Shift Key problem - only one letter capitalized

Question

Level 1

1 points

Shift Key problem - only one letter capitalized

Hi,

Since upgrading to 10.5.2 and the Graphics update I have noticed that the
shift key doesn't work as expected. (This might be co-incidence of course)

Press Shift and a key, (say F), to get upper case works for a single letter but not
subsequent letters (eg Fffffff f f f) - if the shift key is held down.

If the shift key is alternately pressed I get FfFfFfFfFf F f.

The Shift key works Ok with characters like (9)0 etc

I have had a look at the Sys Preferences>Keyboard etc and can see nothing
obvious here (and indeed I restored the defaults to be sure).

Also Universal Access>Keyboard and sticky keys is Off.
Universal Access>Mouse Keys is Off

Checking the International>Keyboard Viewer appears Ok.

I logged into my wifes account and it exhibits the same problem afaics.

A couple of apps have been recently upgraded like Voodo Pad, LittleSnitch, and Office 2004,
but again I can see nothing obvious. Wingnuts 2 has been installed.

So, can the panel suggest any other likely causes of this changed behaviour
or how it might be corrected?

Thanks.

Power Mac G5, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Feb 14, 2008 2:34 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Feb 20, 2008 1:19 AM in response to Brookhaven

Hi I have a similar problem:
the combination shift + s does not work:
instead I get nothing.
I can only get a capital S by using the upper lock shift key

however I must confess:
this problem started when I dusted off my new wireless keyboard:
I went to a different room to do this, but while I dusted it off I pressed 100s of times
on all the keys, and my computer got very confused.

Reply

Answer 2

Feb 22, 2008 6:52 AM in response to Brookhaven

dear Brookhaven

that's it! amazing, how did you find it?
indeed, I tried speech a few days ago, and installed that shift+s key command
you made me very happy, because it was a terrible week, without the S
have a great weekend!

Jacob

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Answer 3

Feb 25, 2008 4:18 AM in response to Brookhaven

I am having the same problem ever since I installed the MacBook Pro keyboard firmware upgrade.

When typing a word in ALL CAPS by pressing the SHIFT key, only the first character appears in CAPS. All subsequent characters appear in lower case even though the SHIFT key is continually pressed.

The workaround is to backspace over the lower case character(s) one at a time as they are typed and type them again in CAPS, or use the CAPS LOCK key.

Needless to say, I am not happy at all!

Andreas

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Answer 4

Mar 4, 2008 12:56 PM in response to Brookhaven

So, you have a Power Mac G5. I have a MacBook Pro. We have the same problem. Apparently, it is not limited to a single platform, (PowerPC or Intel) and it may not be the fault of the keyboard firmware update since there isn't one for your computer, I don't think, just for the MacBooks.

This problem may actually be due to the Graphics update as you mentioned.

Andreas

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Answer 5

Mar 10, 2008 5:12 AM in response to Brookhaven

I solved the SHIFT key problem. As it turns out, it was not the result of any update or buggy piece of software code, but a conscious (albeit erroneous) decision on my part.

A few days ago, I installed a new version of TypeIt4Me and in perusing the various settings, I selected the “No DOuble CAps” option. I misinterpreted what this option would do. It modifies the behavior of the SHIFT key which I then thought was a bug in my system.

TypeIt4Me, btw, by Riccardo Ettore, is a wonderful application. I have used it for more than a decade, and I can honestly say it is the most valuable shareware utility I have ever installed on my macs. I strongly and unconditionally recommend it to all mac users.

Andreas

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Answer 6

Apr 22, 2008 6:45 AM in response to andreasgr

andreasgr

Thanks that did the trick for me. Like you I am a huge fan of TypeIt4Me, but hadn't noticed that new preference.

As to all the other people with this probkem, I doubt they are all using TypeIt4Me; I wonder if a similar command had recently become available and other apps are accessing it?

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Answer 7

Kogiah

Level 1

55 points

Jun 19, 2008 6:07 AM in response to andreasgr

Wow, andreasgr, you solved it! I didn't notice until this week that my spare laptop was doing the 'only one capital letter at a time' thing. Was that a nuisance! And I do use (and love) TypeIt4Me.

Thanks very much for noticing this and posting about it. I am not the original poster of this thread, or I'd officially declare it "solved."

Hats off, three cheers, and all that exuberant stuff.

andreasgr: "... a new version of TypeIt4Me and in perusing the various settings, I selected the “No DOuble CAps” option ..."

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Answer 8

Brookhaven Author

Level 1

1 points

Feb 20, 2008 1:51 PM in response to Jacob Ter Veldhuis

Thanks for the reply Jacob.

I tried disconnecting my blue tooth keyboard and resetting but no joy.

I had previously borrowed my wifes keyboard to see if that made a difference but it did not.

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Answer 9

Brookhaven Author

Level 1

1 points

Feb 22, 2008 6:03 AM in response to Jacob Ter Veldhuis

A thought has just occurred to me:-)

Try checking System Preferences>Speech: "Speak selected text when the key is pressed".

You might have that key set to speak words...

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Answer 10

S2

Level 1

40 points

Apr 8, 2008 6:42 AM in response to Brookhaven

Both of the shift keys on my 4 month old MBP don't work. can't get any capital letters or !"£$%^&*()? without using the wireless keyboard. Please help...

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