I want to set the decimal place without using the decimal key--example: hit the 1234 keys and the shows $12.34

If you mean it is not showing everything after the decimal point, you can change that by pressing the [f] key followed by the number of decimal places to display. For example, to restrict it to 2 places, press [f][2]. If you want to see 4 places, press [f][4].

To show all possible decimal places, use the sequence [f][9].
From the manual (http://www.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00363319.pdf):
"To display a different number of decimal places, press f followed by a digit key (0 through 9) specifying the number of decimal places. In the following examples, notice how the displayed form of the number inside the calculator - 14.87456320 - is rounded to the specified number of digits."


"Although nine decimal places were
specified after f, only eight are
displayed since the display can
show a total of only 10 digits. "
The standard display format, plus the specified number of decimal places, remain in effect until you change them; they are not reset each time the calculator is turned on. However, if Continuous Memory is reset, when the calculator is next turned on numbers will be displayed in the standard display format with two decimal places
shown.
If a calculated answer is either too small or too large to be displayed in the standard display format, the display format automatically switches to scientific notation. The display returns to the standard display format for all numbers that can be displayed in that format.
http://www.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00363319.pdf

Check if you can see a key carrying normal either in the second function or so.

Press and hold the decimal point key then press and release the ON key to swap the radix marks between US and European modes.

To set the time: First set to Rate to "SET" then say for example the time is now 1:33 p.m. enter 13 then hit the decimal then enter 33 hit the decimal then hit the time key and you are set.

Hello,
To convert from fractions to decimals, and from decimals to fractions use the [S<-->D] key. If you want your decimal results to have a fixed number of decimal places press [SHIFT][SETUP][6:Fix]. Screen shows Fix 0~9. Enter the number of decimal places exemple 3.
Dans ce cas 1/6 is displayes ase 0.167.
Hope it helps.

Check this HP FAQ:
Setting a Fixed Decimal Place You can download the manual and user guides for your calculator from here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=81575&lang=en&

For more information, Faqs & how-Tosgo the HP support homepage for your calculator:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=81575&

Introduction This document describes how to set the desired number of decimal places on the HP 12c calculator in standard format. It also covers how to enter a number in scientific notation. Instructions for standard format

1. Press and release .
2. Press the number key for the desired number of decimal places to be displayed to the right of the decimal point (0 through 9). The calculator displays a maximum of 10 digits.

The display will show the specified number of decimal places. The answer will be rounded to the number of digits selected. Example (standard format) If the number in the display is 14.87456320, the display will be changed as follows: Keystroke Display 14.8746 14.9 15 14.87456320 Instructions for scientific notation Use scientific notation for very large or very small numbers. Type in the mantissa. After pressing, the next numbers keyed in are exponents of 10. Press . If during an operation a result has more than 10 digits, the calculator automatically displays the number in scientific notation

Introduction This document describes how to set the desired number of decimal places on the HP 12c calculator in standard format. It also covers how to enter a number in scientific notation. Instructions for standard format

1. Press and release .
2. Press the number key for the desired number of decimal places to be displayed to the right of the decimal point (0 through 9). The calculator displays a maximum of 10 digits.

The display will show the specified number of decimal places. The answer will be rounded to the number of digits selected. Example (standard format) If the number in the display is 14.87456320, the display will be changed as follows: Keystroke Display 14.8746 14.9 15 14.87456320 Instructions for scientific notation Use scientific notation for very large or very small numbers. Type in the mantissa. After pressing, the next numbers keyed in are exponents of 10. Press . If during an operation a result has more than 10 digits, the calculator automatically displays the number in scientific notation

I found this solution on the HP website. Turn it on, and do what it says. Then turn it off and back on again, and the extra decimal places should show.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?dlc=en&lc=en&cc=us&docname=bpia5183 Introduction This document describes how to set the desired number of decimal places on the HP 12C Calculator in standard format and in scientific notation. Instructions for standard format

1. Press and release the gold PREFIX key (f).
2. Press the number key for the desired number of decimal places (0 through 9).

The display will show the specified number of decimal places. The answer will be rounded to the number of digits selected.

2ND [FIX] 4

This is an easy one and happens often. Simply depress the orange "f" key and then select how many decimal points you want on the numeric keys. For example, for two decimal places you would push "f" 2. I usually keep mine on 3, but you can take it from here.

Call tech support! That's why these people get paid. Sites like this wouldn't need to exist if they did their jobs correctly!