HT204621: Troubleshooting wireless mouse and keyboard issues

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Bottlebrush2

Q: I have just purchased a new apple cordless keyboard.  The numeric line of keys along the top are not functioning as they should.  For example I am unable to get a question mark or a forward slash.  I have tried holding down both shift and alt keys.

I have just purchased a new apple cordless keyboard.  The numeric line of keys along the top are not functioning as they should.  For example I am unable to get a question mark or a forward slash.  I have tried holding down both shift and alt keys.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Sep 20, 2013 5:53 AM

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Q: I have just purchased a new apple cordless keyboard.  The numeric line of keys along the top are not functioning as they shou ... more

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  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Sep 20, 2013 5:57 AM in response to Bottlebrush2
    Level 9 (58,944 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Sep 20, 2013 5:57 AM in response to Bottlebrush2

    Try this:

     

     

    1. Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> Keyboard
    2. Untick "Use All F1, F2, etc keys as standard keys"
    3. Click "Keyboard Shortcuts"
    4. Click "Restore Defaults"
  • by Bottlebrush2,

    Bottlebrush2 Bottlebrush2 Sep 20, 2013 6:15 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2013 6:15 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks for prompt response - I tried what you suggested but I'm afraid it has not helped.  It seems as though the line of number keys along the top aren't actually doing what is printed on them.  Some are OK, but the further towards the right hand side of the keyboard you go, the less predicatable it becomes.  So whilst the second key from the left gives me 1 and ! when holding the shift key, by the time I get to the 6 when I press and hold shift I get ^ rather than & symbol which is what is actually printed on the key.  The & symbol is actually on the next key along - and when I hit the key with 8 I get * rather than the ( which is printed on they key but actually located on the next key along.  Things get even more muddled by the time I am over on the right hand side as rather than a question mark (I have had to type the word as I cannot find the symbol anywhere!) I get this _ and the other symbol marked on the key is a comma, but I get - instead.  It is going to drive me mad if every time I want to type something it is a guessing game....!  What do you suggest - question mark

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Sep 20, 2013 6:28 AM in response to Bottlebrush2
    Level 9 (58,944 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Sep 20, 2013 6:28 AM in response to Bottlebrush2

    Return the keyboard for an exchange if the following does not work.

     

    Create a new user account, call it TEST ACCOUNT. Then log into the TEST ACCOUNT and see if the same behavior exists on the new account. If it goes away then you know it's a setting on  your normal account that needs to be adjusted.

     

    However before doing that do a simple Intel iMac SMC and PRAM resets at least 2-3 times and reset. If the resets do not help then create the new account as explained above.

  • by Bottlebrush2,

    Bottlebrush2 Bottlebrush2 Sep 20, 2013 6:32 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2013 6:32 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    I have a small cordless keyboard  - where is the option key (question mark!) there is no key marked with this.

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Sep 20, 2013 7:02 AM in response to Bottlebrush2
    Level 9 (58,944 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Sep 20, 2013 7:02 AM in response to Bottlebrush2

    I believe that keyboard has an Alt key, use that key please. I assure you that keyboard can do a PRAM reset.

  • by Bottlebrush2,

    Bottlebrush2 Bottlebrush2 Sep 20, 2013 7:13 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2013 7:13 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks - I figured out which the option key was and I have tried doing the PRAM reset three times - also tried setting up the test account, but neither suggestion has worked.  Just a thought - I live in Portugal which is where I purchased the keyboard from.  Is there any chance that the keyboard could be configured differently - I still don't think that it is quite right that keys showing one thing are doing another - and I don't know how I am going to type a euro sign as although one is marked on the keyboard it is a £ sign that comes up when I hit the key - but is there a language setting I can check to ensure that it is set to UK english.

     

    I am thinking that this a fault with the keyboard though........

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Sep 20, 2013 7:26 AM in response to Bottlebrush2
    Level 9 (58,944 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Sep 20, 2013 7:26 AM in response to Bottlebrush2

    Ok, the issue may be language that is set up. Check that and also reset the SMC 2-3 times. On the language check the overall system and look at system preferences - keyboard carefully.

  • by Bottlebrush2,

    Bottlebrush2 Bottlebrush2 Sep 20, 2013 7:34 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2013 7:34 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Thanks for that - and for all your help.  Much appreciated. Will take a trip to the shop and try to get a replacement keyboard...

  • by Bottlebrush2,

    Bottlebrush2 Bottlebrush2 Sep 20, 2013 8:36 AM in response to Bottlebrush2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2013 8:36 AM in response to Bottlebrush2

    I've just thought of something else....This wireless keyboard was bought to replace another one that was about six years old.  Having looked at the layout of the old keyboard - that is what the keys are doing.  It is as if it still thinks I have the old keyboard instead of the new one.  The layout is slightly different on new one with the numeric keys.   I unpaired the new keyboard and paired it up again, just in case I hadn't done it right the first time, but it is still happening.  Why might the computer think that the new keyboard is still the old one ?  You see - I can use a question mark now if I hit the key where the old one would have put it!!