To enter a programming code, follow these steps:

1. Slide the TV/WebTV switch to TV.

2. Press the Code Set button down for SIX SECONDS

3. Enter the 3-digit code for your brand of TV, as listed below

4. Press the Return key.

5. Slide the TV/WebTV switch to WebTV

The first code shown for each brand is the most common one. If the power, volume, and channel buttons do not work correctly, you may need to program a different code into the keyboard.

You normally do not need to reprogram the keyboard unless the batteries have been removed for an extended period of time. However, it's a good idea to write down the correct code for your television on a piece of paper, and tape that paper to the inside of the battery compartment cover so you don't have to hunt for it in the future.

Television manufacturers frequently sell parts - and even entire television chassis - to each other. It is quite possible that your brand of television has one name on exterior, but contains another brand of tuner inside. If none of the codes for your brand work, try other codes. Some brands - Orion is a good example - deliberately use a tuner that is incompatible with universal remotes. They make little money selling televisions, but turn a nice profit selling replacement remote controls.

Alkaline batteries are recommended. Ordinary heavy-duty batteries will due in a pinch, but they rapidly lose power, even when stored in a drawer and unused. Rechargeable (ni-cad) batteries have a lower voltage and will not work as well. Using heavy-duty or ni-cad batteries won't hurt the keyboard - it's basically just an infrared "flashlight" - but low voltage means a weaker signal. Weak signals mean skipped letters when you are typing, especially if you don't hold the keyboard pointing directly at the IR receiver on the WebTV.

Once in a while, a keyboard will get "confused". Sometimes, it is caused by installing the batteries backwards; other times, it seems to be caused by gremlins. Before assuming that your keyboard is defective, remove the batteries, and allow the keyboard to drain all stored energy. Placing a book on the keys overnight so that some are depressed will help drain the energy more quickly. Once the energy is drained, you can reinstall the batteries, and the keyboard may operate correctly once again. You will need to reprogram the keyboard.

If one key stops functioning, it may be dirt or debris under the key. Carefully pull off the keycap. You can make a hook from a straightened-out paper clip for this. Be careful to put your hand over the key as you do this, as parts can fly across the room. Clean out under the key, and carefully press evenly on the key to put it back. It is rather difficult to do this with large keys, like a spacebar; you're better off removing adjacent keys for cleaning. You can get "canned air" at Radio Shack that will make this an easier job.

Some people report success in washing their keyboards in the dishwasher. We do not recommend it. If you try, however, remove the batteries before you start and seal the battery cover with waterproof tape, use the upper rack, do not use soap, and air-dry standing the keyboard on end.