How to Remap Your Windows Keyboard on Vista

Once your keyboard is remapped, it will no longer matter what the letter on the key says.

If you've ever pressed a key on a keyboard, only to find that it performed a different function than you expected, your keyboard has been remapped. When you remap a keyboard, you're altering the Windows Vista registry files that tell the computer which key is associated with which command. While you can perform this tedious task manually, several programs can guide you through the process.

Instructions

1. Download Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator 1.4. The application works by changing the registry for you, depending on how you choose to modify your keyboard. This official Microsoft product works both on Windows Vista and Windows XP.

2. Download and install SharpKeys 2.1.1, a keyboard mapping program. SharpKeys allows you to change any keys you want, as well as turn a key off entirely. The program supports 104 mappings, which means that you can change up to 104 keys, and is free to use as of the date of publication.

3. Download Keyboard Remapper. This shareware program allows you to remap keys as well as set up key combinations, which can be useful in things like video games. The trial version limits you to a set of two key combinations, and the full version costs $10 as of the date of publication.

Tips & Warnings

• You may think you can remember all the changes you've remapped, but don't count on your memory. Write down any substantial changes you make to your keyboard so that you have a reference record.

References

• VLaurie; Remapping the Keyboard Layout in Windows XP, Vista, and 7