map Dell Instant Launch Manager commands to keys ?

Dell Instant Launch Manager allows the single hardware key to execute a chosen command from its pre-defined list, such as:

mute
turn off display
refresh web browser
launch a program
etc.

I've set that key to run one of those commands, but I'd like quick access to more than one of those commands. Is there any way I can map one of those commands to a key I don't use, such as PrntScr ?

 

Out of those actions you listed two already exist as single key short cuts.
Mute - already has a key assigned. It's just to the left of the PrntScr and right of the F keys. (see attached image)
Refresh Browser - Can be done in most browsers by pressing F5 or Ctrl+R. Some browsers may have another short cut assigned to this.

What I would LOVE (can't emphasis how much I would love to have this) to have on my L702x keyboard is the Context menu key!! I can't believe Dell took the key off the keyboard. If anyone knows a way I could assign the context menu key to this touch button I would be very grateful

 

@fluffy88:

You can do that easily in linux but after reading your post I was curious if there was an easy way to do it in windows too and here is the result:

Open Notepad and copy/paste the following:

Code:

Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject ("WScript.Shell")

WshShell.SendKeys "+{F10}"
WScript.Sleep 10

save as contextmenu.vbs then right click on it and make sure it opens with Microsoft Windows Based Script Host.
Now, press the Dell touch key (currently unassigned), select Launch a program. A file selection window will open but by default it only shows *.exe files so use the combo-box located bottom-right and select *.* (all files) then navigate to where you saved contextmenu.vbs and select it.
That's all, now you should have context menu available through Dell touch key...

HTH.

 

Wow that's very clever cri, thank you very much for the reply.
I assume that is Visual Basic your coding with, I might try do the same thing with Java or C just for kicks

After I posted earlier I went to the font of all knowledge and googled the problem, Shift+F10(which is obviously the combination your sending in your script) opens the context menu and even though it is not a good replacement for the dedicated key I think it will do me.

 

Fluffy88,

How did you include an image in your post?

Everytime I've tried to insert an image, the only option offered is to include an http link to an already published image.

 

You have to go to the advanced reply and you can do it from there.
When on the advanced page, scroll down below the message box and you will see a "Manage Attachments" button. It's all in there.

 

Got it, thanks.

 

I guess someone should try answer the OP.

To get a new key mapping to work natively I would guess you would need to install a modded driver for the keyboard, which would probably be just a pain in the ***.

There is a program called AutoHotKey, I have very little experience with it but I think it will do exactly what you need. What it does is listen for certain keystrokes/combinations and when they are pressed it will execute a defined command. It's very versatile and you can create any script you want with it. The only thing is it's basically like a programming language and might be a little hard to get setup, but persist with it and you should get the result you want.

And sorry for derailing your thread

 

Thanks for the replies.

fluffy88: the commands I listed were just examples of what's in the list, not the ones I want to map. I know some of them are already available from key combinations, though having to hit Fn and an F-key isn't as convenient as a single key/button.

"turn off display" isn't available from any Fn key combination. I'd like a single key or button execution of "turn off display" and "play/pause", at least to start.

Is there some key combination that invokes "turn off display"? The only place I've seen it is in that Dell Instant Launch Manager list. "play/pause" I could map using a hotkeys app as you suggested, as it is available from Fn+F9.

 

Anyone know how to invoke "turn off display" or "play/pause" from a key combination or command-line, rather than only from Dell Instant Launch Manager?

 

Quick google turned up a few different alternatives to turn off the display.
Windows Turn off display - Google Search
I read through the first article, which uses an application called NirCmd to set a shortcut and key-combination to switch off your display.

 

Thanks, I'm using such an application on another computer. It works well, but isn't quite as instant as the one that's built-in to the XPS 15.

I may need to install a keymapper sort of app/utility to invoke "play/pause". Then I should be able to map the unused PrntScr key to Fn F9 to do"play/pause" from a single key. (I use the F keys regularly, so don't want to make the media keys avaiable directly and have to use the Fn key to use F keys.)

It would also be nice to map the screen brightness up and down to Fn and the cursor arrow keys, as was default on my old Inspiron laptop. It's more logical and easier to find than hunting for the right function keys. Maybe even enable Ctrl Fn arrow keys for sound volume.