Typing q, w, e etc. gives q1, w2, e3 on MacBook

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Level 1

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Typing q, w, e etc. gives q1, w2, e3 on MacBook

"All of a sudden" the top letter row keys qwertyuiop gives q1, w2, e3, r4, t5 and so on. According to my spouse nothing has been spilled in the laptop keyboard. I would think this is a software issue but can't find any "Caps Lock" or similar pressed and can't find any good ideas when i Google for this problem.

I tried to reset the PRAM via "Command-Option-P-R" but since r is now "r4" and p is "p0" I am unable to reset. I have asked her to bring an external Mac keyboard home tonight to see if that works.

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

PS. I am unsure of the OS version.

MacBook White, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on May 24, 2010 2:07 AM

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Answer 1

May 24, 2010 6:53 AM in response to nikasp

Hi nikasp,

Using the external keyboard to reset PRAM is a good idea. If that doesn't work...

Let's do a quick test to see if this is a hardware or software issue. Insert the install DVD that came with the computer and restart, holding down the C key on your keyboard. When it finishes starting up, select your primary language and go to the next screen. Go to the Utilities menu and select Terminal. When the terminal window appears, type something in the window using the top row of keys. Does this appear normal? If the issue is still present here, it's a hardware issue and you should contact Apple ((46) 0771 199 519 in Sweden) for a repair.

If the issue goes away when booted to the DVD, it's a software thing. Let us know, we'll continue working with you.

Best of luck.

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Answer 2

nikasp Author

Level 1

10 points

May 24, 2010 7:07 AM in response to laundry bleach

Thanks a lot for the info. Hope to test this in a few hours time. Given that 1) my partner brings home a spare keyboard 2) she has the DVD where she can find it 🙂

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Answer 3

nikasp Author

Level 1

10 points

May 24, 2010 8:36 AM in response to nikasp

I think we can regard this as resolved. A colleague of hers contacted Apple and the response was that the keyboard should be replaced.

I am not sure whether this will be under warranty or not. It is just over two years old and it is a form of company lease that is common here in Sweden. You "rent" the machine from your company for three years and then either return it or buy it for a small amount.

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Answer 4

nikasp Author

Level 1

10 points

May 24, 2010 10:04 PM in response to nikasp

I can confirm that reset of PRAM did not work. Resetting worked though, with an external keyboard.

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