Windows XP ignores whatever setting that you have for Num Lock in the
BIOS.
The status of the NUM LOCK key is specific for each user and it is
disabled
by default. If you want the NUM LOCK key enabled for use before a user
presses CTRL+ALT+DEL to log on, you must use Registry Editor to change the
default behavior.
HKEY_USERS\.Default\Control Panel\Keyboard
Value Name: InitialKeyboardIndicators
Data Type: REG_SZ
Value Data: 0 or 2
0 = Num Lock off before a user logs on.
2 = Num Lock on before a user logs on.
from...
How to enable the NUM LOCK key for the logon screen
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/154529
HKEY_USERS\.Default stores the profile used when no users are logged on to
the computer (such as when the CTRL+ALT+DELETE logon prompt is
displayed).
This only applies until a user logs on, then...
HKEY CURRENT USER\Control Panel\Keyboard
Value Name: InitialKeyboardIndicators
takes over.
Windows XP will remember the status of the Num Lock key and enable it
after
you next log on. If Num Lock is on when the machine is shutdown, then Num
Lock will be on the next time after you log on. If Num Lock is off when
the
machine is shutdown, then Num Lock will be off the next time after you log
on.
You can change settings in the key below, all you want. But, Windows XP
will remember the status of the Num Lock key and enable it that way the
next
time after you log on.
Toggling the Num Lock key toggles the value from 0 to 2 in the registry
key
below. But the data isn't written to the registry key until you log off
or
shutdown.
HKEY CURRENT USER\Control Panel\Keyboard
Value Name: InitialKeyboardIndicators
Value Type: REG_SZ
Value Data: 0 or 2
0 = Windows XP turns NUMLOCK off when it starts.
2 = Windows XP turns NUMLOCK on when it starts.
[[Change method
To change the value of this entry, press the NUMLOCK key on your
keyboard.]]
from...
InitialKeyboardIndicators
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/2000/server/reskit/en-us/regentry/34674.asp
--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
In
Jim S said:
After reinstalling windows xp home edition the numlock key will not turn
ON when I boot up and I cant figure out how to get it to turn on
automatically when I reboot the machine. Can someone help please
Jim S