keyboard problem MacBook Pro

Stefan, you're right - I fall into the 3rd category (or rather fell, when I launched the vmware kext using launchd).

I thoroughly suspect that VMware is the sole cause of my problem - I don't use it on this machine, but did install a developer beta earlier this year which may have left residue (well, the LaunchDaemon is case in point really).

So, it may turn out that there are only 2 categories:

1) users with hardware faults (affecting users historically, and prior to Leopard)
2) users with conflicting plugins, daemons or kexts (affecting users migrating from Tiger to Leopard, or installing certain pre-Leopard 3rd party applications on a vanilla install)

Now another possible cause, (even though the keyboards are USB devices), an EFI upgrade may have introduced conflicts under Leopard - which would explain users having problems even when starting in safe mode [shift key down] or when running the DVD installer, BUT have never had any problems under Tiger, and don't even now when running the Tiger DVD/CD installer.

Now, how's this for screwy.

I'm now using a new-model Apple wireless keyboard, which has also begun cutting-out... When the internal keyboard goes the external sometimes goes, and vice versa.

According to the Bluetooth settings, the batteries are fine.

Insane.

Just got off the phone with AppleCare--they advise I do an Archive Re-install.
Has anyone had any luck with this?

Same problem here. It started happening after an update to Leopard and after a recover from a hibernation. I followed the steps mentioned before of repairing the permissions and apparently the problem has not return.

So I reinstalled Leopard with Archive & Install and it mouse & keyboard worked. I then put the MacBook Pro to sleep. When I opened it back up, it no longer worked.
Then my bluetooth keyboard stopped working with it as well. I repaired the Permissions and no change.

I did an Archive Install and things seem to be OK for now.

I'm still having sporadic issues after an archive & install...

You should do a clean install at this point.
If that doesn't work, it could be hardware related.

I've only had my MBP (w/ Leopard) for 3 days, and had similar symptoms:

1. Keyboard would stop working for a few seconds or up to minute or so (seemed to be instigated by opening a new app, or switching tabs in firefox, etc.)
2. pad and button never failed

...

I followed the instructions above (including going to safe boot, initiating a repair of permissions and restarting) - all is fixed, and have not experienced the issue (has been a few hours now)

Thank you for the info!
-Mark

Having ordered a new 15' MBPro yesterday this thread really makes me scared.
This will be my first Mac so i hope this is something software related and not a HW bug.
I am moving from PC(Windows) to the mac world since i love OSX and also the design and quality of the Mac so i hope this problem can be solved with a software update soon.

Anyone who tried to do a clean reinstall and see if the problem will disappear with no other software installed?

You should be Ok,
I haven't had any more issues, and Apple is aware of the problem so either way you'll be taken care of.

I have had this problem once on my MacBook Pro, under Tiger about two months ago.

Apple support had me do an SMC reset:

If the computer is on, turn it off.
Disconnect the AC Adapter and remove the computer's battery.
Press and hold down the power button for 5 seconds and then release the button.
Reconnect the battery and AC Adapter.
Press the Power button to restart the computer.

It has not happened again, under Tiger or Leopard, (though I did have a trackpad issue which was solved by removing Sidetrack).

Can't see that this has been mentioned in this long thread but I may have missed it.

Mike

Ehmm ok...

Tried this... Currently the keyboard does not work AT ALL anymore 😟 Before that it was a poblem which occured 50% of the time...

So this actually made it worse 😟

JB

Ok, little additional information. I tried EVERYTHING for 10 hours straight inbetween working, including a cool down for 45 minutes.. .nothing worked.

But now, after dinner and a three hour sleep, everything seems to work again...

So allowing the machine a LOT of resting time (going into safe sleep?) does seem to solve the problem for now... no idea when it will be back.

(but so far nothing seems to be permanently ruined)

Jan-Bart

I really feel sorry for you 😟
These problems tend to make me walk on the walls (or simple get MAD).

I'm guessing you dont have a warranty left? otherwise you could just let Apple have a look and replace the keyboard, laptop or whatever causes your problem.

Wish you good luck.
/R