usually when they come with a cd it is for a couple of reasons it has drivers necessary if you have an older verison of windows like 95 or 98, or if the keyboard has some specific task that it does other than the normal keyboard tasks. With an xp or Vista pc usually you do not need an install disc because they come with most needed drivers. I would read carefully to see if the instructions might say that you only need the install disc if you have another version of windows. I would also just plug it in and use it and see if everything you want to do with it works if so no need to add any discs. I try to avoid adding any extra software when possible. If this keyboard however is special and has a lot of special features then that may be why it has a disc. In googling that model it appears that keyboard does do some specific tasks and that is what the software is for, I also found this CON about the software. Quote from newegg: Cons: The software is horrible. It only lets you assign macros for certain keys, and it only lets you assign certain things to certain keys. the WORST thing about this keyboard is that none of the buttons function while running a game or any other full-screen program. You can't pause/play/mute/next track while listening to music if you're playing a game. It's worthless to me because of that." this is the link to it at the microsoft site if you want to check on the info about it there. keyboard Microsoft Digital Media Keyboard 3000 Review

Mikie, I didn't know that, but even if I did hit one of those keys, why would I lose all the type? Sometimes a menu drop down comes on, and of course, while I am typing, I don't always catch it in time, and poof all type gone. The puzzle for me is, what keys am I combining to eliminate the type, if I knew that, perhaps I would be able to control things more here? I see where hitting control/all would make the area black as it does, but then, what key am I hitting to take out the type?

Grandms, (expanding what Mikie said...) Try shutting down the computer. Unplug your keyboard and mouse, and then plug in the wireless pick-up(s) for the new keyboard and mouse. Turn on your new equipment and turn on the computer. All should be well. You don't ordinarily need to use the installation CD. It usually just has a bunch of junk on it anyway. Hope this helps.. txKen

I'm not an Excel User, wish I could help you there! I use only Logitech Keyboards and have never had a number fading problem. Not sure what kind of Keyboards are in Laptops but I've never had a problem with them either. On my Desktop Computer I have a Logitech Combo the MX5500. This is a Bluetooth Combo and the best Keyboard/Mouse Combo I've ever used. I also purchased a Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard for my Android Tablet, this keyboard (even though specifically for an Android) works with my new Acer Iconia W4-820 Windows 8.1 Tablet. I've never used the Ergonomic Keyboards but Logitech also make those. I believe the 2.4GHz Wireless MK550 is the model number of their Ergonomic Keyboard/Mouse Combo. They also have the 2.4GHz Wireless K350 Keyboard and the Wireless Trackball M570 paired together as a Combo. If it were me I would spend a little more and purchase the MX800 Keyboard/Mouse. I like the feel of the Mouse that come with the combo. It has Darkfield and can be used on almost any surface (glass, mirrors, Blue Jeans, etc...).