Keyboards and Keyboard/Mice Combo Sets

[BrianL3]

I did a couple of searches, but didn't seem to come up with this.

I would like to assign one of the keys to be "Alt+Print Screen" (to take a screen shot of the active window). I do a lot of technical articles and website work, so I this is something I do quite a bit. While I can manually type Alt+Print Screen, I'd like to assign that keystroke combination to one of the more prominent keys that I don't use very often.

I've done this for other keystrokes I use a lot for the three phone buttons on the lower right corner because I never use the calling features that way, and it has been AWESOME.

It is usually really easy. You run SetPoint, pick My Keyboard, Choose the Hot Key and then Choose Keystroke Assignment and then type the key combination into the resulting entry field. The catch is that when I type ALT and Print Screen to put it there, it puts in the ALT, but then takes a screenshot of the window, instead of assigning the print screen button to the field. I can't type it manually, because the software thinks that each letter is part of the assignment.

I use a MX3200 (with wireless mouse) if it matters, but I think it is pretty universal with the SetPoint utility, so if you have something that worked on another model, let me know because it will likely work on mine as well.

Can this be done? If so, how?

Thank you in advance for any assistance.

Brian

[barty]

yes it can be done, but not with the setpoint program.

I use autohotkey (autohotkey.com).  It's a freeware program that lets you remap your keyboard/mouse/remote.  Very powerful, but does take a bit of work.

there's a slight complication in that those special keys don't send out regular scan codes.  one way of working around it is to use setpoint to send out a code setpoint WILL let you put in, e.g., ctrl+alt+p.  then you use autohotkey to intercept it and send the code you really want.  the autohotkey command to do that will look like this

^!p:end !PrintScreen 

^ is control, ! is alt, ::  is "do right side when you see combination on left side"

Obviously, it will take a little work. Whether this is something you're willing to invest your time in is up to you.  Me, I love it.   It opens up whole new levels of customization.  For example,I can now program the Fn key to work like a modifier key with any other keys (a-z, 0-9).  I make tapping the Fn key by itself into alt+tab.  I'm a handicapped programmer so I do a lot of typing, which means I use several editors with lots of keyboard shortcuts.  But I hate doing complicated combinations like  ctrl+alt and ctrl+shift and ctrl+alt+shift.  With autohotkey, I can cut down a lot of that since now i can make the left and right ctrl and alt into different keys, plus the Fn key.  It's also great for programs that don't let you customize their shortcuts.

I also have a cheapie PC remote control I got for $16.  It came with no software, but I'm able to program every key on it to control my HTPC.  People have used autohotkey to do pretty complicated things, like automating website log on.  There's a forum with lots of help and ideas.

 There is another one called AutoIt, but I haven't used it.  I'm happy with autohotkey.

Message Edited by barty on 09-13-2009 04:12 PM

[rlowens]

AutoHotkey is a very useful system.

For those with slightly less programming savvy, I have now added "Keys: Screen Shot Window (Alt+Print Screen)" to the functions added to SetPoint by uberOptions.

Message Edited by rlowens on 14-Sep-2009 03:05 AM

[Tommydidit]

I was hoping your message, was a solution to my problem. You sound like you know windows well, perhaps you can help me. I have a logitech wireless keyboard & mouse set. the keyboard is programmable, & you can set the keys to custom functions. Is there a way to set a key to get the PC to enter sleep mode?