after installation while working on software unable to use mum keys

[AT_14027454]

after installation while working on software unable to use mum keys

[Catalina]

Hi @AT_14027454 

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[ppal]

If your numeric keypad (NumPad) keys are not entering numbers in PTC Mathcad after installation, it is almost certainly due to a Windows accessibility setting called Mouse Keys or a conflict with the NumLock state, rather than a setting within Mathcad itself.

Since Mathcad relies entirely on the operating system for keyboard input, it does not have a specific "disable NumPad" feature.

Here is the step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and fixing this issue, ordered from the most likely to the least likely cause.

1. The "Hidden" Culprit: Windows Mouse Keys

This is the most common cause for this specific problem. When "Mouse Keys" is enabled, Windows hijacks the NumPad to control the mouse cursor (e.g., pressing '8' moves the cursor up instead of typing '8'). This often gets triggered accidentally during software installation or by a keyboard shortcut.

• How to fix it:

  1. Open the Windows Start Menu and type "Mouse Keys".

  2. Select "Turn Mouse Keys on or off" (or "Control the mouse with a keypad").

  3. Toggle OFF the switch that says "Only use Mouse Keys when Num Lock is on" or simply turn off "Mouse Keys" entirely.

  4. If it was already off, toggle it On and then Off again to reset the state.

  5. Return to Mathcad and test the NumPad.

2. Check NumLock & Shift Key Behavior

It sounds obvious, but Mathcad can be sensitive to the NumLock state in ways other apps are not.

• Verify NumLock: Ensure the physical NumLock light is ON.

• The Shift Test: Press and hold the Shift key while typing a number on the keypad.

  • If a number appears while holding Shift: Your computer thinks NumLock is OFF, even if the light is on. Toggle the NumLock key again.

  • If cursor navigation happens (Home, End, Arrows): Your computer thinks NumLock is OFF.

• External Keyboards: If you are using a laptop with an external USB keypad, ensure the "Fn" (Function) lock isn't interfering. Try pressing Fn + NumLock if available.

3. Regional Settings (Decimal Separator)

Mathcad is strictly engineering software and is highly sensitive to the difference between a dot (.) and a comma (,) for decimal places.

• If your Windows Region is set to a country that uses commas for decimals (e.g., Germany, Brazil), and your physical NumPad has a "Dot" key, Mathcad might reject the input or treat it as a variable separator rather than a decimal.

• Test: Try typing numbers using the top row of the keyboard. If that works but the NumPad doesn't, it confirms the issue is isolated to the hardware mapping of the keypad, not the software's ability to accept numbers.

[Catalina]

Hi @AT_14027454

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution or please feel free to detail in a reply what has helped you and mark it as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.

Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation.

Thanks,