\ not working

[johndb1234]

What combination of keys produce \ on key board

[NonSequitur777]

@johndb1234,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

To type a backslash (\) on a UK keyboard layout for the HP OmniBook X, the exact method depends on the physical keyboard style:

Physical Key Locations

Standard UK Layout: Press the dedicated \ key located directly to the left of the Z key (and to the right of the left Shift key). This key also contains the vertical bar (|).

Alternate UK/Localized Variant: If the backslash is printed as a secondary or tertiary symbol on a different key (such as the L key), you must use a modifier combination:

• Hold AltGr (the right-side Alt key) + L
• Alternatively, hold Ctrl + Alt + L

Quick Workarounds if the Key is Mismapped:

If pressing the physical key outputs a hash (#) or a different character, Windows is likely treating the laptop as a US layout. You can fix this or bypass it using these steps:

1. The US-Mapped Shortcut: If Windows is accidentally using a US keyboard layout, press the # key (located directly above the main Enter key). On a US map, this position outputs a backslash \.
2. Fix the Windows Layout Settings:
   • Open Settings (Windows Key + I) and navigate to Time & Language > Language & Region.
   • Click the three dots ... next to your preferred language and select Language options.
   • Under the "Keyboards" section, ensure United Kingdom (QWERTY) is added, and remove United States if it is overriding your default layout.
3. On-Screen Keyboard: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + O to open the virtual keyboard, where you can click the \ symbol directly with your mouse or touchscreen.

On-Screen Virtual Keyboard:

Because your OmniBook X has a touchscreen, using the built-in Windows virtual keyboard is a flawless and quick workaround.

• To open it: Press Windows Key + Ctrl + O on your physical keyboard.
• To use it: A full keyboard will appear on your screen. You can simply tap or click the \ key. If it is hidden, clicking the &123 or Shift keys on the screen layout will reveal it.

Could you let me know if you are seeing a different character (like a #) when you press the key next to the Z key? This will confirm if Windows language settings are the root cause.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@Dragon-Fur,

As I understand it, the Alt Code (Alt + 92) will fail on this laptop:

The traditional Alt + 92 shortcut requires a dedicated physical numeric keypad (numpad) to function.

The Problem: The HP OmniBook X is a compact 14-inch laptop that does not have a physical numeric keypad on the right side.

No Keypad Simulation: Unlike older laptops, modern Windows 11 devices such as the OP's OmniBook X no longer feature an embedded "Num Lock" function that turns regular letter keys (like J, K, L) into a simulated number pad.

The Result: Typing 9 and 2 using the standard top-row number keys while holding Alt will not generate the backslash character.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Dragon-Fur]

@NonSequitur777 

Yes, I do know this.  Smiling.

True, too, one does not need the code to use the methods available when there is no numpad.

Nice to know, maybe, not necessary.

What I did not know is that you had answered the question.

Smiling.

Walking away into the sunset with dignity intact.

🌅 

[NonSequitur777]

@Dragon-Fur,

No worries, point is that it is always nice to hear from you!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[johndb1234]

Hi tried everything there everyone, including support says alt gr plus l key, that does not work. Only way as you say is to use on screen keyboard which is very inconvenient. Even boot diagnostics and download tools do not recognise a keyboard with a key with Ll\ on. Have now given upper and requested a refund as the machine was brand new. 

[NonSequitur777]

@johndb1234,

Thank you for following up. I am sorry you had to deal with this issue.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[johndb1234]

Thanks for concern, irony is went out to buy new laptop, assistants first choice was omnibook, explained the \  key did not work. She pressed and held function key and L hey presto it worked. 

[johndb1234]

Hi

As previously none of above work solution as provided by currys sales assistant is function held down an L key. Why does HP support nor know this

[NonSequitur777]

@johndb1234,

Why did HP support not know this? Well, in my experience it depends on the quality of the HP support agent you had to deal with.  Sometimes you get an agent who is not (yet) well-versed in the finer details of how to operate a specific computer.

Truth be told, there are so many different HP models on sale, it is quite a challenge to be able to be an 'expert' in all of them, plus HP documentation -especially the newer models, is often lacking.  To be honest, I don't think that this is specifically an HP problem -I have heard similar stories about other PC brands as well.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777