Notebook Hot-Keys not functioning in Windows Vista

With new Operating Systems comes new challenges for hardware manufacturers. Vista seems to be testing the limits and patience of driver programmers across the board. We have found, with several of our notebooks, that although Windows Vista does install and function very well, it is not yet perfect. One of the issues that we have discovered is that there are some conflicts with Windows Vista and ACPI / Hot-Key function buttons on many different models.

We are working with the hardware vendors and notebook ODM's to find and test solutions for these issues in order to get your notebook 100% functioning in Microsoft Windows Vista, but as with every new product, this is an effort that takes a little bit of time. As driver fixes are found we will continue to post them to our websites and roll them into our images.

Current Issues:

ASUS ODM, CBB, and VBI  Models

  • ACPI function keys such as Wireless Antenna On / Off, Volume Up / Down not working correctly.
  • Hot-Key functions such as "Instant Launch" buttons not responsive.

Compal ODM and CBB Models

  • WSS (Wireless Select Switch) not functioning correctly preventing Bluetooth and Wireless from activating on some models.

Resolution:

For ASUS model, download and installed the following drivers to resolve the Hot-Keys issues on Vista 32bit OS.

  • 1. ATK0100
  • 2. ATK Hot-Keys
  • 3. Wireless Console (After installation, right click on the blue antenna icon from sys-tray and uncheck "Disable UI")
  • 4. Touchpad (optional)
  • 5. Power4 Gear (optional)

For COMPAL model, download and installed WSS (Wireless Select Switch) driver.  Reboot Windows Vista, turn "ON" the hardware switch, and hold down FN+F2 to toggle on/off between Bluetooth and Wireless or both. If this still does not turn on the antenna then you will need to install Windows XP and WSS to enable the antenna from Windows XP OS then reinstall Windows Vista and WSS and it should work.