F4 Key Takes Computer to lock screen [Absolute Reference Issue in Excel]

[Mike95621]

Hello All,

Here is the issue I have that I noticed on my Elitebook 840 laptop running Windows Enterprise 7 64 bit.

When I click F4 it takes the computer to the lock screen. Normally this wouldn't be an issue, but it's a problem, because F4 is the key in excel that is supposed to provide absolute references to cells or the "$" as many know them. It's complete inefficient as I now have to type the $ manually and I'm not sure why this is like that.

I already tried the bios option for Fn keys, but it just made my Fn key not function at all, so I had to undo that change. I looked in the bios but couldn't find anything else specifically related to the F keys, let me know if I missed something.

Right know here is what happens:

F4 - Any application/program - sends me to lock screen

Fn + F4 - Gives me the prompt for different display configurations for multiple display setups - Works as expected.

Ctrl + F4 - closes current window (Yes I totally did that while typing this first time), as expected.

Alt + F4 - same as ctrl f4, also as expected.

As far as I know there aren't any other F4 combinations out there, and I'd really prefer to not have to press something with F4 every time I need to do absolute referencing. I also looked in excel, but didn't see any options.

Lastly this is a work computer, but I guess our IT guys don't ever use excel, since he seemed to have little interest in fixing the issue, but I don't have the ability to actually download things (like a hotkey regedit) or the HP software assistant, nor would I want to risk adding bloatware (from HP) or malware (from a 3rd party) to my new work computer.

Any help that can be offered would be appreciated.

Respectfully,

Michael

[Mike95621]

[Update]: I swore I tried this before I posted with no effect, but I guess not. I did windows key + f4 and it works in excel, however, that's not really a solution as it's not nearly as convenient or efficient as simply pressing F4, also I'm not sure if this just worked because it's on my laptop keyboard and not the one on my docking station.

[Mike95621 · Accepted solution]

Hello All,

I found a solution, that's probably fairly specific to my company, but in case anybody else's company uses HP laptops with the following software it might be something worth looking at.

Our company uses Imprivata Agent as a single sign-on gatekeeper, and there was some glitch or user access issue that ended up causing F4 to lock the computer screen. Once my IT department was able to reinstall and reprovision my rights on Imprivata the problem went away within a couple of business days and F4 finally works right.

So if you're having my specific problem and the typical bios option isn't working for you, then maybe check out some other conflicting software.

Respectfully,

Michael