Anyone know a simple way to disable Print Screen in Windows XP?

[slapaham]

Basically, the keyboard encoder I'm using annoyingly has a Print Screen assigned and it cannot be changed. Everytime you press that button it slows the computer right down.

I was given a hotkey disable registry which I used but the key still slows down the PC when pressed. Is there any SIMPLE way of disabling this? If so, how?

Thanks.

[csa3d]

Afraid of using REGEDIT?  If not then you might want to check this out.  Let us know how it works out.  I've used similar techniques to kill the windows key in the past.

-csa

[slapaham]

Thanks - must admit, unless it's a step-by-step guide I wouldn't want to attempt it. This is the reg file I was given...

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,03,00,00,00,00,00,5b,e0,00,00,5c,e0,\
  00,00,00,00

I can definately see the problem... There is no reference to Print Screen "37 E0"... so therefore it isn't going to be disabled.

Now, I'm no computing genius but I can use my noggin... would I be right in thinking this would stop the 2 Windows keys AND the print screen from causing me grief (they are the only keys that effect me) -

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,04,00,00,00,00,00,5b,e0,00,00,5c,e0,37 e0,00,00,00,00,00,00

If you could please help me confirm that it would that would be a HUGE help!

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

[slapaham]

Also, if this is right - I take it all I'd have to do is paste it exactly as it is in notepad and press enter to create a new line at the bottom of the text and then save it and change the extension to .reg and right click the file and select 'merge'...

Wow, you can really tell I'm learning this while I'm going along!

[csa3d]

I am running Linux, so right now I cannot check my own registry (thank god), but if I was going to change my windows registry, I would have guessed the same as you did in post #3.  You've also described the process correctly for merging in post 4.

Before you actually merge the changes, you can select the pre-existing scan code registry key and EXPORT it, which is basically saving it to any location you wish.  If your change messes up for whatever reason, you can just merge the old setting back. 

Also, I could be wrong on this, but because you are modifying the printscreen key, I don't see much harm in goofing up one or two times.  Sure, you'll get wrong key presses, but you aren't going to prevent windows from booting.  I think you're good, let us know if you're still able to type after merging

-csa

[slapaham]

Thanks for that! I really appreciate it! I shall give it ago now.

 

[Hoopz]

Back your registry up before making any changes.  That way, if something goes incorrectly, you can use the backed up version to restore it.  Then you start over and try again.   

[slapaham]

How exactly do you make the back up?

I tried that combination and it didn't work. Very frustrating. I'd best make a back up now while it still seems to be functioning okay.

Thanks.

[csa3d]

How exactly do you make the back up?

I tried that combination and it didn't work. Very frustrating. I'd best make a back up now while it still seems to be functioning okay.

Thanks.

1.  Start -> Run -> Regedit
2.  Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout\
3.  Highlight the Keyboard Layout folder on the left side of the split window
4. File --> Export:
    (x) Selected branch:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

    FileName:  scancode_backup.reg  ( I save to desktop for convenience, but this matters not)

Now, do note that if you ADD keys to the registry, re-applying the backup won't delete your additions.  So keep track of the addional keys you manually add via the New menu, and hand delete them yourself.  However, if you are re-apply a backup which you modified a pre-existing key, it will set it back to normal.

Better safe then not, but I really think you'll be fine applying that reg. patch from post2

[slapaham]

Hey people, I have now sorted the problem! Easy enough - the code I posted before was the key but needed a lot of tidying to work!

Thanks again for your help! Definately bookmarking that link you gave me - great stuff - couldn't have done it without it!

 

[csa3d]

glad to have helped.  Might be good to post your final reg file contents here just to make it easier for anyone searching.  Also, why the "print screen" button.. seemed rather random.
-csa

[slapaham]

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout]
"Scancode Map"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,04,00,00,00,00,00,5b,e0,00,00,5c,e0,00,00,37,e0,00,00,00,00,00,00

-did the trick for those it might be useful to!

Yeah, totally agree - stupid button to use but I bought it and thats the way they made it!!