Knowledge Base

The CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK lights change but the states do not change

Article ID: 203711

Article Last Modified on 10/12/2007

APPLIES TO

This article was previously published under Q203711

SYMPTOMS

When you press the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK key on the Microsoft Natural Keyboard or Natural Keyboard Elite, the computer may change the green light emitting diode (LED light) on the keyboard without changing the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK state.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs if the computer does not properly maintain the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK state.

This behavior also occurs on some models of the Microsoft keyboards if you do not have the Function Lock (F LOCK) key depressed when CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK or NUM LOCK is depressed.

NOTE: This symptom varies by model. Determine if you have the F LOCK key in the on state. To do so, look at the key that you are using and if the function is printed on the side of the key, make sure that the F LOCK key light is on.

MORE INFORMATION

When you press the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK key, the keyboard sends a scan code to the computer to tell it to turn the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK state on or off. The computer maintains the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK state and turns the appropriate LED lights on the keyboard on or off.

The following table shows the scan codes for the CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, and SCROLL LOCK keys: 

   Key           Scan Code
   -----------------------

   CAPS LOCK     &H3A
   NUM LOCK      &H45
   SCROLL LOCK   &H46


Depending on your keyboard model, you may have to turn F LOCK (F Lock Light on) to access system key commands if they are labeled on the front of the keys, such as INSERT, SCROLL LOCK, PRINT SCREEN and NUM LOCK. You can download the latest software for your keyboard. To do so, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx


Additional query words: kbd mnk flock

Keywords: kbhardware kbenv kbprb KB203711


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