Solved!  The problem was that the Field Day software was not set to CW mode.  Putting it in CW mode solved the problem.  Thanks!!

-Steve K1RF

Hi all. We are setting up all out laptops for Field Day with wuikeyers using the function keys with macros.  Some of the laptops work but on at least two others, the function keys are totally disabled.  The winkeyers are working correctly and there is communication between the N3FJP software and the winkeyer as evidenced by the "Test button" properly working in settings/transmit/CW and keying the winkeyer.   Yes we ran into the "action key problem" on one laptop where we fixed the problem by going into the bios and disabling action keys.  The action keys behave as follows in the bios:

Disabled: Requires pressing and holding the function key (fn) while pressing one of the f1 through f12 keys to use the action indicated on the action key.

For example, on some computer models, if the Action Keys Mode is Disabled, pressing the f11 key will minimize and maximize a web browser if open. Alternatively, pressing and holding the fn + f11 keys will mute the sound.

The action keys may vary depending on the model of notebook.

Enabled: Requires pressing only one of the f1 through f12 keys to use the action as indicated on the action key.

For example, on some computer models, if the Action Keys Mode is Enabled, pressing f11 will mute the sound as indicated on the action key. Alternatively, pressing and holding fn + f11 will minimize and maximize a web browser if open.

The action keys may vary depending on the model of notebook.

We set this to "disabled" on a few laptops and that fixed that problem.

This is not our current problem and doesn't appear to be a bios setup issue.  There seems to be a common thread on several other laptops of different brands where the function keys can't be made to work as the classic function keys, with or without pressing the "function" button.  The F keys just do nothing.  I believe some are windows 7 and some are windows 10. They are all laptops.