How to use save states in dolphin?

[EarthBoundAddict]

So I've recently started a fire emblem: path of radiance playthrough and I don't want to restart an entire chapter everytime someone dies so therefore would like save states to make the game just a bit easier.

The thing is every time I press shift + f1 my laptop just pulls up my files. What exactly am I doing wrong?

[Helios]

Make sure dolphin has window focus when you press the key combo.

[JosJuice]

Maybe it's one of those laptops where you have to hold Fn to get the actual F1 key instead of a special key?

[EarthBoundAddict]

Make sure dolphin has window focus when you press the key combo.

Sorry if this sounds stupid. I'm not very experienced with laptops but what is Windows focus?

[Helios]

It's whatever program you're working in, usually the front-most window.

You can also try this

Go to Options > Hotkey settings and find "save save slot #", middle click (scroll wheel click) the box to clear it and rebind it to whatever you like. Same for load.