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Resolved Question

FN Key function always on

by Jan 25, 2013 6:02PM PST

Hi Peeps,

I am an owner of a Samsung NP350V5C Laptop.

The problem I have is that since getting the laptop the FN key is always on. Normal key functions like the numpad or the F-keys do not work even if I hold down the FN key to reverse the 'switch'.

I have searched google for an answer and tried to go through the Samsung website technical help but they don't even list my laptop code to go through their internet help system! Great.

Anyway if anyone has an idea to try out it would be a great help as it is a bit of a pain!

As I said above I have tried google and seen people have said press FN+Numlock but this doesn't work.

If anyone has the time to help it would be much appreciated!!!

Discussion is locked

Rossi2009 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
10 Posts
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Clarification Request
I have a similar issue.
by SunnyFrimley Jan 25, 2013 10:46PM PST

Hi,

I too have a Samsung NP350V5C running Windows 8. Up until a few days ago, all was fine. Now, if I boot up the system, my function keys work as expected for about 15 minutes. Then, it is as if I am constantly holding the FN button down.

So for instance, pressing F5 will no longer refresh the browser screen, instead it will disable the mousepad. And pressing F2 and F3 causes the volume to increase or decrease.

It really is annoying. The only way around it I have found so far is to reboot the PC, and then it is fine for another 15 minutes.

Also, it isn't a browser issue. The PC can have no apps running and the problem will still occur.

I am sorry I don't offer a solution, but at least you now know you are not alone!

Best Answer

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Sorted it out!
by Jan 26, 2013 7:49AM PST

Fixed it on my laptop. I ran the Samsung SW Update program, and used it to update the BIOS. I also installed various other updated drivers (I did each separately though; if you select all you end up with Norton and the like).

Now the function keys behave themselves.

You may ask why I wasn't already running it. Well, when I first got the laptop, the SW Update clashed terribly with Chrome and Firefox. Only IE10 worked properly. My laptop also kept blue screening and refusing to boot. I eventually managed to do a factory restore and since then the laptop has behaved itself. I hadn't used SW Update the 2nd time around, but I've used it now and it is behaving itself.

I guess they have been fixing bugs, because its a lot more stable now. What you get for having a brand new release I guess!

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Not so fast....
by SunnyFrimley Jan 26, 2013 3:22PM PST

Unfortunately, on restarting my laptop today, the old chrome bug has reappeared. I do wish Samsung would sort out their buggy software before releasing it.

The function keys work properly still though, but it is a very annoying fault.

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Re: No so fast.....
by Samsung_HD_Tech Samsung staff Jan 28, 2013 6:42AM PST

Hi SunnyFrimley,

So the Chrome bug is that Chrome causes blue screening, correct? Have you checked Windows Update yet?

HD Tech

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There is an issue with Flash in Chrome.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 28, 2013 6:44AM PST

Google this then change the setting and re-test.

"DISABLE FLASH HARDWARE ACCELERATION IN CHROME."

I'm of two mind on that issue. Yes, it could mean the driver is buggy but then again this issue whacked too many machines so it's something you know to change.
Bob

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Fixed!
by Rossi2009 Jan 26, 2013 7:16PM PST

Hi Sunny Frimley,

Great stuff on saying about the SW Update program - have ran the BIOS update and it works fine now.

Thanks for the help, much appreciated!!!

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Answer
I don't own that one. But one of my laptops came that way.
by Forum moderator Jan 26, 2013 2:14AM PST

It turned out to be a BIOS setting. God knows why they did this. I'm guessing they were thinking of mindless folk that could not figure out how to use the Fn key.
Bob

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BIOS SETTING
by DavideBozz Feb 27, 2013 5:06PM PST

How to disable it?
I have the same problem now, after updating the bios with SW update. I'm with the P07ABE version, but the Fn key problem is still on.

I can see no option in the BIOS that links to this problem, though.

Please help.

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Sorry
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 28, 2013 9:27AM PST

I don't have that model. But look at the folk that solved it above. If Samsung support won't fix it (I can't tell if you called it in) then it's best to exchange it for a working new one.
Bob

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Answer
Found the problem!
by Jul 26, 2015 11:18AM PDT

I've an NP350E7C and recently had the same problem - Fn keys working perfectly after a reboot and then after a while suddenly acting as if the Fn key is stuck. It's caused on my machine by the "Fn Lock" key having been pressed accidentally, which is VERY easy to do because it's next to the Insert key, and there's no LED or anything else on the keyboard to show that the key has been pressed.

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