Error sound when hitting any key

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Level 1

17 points

Error sound when hitting any key

Just this afternoon my MacBook Pro started making the "hero" error sound every time I hit a key. This makes for very noisy typing, unless I turn the sound off. Some keys, like the spacebar and enter, are still silent. The problem exists with both the built in keyboard and an wireless external (apple) keyboard.

MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, iPhone 3G, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Aug 4, 2009 11:39 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 4, 2009 11:58 AM in response to Haecceity

Check System Preferences > Universal Access > Keyboard tab, make sure the radio buttons are set to off.

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Answer 2

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 4, 2009 12:01 PM in response to neuroanatomist

I confirmed earlier today that both are set to off, and yet the sound persisted. And still does....

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Answer 3

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 7, 2009 8:24 AM in response to Haecceity

I got it sorted. Here are a couple of crucial steps in doing that (thanks to the tech support people at Apple).

1. I created a new admin account and confirmed that the problem didn't exist there -- ergo it's account-specific, or to do with preferences.

2. Dragged all preferences to the desktop and restarted. This resolved the problem but of course left me with an "alien" computer since it looked nothing like I was used to.

3. (This bit Apple didn't suggest, rather surprisingly) Restored the preferences from Time Machine, going back to the day before the problem arose.

Sorted!

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Answer 4

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Aug 6, 2009 7:20 PM in response to Haecceity

The nearest Apple store is a two-hour round trip, so I'm regarding that as a last resort.

There may be an AASP nearby. Apple stores are not the only places to take your computer to.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304398

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Answer 5

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 4, 2009 4:24 PM in response to CMCSK

No, I'm the only person who uses this computer, and I haven't installed any software recently. The computer was fine this morning. My two-year-old daughter did briefly open the computer and jab at a few keys ("checking her email") but she was only at the login screen and can't have changed any settings.

The nearest Apple store is a two-hour round trip, so I'm regarding that as a last resort.

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Answer 6

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 6, 2009 5:06 PM in response to Haecceity

Seems I have to comment again in order to mark the question as unanswered. Anyway, if anyone has any clue about why my MBP is giving me an error sound on virtually every key I'd be greatly appreciative.

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Answer 7

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 7, 2009 6:54 AM in response to CMCSK

Thanks for the suggestion. I realized I'm still covered by Apple Care, and I've scheduled a talk with tech support and will take the machine in if we don't manage to sort it out. It's rather weird -- seems like a software thing since it affects any keyboard I use.

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Answer 8

tjk

Level 9

51,192 points

Aug 7, 2009 10:18 AM in response to Haecceity

Haecceity wrote:

3. (This bit Apple didn't suggest, rather surprisingly) Restored the preferences from Time Machine, going back to the day before the problem arose.

Sorted!

Ahhh, the value of backups and Time Machine's way of doing things. There'd be a lot fewer problems if more people took the precautions you have. Nicely done! 😉

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Answer 9

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Aug 4, 2009 3:09 PM in response to Haecceity

Did you or anyone else that uses your computer install any 3rd party sound software? Something like Sounds4Fun?

Take the computer to an Apple Store for them to check it out.

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Answer 10

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Aug 4, 2009 8:18 PM in response to Haecceity

System Preferences/Universal Access/Keyboard-make sure "Sticky Keys" is turned off.

Oh wait, I just saw someone else already suggested that.

Message was edited by: CMCSK

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Answer 11

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 5, 2009 3:52 AM in response to CMCSK

Well, restarting the machine sorted the problem. I guess I should have tried that first. So it's a mystery, but at least the problem has gone away. Thanks for your responses.

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Answer 12

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 6, 2009 5:04 PM in response to Haecceity

And the problem's back again. I marked the problem solved, so I guess I'd better start a new thread.

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Answer 13

Haecceity Author

Level 1

17 points

Aug 6, 2009 5:08 PM in response to Haecceity

No, I don't need to start a new thread. This question is still not answered. I've tried restarting the machine several times and I'm still being "boinged" to the point of insanity by my keyboard.

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