Windows XP has <Num Lock> disabled by default when it starts up. Even if you enable start up with number lock on in the BIOS, it is disabled as soon as Windows XP starts. To change the initial status of <Num Lock> in Windows XP, you will have to use the Registry Editor to change a value in the registry. Please do not forget to create a restore point before editing the registry!

1. Click Start
2. Click Run.
3. Type REGEDIT
4. Click OK.
5. In the Registry Editor, expand the keys until you get to HKEY_USERS/.DEFAULT/Control Panel/Keyboard.
6. In the right pane you will see the key InitialKeyboardIndicators.
7. Change the value of this key to 2; it is 0 by default.
8. Close the Registry Editor.
9. Restart your computer.

After rebooting, the <Num Lock> status will be on when you start the system

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