Japanese keyboard layout in Windows 7 doesn't correspond to what's written on the physical keyboard

I have an English version of Windows 7, but my keyboard is Japanese.

However, even though I choose a Japanese keyboard (Microsoft IME) under Keyboard and Languages, the layout isn't right. I think it's English layout, but I can't be sure.

Anyway, I want the layout and usage to be exactly like it is on a Japanese Windows 7, as there are some nice (mouse free) shortcuts to change between input modes. Any suggestions?


You can edit the registry to change from a 101 key keyboard to a 106 key keyboard. Go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt\Parameters

Change the value of LayerDriver JPN from "kbd101.dll" to "kdb106.dll", and three other settings.


Find the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\i8042prt\Parameters

change these entries:

LayerDriver JPN REG_SZ kbd106.dll
OverrideKeyboardIdentifier REG_SZ PCAT_106KEY
OverrideKeyboardSubtype DWORD 2
OverrideKeyboardType DWORD 7