I have received several questions about the numeric keypad on the right part of the computer keyboard not functioning properly. In order for the numeric keypad to work properly with most applications, the Num Lock light on your keyboard must be on. Num Lock allows the numeric keys to be used on the numeric keypad.

The "Num Lock" light is generally on the upper right part of the keyboard above the numeric keypad section of the keyboard next to the "Caps Lock" light. To turn "Num Lock" on you would need to press the "Num Lock" key which is generally on the top row of the keypad, most often above the "7" key on the keypad.

So if you are trying to enter numbers using the numeric keypad and no numbers seem to show up, make sure the "Num Lock" light is on.

Why would you turn Num Lock off?

On a very few programs, the Num Lock light needs to be off. On the numeric keypad, look at the "8", "6", "2" and "4" keys. On most keypads those keys have an arrow on them. On some programs, navigation is accomplished using those four keys with the arrows. If you happen to have any programs that use those four keys on the numeric keypad for navigation, you would need to make sure the "Num Lock" light is off. This is usually associated with older computer programs and I rarely come across this anymore. Plus, on most of newer keyboards there are four keys between the space bar and the keypad that provide for the "arrow navigation", so you would not need to use the numeric keypad for navigation anymore.