I am using a multimedia office keyboard and I can't use the f keys such as F8 because they're other functions written on them such as "save". I can't find a second function key anywhere.

Compaq Presario computers provide users with a row of function keys for added keyboard functionality. Function keys can serve a dual purpose as well.
Function keys are located at the top of Compaq Presario keyboards.
By learning how function keys work on a Compaq Presario you can take advantage of time saving keyboard shortcuts.Purpose
Use function keys to access menus, save changes and create shortcut keys.
Various applications, including Microsoft Office, allow you to select a function key as a shortcut key for running specific tasks. These settings are usually found under the Tools, Settings or File menu.
Each Compaq Presario computer has twelve function keys.
The most common used keys are "F2," "F8," "F10" and "F12."
The first three are used mainly to access and use the Compaq BIOS. "F12" is used to access a set of run from options during the boot process.

How to Access
Access function keys on a Compaq Presario by pressing any of the keys on the top row of the keyboard. Access the key's dual purpose by first pressing the "Fn" key located on the bottom row of keys.
Use function keys as shortcut keys by pressing them anytime while in the desired application. Remember, you must set them as shortcut keys first.
Note that some programs may already have certain function keys set as shortcuts.
Open menus and view the shortcut keys beside each menu item before setting your own shortcuts.


Dual Uses Each function key has a dual use. Press "Fn" plus the desired function key for the key's other use.
Below each function number is a small picture within a square or rectangle.
This dictates the dual use. "F1" opens help and support. "F2" serves as a printer shortcut.
Open your homepage by pressing "F3."
If you use dual monitors, switch between monitors by using "F4." "F5" puts your computer in stand-by mode.
Quickly lock your computer by pressing "F6." "F7" and "F8" adjust the screen's contrast.
Play and pause your music in Windows Media Player or other default media player by using "F9."
Press "F10" to stop playing media. Skip ahead or rewind media by using "F11" and "F12."

Other "Fn" Keys

In addition to function keys, the "Fn" key is also provides other keys with a dual use.
Any key with a small square on the key has a dual purpose such as the "scroll," "insert" and "delete" buttons.
Since laptop keyboards have no number pads, certain keys serve as the number pad by pressing the "Fn" key.

Because you have a multimedia keyboard, there are additional functions for those special function keys. The icons on the keys will tell you if they do something special (like play sounds, increase the volume, etc) This kind of keyboard is designed for those who play DVDs and CDs and don't want to have to open a menu on the screen to quickly play music, etc.

All KB's DO, should, have a F8 Key, they are the top most row of keys they may double as "Other" keys too.. usually the F8 key is the 9th one from the left. I suggest that you need to look more carefully? Alternately use a USB keyboard that may work?

On each keyboard there are additional sets of keys delineated as "Function" Keys. These keys are used for additional programmed functions, such as "F8" or "Function 8" which will allow a Windows user to access a boot menu when Windows first starts up. On a regular 102 key keyboard, such as those on a desktop computer, the function keys are located at the top of the keyboard with the letter "F" preceding the number of the key. On a laptop, generally the function keys are accessed by holding down a blue "Fn" down at the bottom of the keyboard and the specific number on the numeric portion of the keyboard. So in the above example of "F8" the combination of holding down "Fn + 8" would accomplish the same action.

I hope this help and if you require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.

Check your keyboard and find where num lock is written and press again. Something you might have to press fn,if it is written with other letter or command.

FN key is to be used in combination with the function keys like F1, F2 , F3 and so on to launch or initiate a specific function on your computer and utilities or features that came with in.

You can change the settings by going to BIOS. To go to BIOS, restart the system and as soon as you restart, start tapping the <F2> key located on the keyboard. This will take you to BIOS.
You can use the Function Key Behavior setting in the System Setup (BIOS) utility to configure the media control keys. The options in the Function Key Behaviour setting are:
Multimedia Key First - This is the default option. Press any multimedia key directly. For function key, press <Fn> + the required function key.
Function Key First - Press any function key directly. For multimedia key, press <Fn> + the required multimedia key.

check device manager to be sure your video card is functioning properly. If it looks good in device manager, shut off the pc, connect the external monitor/projector to the pc and start up the pc with the external device powered on. if no video from external device, then the video card/external connector is probably bad. Contact Dell if in warranty.

maybe the fn/f8 keys are not working. Can you get a safe mode boot prompt by repeatedly pressing the f8 key immediately following power up on the laptop? if no, f8 key is likely dead and you need a new keyboard. If f8 is okay, does the fn key work with other functions? if no, fn key is bad - new keyboard.

Hope this helps!

thats problem of keyboard please use other symple keyboard not multimedia

Check for an F Lock key on your keyboard.

By pressing it, it should activate your F Keys and F8 should work as advertised.