Numeric Key Pad Freezes Computer

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Numeric Key Pad Freezes Computer

I have the Mac OS X Version 10.4.11. I use the number keys at the top of the keyboard. While having my computer serviced the techie used the numeric key pad and the computer froze up. He used the disk utility to clean up and repair files but the computer still froze up when the numeric pad keys were pressed. I had an extra keyboard that we connected, but it happened with that numeric pad too.

Occasionally I will accidently hit the numeric pad and the computer freezes but I never realized until someone else used it that this was the reason the computer froze. Weird.

Any ideas? Any help will be most appreciated.

Best regards,
Mary Ellen

Power Mac G5, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Oct 19, 2008 11:50 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 19, 2008 12:14 PM in response to Munus43

Hi Mary Ellen,

The keys at the top of the keyboard are function keys, not numerical. If you turn on the, "num lock", it's going to freeze those keys and only the numerical keypad can be used. Those keys are, 789, UIO, JKL, and M. If you open Text Edit, press the "num lock" key, you won't be able to type letters... only numbers using the keys I mentioned.
Does that help to understand how the num lock key works? That's why this happens on both keyboards.
Carolyn 🙂
Message was edited by: Carolyn Samit

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Answer 2

Munus43 Author

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Oct 19, 2008 12:38 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

Yes, I know the function keys are at the top . . . . sorry. What I mean is, while filling out a form to order extra RAM online my computer tech used the numeric key pad when the form asked for a zip code and the computer froze up. The mouse moved around the screen but the computer was frozen and we had to shut off the power and reboot. When I fill out forms or need to use numbers, I use the numbers under the function keys, hence I did not know the numeric key pad was having trouble. The computer freezes on occasion, but I never knew it was the key pad that was doing it.

Thank you for responding and I hope that I am more clear this time.

Mary Ellen

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Answer 3

Oct 19, 2008 1:03 PM in response to Munus43

Hi Mary Ellen,

I found the following in the Apple Mac OS X Help Viewer:

*Using the keyboard or numeric keypad to control the pointer*
If you have difficulty using the mouse, you can turn on Mouse Keys. The Mouse Keys feature lets you use the numeric keypad to move the pointer and click items on the screen.

With Mouse Keys turned on, press the I key on your keyboard (or the 5 key on your numeric keypad) to click an item on the screen. Press the M key on your keyboard (or the 0 key on your numeric keypad) to press and hold. To release the press and hold, press I again on your keyboard (or the 5 key on your numeric keypad.

*<The mouse moved around the screen but the computer was frozen and we had to shut off the power and reboot.>*

To turn on Mouse Keys:
Choose Apple menu > System Preferences and click Universal Access. Then click Mouse.
Select On next to Mouse Keys.
Drag the Initial Delay slider to set how quickly the pointer starts moving when you press a key. Drag the Maximum Speed slider to set the maximum speed the pointer moves.

That explains the erratic cursor.

And you are welcome. Sometimes it takes some going back and forth dialog to get the picture 😉

Carolyn 🙂

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Answer 4

Munus43 Author

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Oct 19, 2008 2:41 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

THAT'S IT BY JOVE! What a gal you are!

There's still something not quite right with my 0 on the numeric key pad. It freeze the computer and the I does not release it but the 5 did release it. I found if I turn off the Mouse Key function, the 0 is fine. WOW! Thanx . . . . OH GOODY! Now I can teach my techie something. LOL What fun!

Be well, be happy and may the force be with you.

Mary Ellen

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Answer 5

Oct 19, 2008 4:29 PM in response to Munus43

Woohoo... one for the gipper!

Cheers!
Carolyn

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