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keyboard: some keys not working

Some keys not working. Need help/suggestions. Not great with computers so PLEASE give details/steps re: how to do what you suggest - thanks!

Details: intel based iMac running snow leopard 10.6.8. Apple wireless/bluetooth keyboard (came with the iMac).

Some keys suddenly stopped working: space, tab, capLock, option key to the right of space bar (one on the left works), down arrow

The problem happens in various programs (safari, pages, etc)

The keyboard is fine on another iMac

A different keyboard is fine on this/the involved iMac

(nutshell: keyboard works fine - computer works fine, unless they're together)

Here's what's been tried/checked:

-checked the settings for universal access ("mouse keys" are off) and checked for any bluetooth keyboard shortcuts.

-in system preferences "speech" is not set for "speak selected text when the key is pressed" - this is not checked/selected

-tried creating a new user but had the same issue so it's computer-wide rather than just a user account

-removed the keyboard and reconnected (using the +/- signs and "disconnect" and putting in a new code of numbers to pair keyboard)

-language/text is set for english

-did the keyboard viewer and the keys in question did NOT highlight when pressed (but don't forget the entire keyboard is fine on a different computer so thekeys aren't the issue)

-"slow keys" is turned off re: keyboard in system preferences.

Any help is welcomed. It's frustrating knowing the keyboard works, just not with this computer. Please help. Many thanks!

imac, Mac OS X (10.6)

Posted on Aug 21, 2012 8:16 PM

19 replies

Feb 14, 2013 7:37 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I did the SMC and PRAM reset once, but it didn't work. I'll try doing 2 or 3 times, but I took my keyboard to work and used it in the office's iMac and it worked without a hitch. So it's like 123pleasehelpme's issue:

The computer works fine with a different keyboard.

The keyboard works fine with a different computer.

The problem only happens when the keyboard and computer are together.

jc10o

Level 1

0 points

Feb 19, 2013 11:55 PM in response to 123pleasehelpme

My keyboard just started doing the same thing the other day😠. I have tried what has been suggested in previous posts and nothing has worked so far😟. Got any better ideas??????????😕

Feb 20, 2013 9:08 AM in response to jc10o

Since I couldn't fix the problem, I borrowed a USB keyboard from a friend and used it for about two weeks Then, last Monday, I erased the keyboard from the bluetooth panel, reset the SMC twice followed by a PRAM reset, and paired the wifi keyboard again. It worked and, so far, the problem has not come back.

Tchau!

iPogo

Level 1

0 points

Jun 19, 2014 2:44 PM in response to 123pleasehelpme

This happened to my keyboard as well.

It seems to be an issue with the (fn) key getting stuck in some way.

If CMD+TAB isn't working, try pressing (fn+CMD+TAB) & you should get full functionality back.

This will also see the SPACE & Caps Lock working again.

The issue still happens intermittently but the (fn) key will set things right.

keyboard: some keys not working