Numbers Lock, XP Pro

I recently bought a new computer and had to have Dell show me how to lock the numbers in on the key pad to stay locked after reboot. As I'm sure some of you know, this is done by going into the registry and changing the value in "initialkeyboardindicators" from 0,1 to 2. Just this week, I had the hard drive replaced since it was noisy, and as I thought, the numbers lock wouldn't stay on with the new hardware. Thinking that I would just go into the registry and change the value as above, it already read 2 and will not change to any other number as it goes back to 2 on reboot, but yet the lock will not stay on.
Any ideas?

 

AFAIK, this is more typically accomplished by entering BIOS setup on boot and specifying NumLock to default to ON.

 

Thanks for the reply. Could you guide me thru this?

 

>> I recently bought a new computer and had to have Dell show me how to lock the numbers in on the key pad to stay locked after reboot. Thinking that I would just go into the registry and change the value as above, it already read 2 and will not change to any other number as it goes back to 2 on reboot, but yet the lock will not stay on. Any ideas? << Jud149

Yes, I have a better idea for you than using Dell's advice (heaven forbid - lol) regarding the registry edit...

I always recommend First Cap 3.2 for those who experience this "pROBLEM." This freeware program First Cap is actually a small utility that allows the user to check if keyboard "Caps Lock" function is active. You can then also actually "deactivate" the Caps Lock and/or Num Lock button from operating by default altogether.

It can disable "Caps Lock" and "Num Lock" and/or even the equally annoying "Insert keyboard" functions, turn off Caps Lock status in consequence of various keyboard combinations key and customize the status of the Caps Lock and Num Lock in connection of some specific programs.

Note: A small icon remains in your Windows desktop taskbar so that you can easily "activate/deactivate" First Cap if you wish - however this tool uses close to "zero" resources (while it remains active) and keeping these annoying keys disabled.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the reply. I installed First Cap but it doesn't turn the numbers lock on until startup. I want it to be on at log on but apparently this program doesn't control this. I can't believe there isn't something simple to adjust to have numbers lock stay on until manually turned off. This is the first computer I've ever used that this function goes off automatically at shut down and has to be reactivated on reboot. Any other ideas? Thanks again!

 

Problem solved-fixed thru BIOS. Thanks for the help.

 

I got it fixed in BIOS. Funny thing, I had to turn numbers lock off to get numbers to stay locked on until manually turned off. (Say what?)
Thanks!

 

BTW, I have the Dell Dimension E310.

 

Yeah, like having to hit the start button to shut down. Good thing MS doesn't build cars.