X11 backquote <`> key hangs all X applications

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Level 1

10 points

X11 backquote <`> key hangs all X applications

I recently started using my macbook at work to access X11 based design tools. I open terminal and SSH -X into our server. All applications work fine except the <`> key hangs any X application that is running. All I have to do to recreate the problem is launch an Xterm window and hit the <`> key and X11 is hung. Notice I do not have to hit command-` just the <`> key. I have tried enabling and disabling the options in preferences regarding input. Nothing seems to work. Has anyone else seen this and if so, how do you get around it.

Thanks,

Randy

Macbook Pro 15 2nd Gen, Mac OS X (10.6.2), X11 freezes

Posted on Jun 29, 2010 12:58 PM

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Answer 1

etresoft

Level 9

56,692 points

Jun 29, 2010 3:02 PM in response to Randy Yach

Randy Yach wrote:
Has anyone else seen this

Nope. ` works fine.

The first thing to try is create a new account and see if the problem persists. If not, just start copying appropriate dotfiles and preference files from the new account until it starts to work. If it is broken in the other account, then reinstall your OS. You didn't install some XQuartz build or Fink/MacPorts did you?

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Answer 2

BobHarris

Level 9

56,939 points

Jun 29, 2010 3:20 PM in response to Randy Yach

Did you by any chance install your own X11 environment? Or are you using the vanilla Mac OS X X11 from the installation DVD ?

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Answer 3

Randy Yach Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 29, 2010 3:26 PM in response to etresoft

No, I haven't installed Xquartz or anything else. I also just checked and it happens in native mac ox X11 as well. I open up terminal, type xterm, hit the <`> key and the input freezes. I can still type in terminal but the Xterm window is frozen. I pretty much have a native system. I have only had it for a few weeks. I have very little installed on this macbook pro other than office 2008. Since it happens on the mac without connecting to a server over SSH it must be some setup problem.

I also checked the .Xmodmap file on the mac and if I remove this file the problem goes away. Here are the contents.

clear Mod2
clear control
keycode 63 = Control_L
keycode 67 = Control_L
add control = Control_L

I did not create this file so I don't know which application did this or if I will lose some other important mapping if I remove it. Is there anything here that I need?

Randy

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Answer 4

Randy Yach Author

Level 1

10 points

Jun 29, 2010 4:35 PM in response to Randy Yach

Problem with the .Xmodmap file

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Answer 5

etresoft

Level 9

56,692 points

Jun 29, 2010 4:55 PM in response to Randy Yach

I've never heard of that file until now. It sounds like you are better off without it.

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