My spacebar no longer displays a preview of what I've selected. As a matter of fact, when I press it, it opens an app instead. And I have also lost my ability to use my up, down, right, and left keys. What do I need to do to correct this and get back their functionality?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iMac 27″, macOS 10.14
If all else fails give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.
NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files
NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.
If all else fails give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.
NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following;
• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed
• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)
• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically
• Disables user-installed fonts
• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files
NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.
Success! The information you sent me was tremendously helpful. I navigated my way through system preferences and turned full keyboard access off. All of my functionality has returned. You are the best! I can’t thank you enough.
Test using USB wired Keyboard.
This may provide some insight if the Previous Keyboard has failed or failing keys
You are Welcome
While at the Office, see if you can borrow even a Windows USB Keyboard for Testing purposes
Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately, my keyboard is already a wired USB unit. I shut down the computer overnight because I think it may have overheated. I’m going to turn it back on when I get home today. I’ll let you know what happens.
Well, I was hoping for good results, but the same thing is happening. I no longer have the ability to hit the space bar and get the Quick Look reaction. And on top of that, the up-and-down arrows don’t do their job when trying to scroll through a browser or Mail. I have to select each one individually to see what’s going on. This is quite frustrating. It was all working yesterday morning and by yesterday afternoon it had completely stopped. I’m thinking I may have hit some sort of key combination that disabled these features. But I can’t seem to find any workaround in system preferences. If you have any ideas, I would be very appreciative.
Programming Keyboards are honestly not a strong suit of mine
But, will give this a try
Navigate your Mac using Full Keyboard Access
Specifically the section " Navigate using Full Keyboard Access "
I am very aware of a far more expert in such matters who may or may not make an appearance
Should they do so, I think you would be in far better hands to offer assistance
Not a bad idea. I will give it a try.
Time permitting and genuine interest here
What is the outcome ?
You are Very Welcome.
Do come back to these forums in the near future if additional issues occur
Absolutely! Will do!
How can I fix the issue of my spacebar not displaying a preview and opening an app instead and arrows Keys not working
