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Lab Handbook

X-Win32 Xterm Backspace/Delete Solution

If your backspace key is not working correctly in your xterm window, here's how to fix the problem.

Start X-Win32.

Right-click the X icon in the systray.

Choose X-Config.

Click the Input tab on the Configuration window.

Click the Edit... button in the Keyboard section.

The file you choose here depends on the type of keyboard your system thinks you have. To determine this, you should investigate the properties in your Keyboard control panel. Most systems will probably have the standard 102-key keyboard defined even though you may have a 105-key keyboard.

Choose the us.xkb file.

Click Open.

Click on the BS key in the keyboard layout.

Click in the field next to the right of Shifted to pop up the menu (as shown).

Choose <No Symbol> from the menu.

Close the window and when click Yes when you are asked if you want to save changes.

The changes will not take effect until you either quit or reset X-Win32. To reset X-Win32, right-click the X icon in the systray and choose Reset.

The next time your xterm windows open, your backspace key should work. If not, you may need to choose a different keyboard layout from the list above. Consult the properties in your Keyboard control panel.