[RESOLVED] Windows 8 + VB6 + No CTRL-BREAK

[Darkbob]

Help!! I've got VB6 running on Windows 8 on a Del Inspiron 17R laptop. No BREAK key. No Scroll Lock key. No Pause key.

So no way I could send a CTRL-BREAK key combo. I managed to do a key remap thing but its not working right. I tried AutoHotKey but couldn't get it working. Anybody out there have any ideas?

Many thanks in advance!

[FireXtol]

Try [Ctrl+]Fn+(F12/Shift/Delete/pause/insert). Key: [optional], (array: 1/2/3...)

If that doesn't work, I suppose I could try and help you with your AHK script.

[Darkbob]

Thanks for your reply. I think I've gone through every single key combination. I tried AHK in every way I could think. No dice.

I even broke down and called the Dell Customer Abuse line "Hello my name is Bob. How about our local team? Did they not give the visiting team a serious thrashing at the local sports venue recently? I will be pleased to be of servicing to you today! How may I help?". They didn't help.

Lucky for me I bought this thing at Costco. It's going back.

[dilettante]

Dell's Inspiron product line consists of consumer products. They have other product lines that cater to professionals, gamers, and "power" users.

You're probably lucky it even has the F-keys!

Everything I've seen recommended using some keyboard mapping utility, though Ctrl-Break can be a tough one to remap so a lot of remappers don't seem to be able to do it.

[Joacim Andersson]

Moved to the General PC forum

[stanav]

Have you considered using an external keyboard if the laptop's keyboard doesn't have the key(s) you need?

[Darkbob]

I returned the garbage Dell laptop to Costco (fantastic return policy) and bought a Windows 8 HP DV7 Envy that was on clear-out for $597. Real nice 17" laptop with 8GB Ram and 750GB hard drive. Best of all - CTRL + Right Shift = Break! I'm good to go for a few more years anyway.

Issue resolved - never buy a Dell!

[Lord Orwell]

looks like the problem is that you were wanting to use ctrl+ a keyboard combo that also required the ctrl key. your best bet would have been to remap one of the function keys to this purpose. here's a program that does it http://www.randyrants.com/2008/12/sharpkeys_30.html but it can be done with a registry edit.

edit: did you try On-screen keyboard?

[dilettante]

Other Dell lines don't have this issue. But you went HP huh? No more for me, too many HP desktops and laptops with issues covered under warranty (but they only announce them once you are out of warranty).

And a 17" laptop? Sounds like a beast to lug around.

It's hard to establish a solid list of "must haves" when shopping for a PC though. I prefer laptops with backlit keys for example. But a Break key? I can see anyone taking that for granted as a feature and will have to add it to my list for future purchases.