Tested every thing suggested:
As Rob indicated, using the number keys above the letters instead of the keypad works, but I normally used the key pad for short cuts in VW 2018.
Just tested shortcuts running VW 2018 and they all work, using the keypad, even if "do not allow keypad entry for instant data bar activation" is selected.
Tried selecting "allow keypad entry for instant data bar activation" as Tamsin indicated, but it made no difference VW 2019, shortcuts do not work from keypad, just changes views.
Also tested in VW 2019 editing the workspace, setting the "/" (the one on the keypad) to select the line tool and it works, even if the data bar and edit group options has "do not allow numeric keypad entry..." selected or unselected.