Like the guy in the Software section said, I too have noticed that Packard Bell has cut off ALL support to the US&Canada for N. American Packard Bell products. I've spent all day searching the Internet, and I'm had a HECK of a time finding any information on my particular product. Seeing as the company is no help, I recommend that those of us that are still stuck with Packard Bell hardware work together to share what info we do have!
To get to what I need; I need any information or documentation anyone may have on the use of the Fn / Menu key on the Packard Bell 10(2?) key keyboard Model # FDA-105IA. I, and another person who has the same keyboard (who posted on computing.net), have had problems with it that I believe have to do with accidentally activating this key and not being able to deactivate it. When the keyboard enters this problem state, it becomes unresponsive and the BIOS will say it has a keyboard error. I fixed my keyboard the last time it did this, but unfortunately, I don't remember how!! If anyone out there has any information on this keyboard, or any documentation on any Packard Bell product purchased in America, I believe it would be highly appreciated not only by me, but also by all the other poor suckers out there like me who are still stuck with this stuff, if you would share said info, or at least make it known that you possess it. I would especially appreciate a reply concerning the keyboard problem. Thank you for everything(including your patience in reading all this!)!
Posts: 3 | Location: Seattle, WA, USA area | Registered: 01-16-06
As I'm sure you know, you shut off the Fn keyboard function by pressing and releasing the key.
One push turns it on, another push turns it off.
If the key isn't releasing the Fn function when pressed/released, then it may be stuck. If it is stuck, a restart would normally result in a BIOS "stuck key" message.
If the key is stuck, you can try cleaning the keyboard. A can of compressed air made for use with computers might help.
I hope this is of some help. I haven't used or seen a Packard Bell computer for some time, but there were a lot of these made so perhaps someone else here will have a better idea.
Is my face red! I have since discovered that my original conclusion was wrong and what the respondent on (my?)computing.net said was right: I have a short in the cable- I can't believe I didn't discover that was the problem before! Nonetheless, I would still ========= appreciate any and all information regarding the use of the Fn key on this keyboard (how-to). Thanks! And a special Thanks to Dwight for his prompt reply!
Posts: 3 | Location: Seattle, WA, USA area | Registered: 01-16-06
optiplex, This site may be of help to you, I've used before when I've come across a PB comp that needed work. Also, it has several different categories and subject areas to to post in.
Is my face red! I have since discovered that my original conclusion was wrong and what the respondent on (my?)computing.net said was right: I have a short in the cable- 
