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Cannot use remapped F keys anymore

  • 3 uphendule
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  • Igcine ukuphendulwa ngu HansPL

HansPL
HansPL
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Hello:

I am using the excellent program Keyboard Layout Manager (KLM), Windows 7, and Firefox 48.0.

Sometimes, and I do not know how this happens, the KLM-remapped F keys I have dedicated to special characters (like å ä ö) stopped working in Firefox. It happened so seldom that I have not been able to isolate any previous reason for it. In these situations, Alt+132 (ä), for instance, works. And the F keys work in other programs, including IE. Non-mapped F keys wok. Closing and reopening either FF or the computer have fixed the problem in the past.

Closing and reopening Firefox does NOW NOT help (after updating to 48.0). I have NOW tried to to reboot and also restart the computer to get the function back. No cigar. Same for Safe Mode.

Here is what one of the developers of KLM says:

I guess that Firefox works on a lower level of processing keys than other applications, which is not a good feature for that program. What I mean is that when you press the key, your keyboard sends so called "scan key" code, which is translated into the "virtual key" code. All "normal" applications work with virtual key codes, not with scan codes, since scan codes can differ from keyboard to keyboard. The fact that Firefox ignores your layout makes me conclude that it works on the scan key code level.

Grateful for help to restore my remapped F keys.

Hans L

Hello: I am using the excellent program Keyboard Layout Manager (KLM), Windows 7, and Firefox 48.0. Sometimes, and I do not know how this happens, the KLM-remapped F keys I have dedicated to special characters (like å ä ö) stopped working in Firefox. It happened so seldom that I have not been able to isolate any previous reason for it. In these situations, Alt+132 (ä), for instance, works. And the F keys work in other programs, including IE. Non-mapped F keys wok. Closing and reopening either FF or the computer have fixed the problem in the past. Closing and reopening Firefox does NOW NOT help (after updating to 48.0). I have NOW tried to to reboot and also restart the computer to get the function back. No cigar. Same for Safe Mode. Here is what one of the developers of KLM says: --------------------- I guess that Firefox works on a lower level of processing keys than other applications, which is not a good feature for that program. What I mean is that when you press the key, your keyboard sends so called "scan key" code, which is translated into the "virtual key" code. All "normal" applications work with virtual key codes, not with scan codes, since scan codes can differ from keyboard to keyboard. The fact that Firefox ignores your layout makes me conclude that it works on the scan key code level. --------------------- Grateful for help to restore my remapped F keys. Hans L

All Replies (3)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Hmm, restarting Windows usually resolves keyboard issues caused by transient Firefox/Windows confusion. With over 4000 changes for Firefox 48, I'm not sure whether this will be easy to track down.

Just to confirm that the program still works with Firefox 47.0.1 on your system, could you download the old "portable" build as a test? It doesn't use your regular settings, and just sits in a folder: PortableApps.com: Portable Software/USB - Browse /Mozilla Firefox, Portable Ed./Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition 47.0.1 at SourceForge.net

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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It looks like there were several changes to the keyboard handling in Firefox 48, but since I know nothing about the details such things, it might be easiest to simply file a new bug and see what comments you get.

https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/enter_bug.cgi

As you enter the description, the system will check for duplicates. Sometimes that will lead you to an existing discussion where you can vote for the bug to get fixed or contribute technical insights. "Me too" comments are generally not helpful, however.

Here are the bugs I looked at, which may or may not be relevant:

HansPL
HansPL Umnikazi wombuzo
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jscher2000 said

Hmm, restarting Windows usually resolves keyboard issues caused by transient Firefox/Windows confusion. With over 4000 changes for Firefox 48, I'm not sure whether this will be easy to track down.

Just to confirm that the program still works with Firefox 47.0.1 on your system, could you download the old "portable" build as a test? It doesn't use your regular settings, and just sits in a folder: PortableApps.com: Portable Software/USB - Browse /Mozilla Firefox, Portable Ed./Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition 47.0.1 at SourceForge.net

å ä ö works on the old "portable" build.

Hans L