It looks like, somehow system is locked in action key mode and I am not able to come out of it. I tried to upgrade Bios (currently on latest F.0F version) and also tried to disable the Action Key mode in BIOS, but Action Key mode is not available in BIOS of this computer. Even to enter BIOS, I faced problem because F10 key was not working to enter BIOS setup. I had to connect external keyboard to enter BIOS.

I am disperately looking for help to come out of this situation. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

I've seen some keyboards (not sure with laptops) that have a way to turn on/off the F keys with a key combination. You might want to check your laptop documentation and see if that is the case.

roxx4u said:

I have a HP Pavilion tx2500z (model: KD436AV) laptop with Windows 7 64 bit OS installed. Since last few months, I am not able to use default function keys (F1, F2...F12) and other keys at the top row of the keyboard, including Pg Up, Pg Down, Home, End, Insert, Delete. However, all the Action Keys available on these keys are working without pressing Fn Key (e.g. Sleep, Brightness, num lock etc). I get same Action Key behaviour even after pressing Fn Key.

It looks like, somehow system is locked in action key mode and I am not able to come out of it. I tried to upgrade Bios (currently on latest F.0F version) and also tried to disable the Action Key mode in BIOS, but Action Key mode is not available in BIOS of this computer. Even to enter BIOS, I faced problem because F10 key was not working to enter BIOS setup. I had to connect external keyboard to enter BIOS.

I am disperately looking for help to come out of this situation. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Are you sure the old BIOS did not have an "Action Key mode" setting? Is your new BIOS an update from HP?

Thanks for your reply. I am not sure whether old BIOS had action key mode setting or not. Latest BIOS update was from HP. However, I did try to go back to old BIOS but it didn't help, though I couldn't check the settings as I was not able to enter BIOS setting using F10.

Would check my laptop documentation also, but I really don't have any hope there.

Are you sure you weren't just getting the timing wrong when trying to get into the BIOS? It doesn't seem that the action of those keys can be modified until after the chance you have to enter and make changes to the BIOS, in other words the BIOS has to load its configuration to apply its modifications (including action key modification). Sometimes those manufacturer customized boot splash-screens seem to interfere with the timing. Try tapping the key repeatedly, about a half second between taps, immediately after powering it on.

Other than that, you might have to check to see if there is any HP software on your install that can change the behavior of those keys. You probably have two or three HP folders in your Windows Start Menu.

including Pg Up, Pg Down, Home, End, Insert, Delete

I don't think I've ever seen where those keys are modified by "action-key" settings. Could be wrong about that of course. Do those keys have colored icons or text indicating they can perform actions other than the standard "Pg Up, Pg Down, Home, End, Insert, Delete"?

F5ing said:

Are you sure you weren't just getting the timing wrong when trying to get into the BIOS? It doesn't seem that the action of those keys can be modified until after the chance you have to enter and make changes to the BIOS, in other words the BIOS has to load its configuration to apply its modifications (including action key modification). Sometimes those manufacturer customized boot splash-screens seem to interfere with the timing. Try tapping the key repeatedly, about a half second between taps, immediately after powering it on.

Other than that, you might have to check to see if there is any HP software on your install that can change the behavior of those keys. You probably have two or three HP folders in your Windows Start Menu.

including Pg Up, Pg Down, Home, End, Insert, Delete

I don't think I've ever seen where those keys are modified by "action-key" settings. Could be wrong about that of course. Do those keys have colored icons or text indicating they can perform actions other than the standard "Pg Up, Pg Down, Home, End, Insert, Delete"?

Yes, I timed it correctly and able to enter in BIOS using external keyboard. So it was not a timing issue. I do have actions assigned to Pg Up, Pg Down, Home, End, Insert, Delete keys e.g. Delete has sys req, Insert has Prt Sc, Pg Up has Pause etc.

Any luck in finding HP software that can control how the keys function?

And yeah, thinking a little more on it, I'm pretty sure I have seen those keys with alternative actions assigned on some machines. Guess it's been awhile since running across one.

F5ing said:

Any luck in finding HP software that can control how the keys function?

And yeah, thinking a little more on it, I'm pretty sure I have seen those keys with alternative actions assigned on some machines. Guess it's been awhile since running across one.

I did find hp quick launch software but it doesn't provide GUI interface in consumer machines (see url below), I am looking for a permanent sort of solution.
Re: Envy 15 / windows 7 64bit / quick launch buttons / cust... - HP Support Forum