Apple Keyboard on Windows - Driver issue?

[DrToxic]

Hey..

As title says, Keyboard driver doesn't function at all, and was thinking that here would be the place to ask about it.

I have tried downloading a few sets of drivers, but couldnt find any that would treat the apple keyboard like mac os x does.... any ideas or pointers?


thanks in advance,

The Doctor

 

[severedsolo]

Hi DrToxic, welcome to SevenForums

Is it a bog standard keyboard? I mean other than the fact it's apple, is it just a normal keyboard with standard keys?

If not, please supply exact model of keyboard, hopefully we'll be able to find you the right driver.

 

[DrToxic]

It is a bog-standard Apple Aluminium keyboard. the button config (A-Z, 1-0 etc...) are all correct, but where Apple has custom layout/multi-finger gestures for special charicters such as ", @, ', #, ~, \ etc..... I find it harder to navigate. (it once took me an hour to work out where the # symbol is on mac os x). If I could get it to work uniform with Windows 7 and mac os X (all installed on the same PC), it would make it easier and simpler to use.

 

[DrToxic]

It is a bog-standard Apple Aluminium keyboard. the button config (A-Z, 1-0 etc...) are all correct, but where Apple has custom layout/multi-finger gestures for special charicters such as ", @, ', #, ~, \ etc..... I find it harder to navigate. (it once took me an hour to work out where the # symbol is on mac os x). If I could get it to work uniform with Windows 7 and mac os X (all installed on the same PC), it would make it easier and simpler to use.

 

[DrToxic]

Oops.. didn't realise I double-posted. All apologies given.

 

[severedsolo]

Unless I'm reading your post wrong, the problem isn't so much drivers (as the keyboard works) as it is the keyboard layout.

The only software I can find that allows you to map a custom keyboard layout is this:Download details: Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator 1.4

Officially it only supports up to Vista, but it will probably work on 7 too

 

[DrToxic]

Thank you. I will look for the apple keyboard layout online (custom layout file?).

 

[DrToxic]

I have had a play with the program mentioned two posts above, and it works really well. I can now type properly. (sounds silly, but special character layout is the difference between KeyStroke and CharMap.exe!)

now.. just trying to find where to change the Keyboard Language. One would assume its under "Control Panel/Keyboard". (don't worry.. found it).

Now for the task of installing the new keyboard layout somehow. (done!)
Oh, That's MUCH better for typing on. My (main) keys are correct at last.

also, a "hack" for the Function keys (Brightness (may not be possible on a desktop?) Volume, Play_pause/prev/next/mute/eject)

 

[severedsolo]

Glad to hear you've got it sorted I have no idea whether the function keys can be mapped as well, but it's certainly worth a go.

 

[DrToxic]

Glad to hear you've got it sorted I have no idea whether the function keys can be mapped as well, but it's certainly worth a go.

I am just researching now, I don't think I will be able to map them as they are on mac os, but I will give it a try. It is wort doing for all the other people with an aluminium keyboard on windows. It's a shame the apple official software for windows doesn't work. (I ripped a copy of mac os x just for the keyboard 'driver').

 

[DrToxic]

Glad to hear you've got it sorted I have no idea whether the function keys can be mapped as well, but it's certainly worth a go.

Okay. after some messing about, I downloaded the whole mac os x 10.5.6 ISO from a torrent (This is completly legal seen as the software I want from it is free, and the ISO got deleted after I extracted what I wanted).

For those who are interested.. (archive this if you wish)

1. Get hold of the whole BOOTCAMP section of the mac os x 10.5.6 or higher DVD
2. Install BOOTCAMP
3. Restart your PC
4. Play with your function keys
5. Test your keyboard layout to see if the keys output what they really are (for example, '@' writes '@' in a notepad or whatever)
6. SHMILE because your APPLE ALUMINIUM KEYBOARD is now fully functional with windows 7. (It even opens your mug holder..sorry, ejects the optical drive)

I will upload BootCamp install files to my Windows Live SkyDrive and link here if requested.