MS Nat. Ergo. Keyboard 4000 (and others) on Windows 7: no Volume controls

[bartonc]

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (and others, I suspect) on Windows 7:
Volume controls and Mute button don't work... Running IntelliType Pro 7.1

Here's the fix:

Go to the Services MMC (I use the shortcut provided by the the awesome new Task Manager).
Turn on the "Human Interface Device Access" service.
Set the Startup Type: to Automatic.

(On older versions of Windows - Suggested back in 2006)
!!!!! UNTESTED !!!!!

Volume control seems to work fine if you start the "HID Input Service".
If you are not able to start it (happened to me), fire up the registry
editor and find:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACH INE\SYSTEM\Curr entControlSet\S ervic
es\HidServ\Para meters

If there's a string called "ServiceDll " delete it, and create a new one
(expandable string named "ServiceDll ") with this value:

%SystemRoot%\Sy stem32\hidserv. dll

[bartonc]

Follow up: KB977074 my fix this as well

MS Jan. 25 Update (KB977074) says:
"""This update improves the stability and the reliability of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2 in various scenarios. This update resolves the following issues:

* Keyboard function keys or keyboard shortcuts, such as mute or calculator, may not work correctly...."" "

I'll disable my fix before applying the update and report back...

[bartonc]

Nope - had to re-do this fix by hand.

[Niheel]

Thanks bartonc, i use this keyboard and wondered why i got no sound in the VM.

[bartonc]

You are welcome! It's a pleasure to be of service to the community!

[Windows7Guy]

Hello bartonc,

Have you checked compatibility?
Just an FYI for you.

It is always best to check with the software manufacturer FIRST. They will tell you if they have tested the product and the version, as well as whether or not it will work with Windows 7.
Check out the Windows 7 Compatibility site: (There you will find out about hardware and software compatibility.)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/en-us/default.aspx

There is a pulldown from which you can choose "hardware" and "software".

There are also some great articles, instructional videos and such to help with your Windows 7 at our Springboard site:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx

In any event a lot of the times, Vista drivers will work in lieu of Windows 7 drivers, however, it's not 100%!

As stated previously, it's best to have the Windows 7 certified drivers installed.
Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support

[bartonc]

Perhaps you missed the "Microsoft" in Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard...???

At any rate M$ has finally release an update to the software.