This is the second time in 2 weeks that the fn f5 key has stopped working. The laptop is hooked to a projector and smartboard. Some of the other fn keys are still working. I don't understand why just the f5 is not. Any ideas?

This only happens when the laptop is connected to a projector and smartboard or does it happen at other time also?

Is it direct wired or wireless to the smartboard?

By the way have you tried a can of compressed air to see if something has been blocking the keys movement?

Does it reset itself after the stickykeys have been turned off and then back on?

Use the following to turn on the stickykeys and see if it helps a bit better...
press fn key 5 times in a row...... this works on some keyboards to reset the fn functions and sometimes brings dead keys back to life!

This happens while plugged into a projector and smartboard. While unplugged nothing happens with fn f5. I tried turning off and on the sticky keys. Nothing changed. I cleaned it with a can of air. Nothing changed. It is direct wired via usb port. Any other ideas?

I believe that it is a technical issue with smartboard....I was reading where some similar issues were being caused through the wireless adapter not signalling all the functions... and that it needed to have the battery changed and also disconnected and then reconnected...but since you are hardwired then that doesn't fit.

Anyway since it happens only when connected to the smartboard then I would say the problem lies with them.

You need to know exactly what make and model of smartboard it is and will probably have to depend on emails sollutions as they can only be contacted that way.

Good luck!

even when the projector and smartboard are not connected. The fn f4 works with or with out it being plugged in. It is an Acer laptop travelmate 4000. I have checked the manual and nothing seems to apply to this particular problem.

The fn f5 or fn f4 key?

Either way as it happens only while it is plugged into the smart board I would say it was a smartboard issue as it is not getting the function to work on the board....you need to email their support team about this and wait for an answer from them....I really do not believe it is the computer....but you can try a system file check to see if it will repair it if damaged....

start > run (type the following)

sfc /scannow

(Notice the space) hit ok and it will take about 20 minutes to reset all the original files.....this will work on some computers...others will need the xp installation CD (not a restore CD)