What Do The Function Keys Do On A Dell X1330?

[stwstrz123]

I`ve just bought a used dell xps X1330 laptop. I cannot find any reference anywhere for the function keys use, also the users manual, downloaded from dell, doesn`t mention how the webcam works and also i`ve got no sound! I`ve tried all the usual things in sound settings in the control panel, the "speakers" being "ticked " in green, and I`ve actually found the speaker volume at the top right of the keyboard. is there anywhere else to check please?

[SeaJayPea]

Isn't what the function keys do dictated by the version of Windows?

[SeaJayPea]

This might help.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function_key

[ukbod2015]

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000306.htm

[Mosaic]

With the sound - try this:
go to computer > system properties > device manager > audio, games and whatever - and inside there you should see something like 'whatever audio device'. Right-click and choose uninstall, so you're basically uninstalling the sound device.
Make sure your computer can connect to the internet, hen exit, close down your computer, and restart. The computer should then re-install the sound device and it should work. Well it worked for me....

[hc4361]

Your webcam will work when you open a program that uses it

[Buenchico]

Function keys are used within specific programs. e.g. in Internet Explorer (and all other popular browsers), F3 brings up the search box (so you can search for text within the page), F5 refreshes the page, F6 highlights the web address (so that can start typing a new one) and F11 toggles full-screen mode on and off.

However when you use a different program, such as Microsoft Word, the function keys perform completely different tasks. So it would be impossible for Dell to tell you what the function keys do (as they don't know which programs you'll be using). You need to google the name of the relevant program, together with the word 'shortcuts', to get a list of what can be done using the Function, Alt and Ctrl keys.

Your loss of sound might be due to a corrupt audio driver. Start by running the hardware test here:
http://www.dell.com/support/home/uk/en/ukbsdt1/product-support/product/xps-m1330/diagnose?rvps=y

Your webcam needs a program to make a call on it. So installing Skype (or any other software that uses a webcam) should see it working for you.

[tamborine]

Small button closest left of On/Off button is sound button on Inspiron.

[stwstrz123]

Hi again,

Thanks for all your help folks, but still no sound! I`ve done the test suggested by Buenchico, but shows it`s all ok. The volume button now shows fluctuating volume, but no sound, I`ve tried Mosaic`s idea of the system properties etc., but there`s no uninstall option anywhere there! Is it the sound card do you think?

[Old_Geezer]

Mute button somewhere ? Try checking volume controls for a speaker symbol with a red line through it.

Or a broken connection.

[Buenchico]

Go back to my link above.

Click on 'Drivers and Downloads'.

Check that the correct operating system is shown.

Click on 'Audio', then on 'Download file'.

Once the file has downloaded, double-click on its icon to run the driver installation program.

Restart your laptop and cross your fingers.

[stwstrz123]

Hi again Buenchico,

Sorry!! Got as far as checking the correct OS was shown, (which it is) but cannot find an "Audio" to click on! I`m clear on what to do when I`ve found it, but can you point me in the right direction please?

[Buenchico]

I've just tried that link. It appears that there's no audio driver available for Windows 7 (which I'm guessing that you must have tried), so your best bet is to change the OS to Windows Vista and hope that that audio driver will do the job for you. (Your laptop was designed for Windows XP, with newer drivers offered for Vista and 7. If no new driver was offered for 7 there will be a good chance that the Vista one should still work).

[stwstrz123]

Hello again Buenchico,

You dun it good!!! I changed the OS to Vista as suggested and downloaded the offered driver thingy, and it worked. Thanks for everybodies` efforts.

[ukbod2015]

I realise its unofficial - but have a look at this
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/driver-sets/xps-laptops/xps-m1330-windows-7-64-bit/