Frequently Asked Questions

1. I used to have an upload feature, but it is not available in my software. Did I do something wrong?

2. Does the programming utility work on NT or UNIX systems?

3. I am looking for a Dvorak keyboard layout. Is this possible?

4. Does the Avant keyboard software work with my Northgate Omnikey, Gateway AnyKey or Microsoft Natural keyboard?

5. What operating systems will the Avant keyboard software work in?

6. When I hit a key, I get the wrong character. How do I fix that?

7. Can I use this keyboard on a notebook computer?

8. I have a Hewlett Packard computer. Can I use your keyboard?

9. How can I program my Avant keyboard in Windows NT?

10. How can I program my Avant Keyboard in Windows Vista?

11. What happens if I move my keyboard to another machine after changing some of the keys or programming in some macros?

12. My computer system does not have a PS/2 Connector, what are my options?

13. My keyboard no longer has a pause key, how do I invoke the pause function? 

14. Can I make the sleep key function just like the old pause key?
    

I used to have an upload feature, but it is not available in my software. Did I do something wrong?

Software version 4.0 for Windows 2000 or Windows XP does not have an upload feature.

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Does the programming utility work on NT or UNIX systems?

No, it does not. At this time, only Windows 3.x and Windows 9x, Windows 2000 and Windows XP software versions are available. However, manual keyboard remapping and programming does work in any operating system environment. Please consult the help file in the software.  Also look at question #9 in the FAQ for an additional alternative.

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I am looking for a Dvorak keyboard layout. Is this possible?

The keyboard, as shipped, can be re-configured for the Dvorak layouts by using the Avant software utility or by manual programming. The keycaps are removable, and can be placed in the corresponding position on the keyboard for each different Dvorak layout.

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Does the Avant keyboard software work with my Northgate Omnikey, Gateway AnyKey or Microsoft Natural keyboard?

No. The Avant software is proprietary to the Avant Stellar and Avant Prime keyboards.

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What operating systems will the Avant keyboard software work in?

Version 3.x will work with Windows 3X, Windows 95, and Windows 98.

Version 4.x will work with Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

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When I hit a key, I get the wrong character. How do I fix that?

Try resetting the keyboard. This is done by holding down the escape key during bootup of your computer.

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Can I use this keyboard on a notebook computer?

Yes, although the software download feature will most likely not function. If not, programming can be done manually.

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I have a Hewlett Packard computer. Can I use your keyboard?

Yes, but you can use the keyboard only as a keyboard. The Avant software may NOT function with some Hewlett Packard computers.

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How can I program my Avant keyboard in Windows NT?

Due to the way Microsoft NT operates, the Avant software will not download to the keyboard to record any programming changes. What you can do is load the Windows 9.x version of the Avant software, design your preferred keyboard layout and macros, then save the layout to a file. Next, create a DOS bootable floppy disk and copy the file AVANTDWN.EXE and your saved layout to the disk. Boot from the DOS bootable floppy, and type AVANTDWN myfile.kbd (where myfile.kbd is the name of the file that you created when you saved your keyboard layout) and hit the enter key. This should download your custom layout to the keyboard. The other alternative is to program the keyboard manually through a series of keystrokes. Help for this is available in the help section of the software or in your keyboard manual or by downloading this file:
Programming without the use of Avant software

Do Not Load Version 4.0 for Windows 2000 and Windows XP on a Windows NT Machine.  This software has not been tested on that platform and may cause undesirable results.

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How can I program my Avant Keyboard in Windows Vista?

Currently, there is no software that is Windows Vista compatible.  You may remap keys and add macros to your keyboard from the keyboard itself. See the document: Programming without the use of Avant software

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What happens if I move my keyboard to another machine after changing some of the keys or programming in some macros?

The layout and macros programmed into the keyboard will follow with the keyboard. Any layout changes or macros that are programmed are stored in a PROM in the keyboard, not in the software or anywhere on your system.

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My computer system does not have a PS/2 Connector, what are my options?

The Avant series of keyboards is only available with a PS/2 style connector.  If you do not have PS/2 ports on your system, you may use a USB to PS/2 converter.  This device will convert the signals coming from the keyboard into USB signals that your system should recognize.  Please note: the Avant programming software will not function thru a USB converter.  Please see the Programming FAQ to program your keyboard without the use of our software.

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My keyboard no longer has a pause key, how do I invoke the pause function? 

The new black Avant keyboards now ship with the Windows sleep key.  

Key Operation:

Unshifted/Shifted   SLEEP

Left Ctrl + Sleep  = Break,

Right Ctrl + Sleep = Pause

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Can I make the sleep key function just like the old pause key?

No.  The only way to invoke pause on an Avant keyboard with the sleep key is: Right Ctrl + Sleep.

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