What's the purpose of VK_PRINT?

Question

While processing keys I assumed that the virtual key VK_PRINT (0x2A) is the print key on my keyboard. But this assumption was false. I need to work with VK_SNAPSHOT (0x2C) which is VK_PRINT+2. But what is VK_PRINT for? Looking at MSDN I got the feeling we should all forget about this keycode...

What's up with VK_PRINT?

Answer 1

I believe the VK_PRINT keycode is from back in the days of the 83/84 key keyboard (think IBM XT and the IBM AT machines). The 'Print' key on this keyboards was shared with the numeric keypad's '*' key (instead of the PrtSc/SysRq key as is usual today).

See http://www.quadibloc.com/comp/scan.htm for some details on the history of IBM PC compatible keyboards.