Solved Function keys failure after partial system reinstall

[koalady]

I found lots of old threads about similar problems, but none helped. Odd, as one had identical machine to mine, but a different sub-problem.

Machine: Dell Notebook Inspiron 1545.
After struggling with malware-caused trouble (noted on this site in another area, and partially fixed with your esteemed help), now I ran a Dell part install DVD. It helped somewhat. But --
it also killed all the previously working function (F) keys!

The obvious solution was to get a fresh keyboard driver from Dell. But that also failed: their driver, tailored to my personal Product Key, was named 'Mouse, keyboard & Input devices'. But there was no selection. It just cheerfully installed one for the touchpad, and that was all it had. No keyboard. I installed as directed, but after reboot there was no change -- as expected.

A total reinstall may not be possible, as this machine was an immediate upgrade from Vista on the first day Win 7 came out, so I never got the Vista 'restore' DVD, only the 'upgrade from Vista to Win 7' DVD. (a situation which persists after a 20-minute phone call to Dell in Manila. Who claimed "we no longer have those Vista DVDs"!). So I am reluctant to try the pseudo-total reinstall without trying to fix this problem instead.

Any ideas, please?

 

[maxie]

Hi ... The Dell QuickSet Application should fix your issue with the Function Keys ...

What other issues are you having ? Drivers can be found in the Link below ..


Product Support | Dell US

 

[koalady]

Dear Maxie, I recall Quickset from a much older Dell. I got it now from the Dell site. And installed it. A slow process as it checked my machine. But then, after it noted a successful install -- I simply could not find an executable file where I expected it. Nor anywhere else on my system! Weird...

Also, the driver link to Dell that you helpfully provided led to the same place I had been, where the 'drivers and keyboard' link contained only one for the touchpad. I ran it anyway but it had no effect.

(Hi to Belfast. Have been there 3 times over the years. And recently watched the drama Titanic: Blood and Steel !)

 

[maxie]

It could be that you have some Corrupt Files ...

Run the Scan below and Report back with the Result ...


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[koalady]

Maxie: I followed your link. It ran ok, but reported "no integrity violations."

 

[maxie]

Are you using Windows 32 or 64 Bit Version ? ...

 

[koalady]

32 bit

 

[maxie]

Install the Driver in the Link below ... Let us know if that Helps ...


Intel GM45 Express Chipset Family, v.8.7.0.1007, A00 Driver Details | Dell US

 

[koalady]

Maxie: a noble effort from you. I installed the file okay, and rebooted. Function keys do return, but only 4 out of the 12, and they are Intel defaults, different from the Dell originals, so no use, really.
Time to give up I think. Also because of those various 'other problems' within programs caused by all this.
So now I will push the 'factory default' restore disk past the high-risk point. It may screw things up irretrievably. But anyway, I will then try to talk Dell out of the proper Win 7 install disk, and if not, I will bite the bullet and buy the disk (about US 120 it seems).
Again, thank you for your valiant attempts.

 

[maxie]

You could do a Clean Install of Windows ... Read the Tutorial below it contains every you need including the ISO ...


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[koalady]

Maxie: sorry for delay. Wow, that is one comprehensive tutorial you flagged! I will crawl carefully through it. I suspect it ultimately will refuse the final steps, in which case I will have to throw myself on the mercy of Microsoft for a "proper" Product Kay, and if that is (absurdly) refused, I will then just buy a damned new OEM version.
However, most of the intermediate steps are very useful and will of course work. Even though many are clear to me in advance, it is still pretty useful to have them in an articulate checklist like this!

Given all that, despite the end result being questionable, I will mark this thread SOLVED.
Again, thank you very much for your persistence.

 

[maxie]

Most welcome