Q: Boot key commands with non-Apple keyboard

I seem to be unable to perform any "Startup key" sequences (resetting PRAM, boot into recovery mode, boot from CD etcetera).

I'm using a Logitech USB (model Y-BF37) keyboard directly connected to the computer but no startup key commands works. (The keyboard is designed for use with apple and has apples command-key symbols on the key nearest the spacebar).

I have tried searching but the general opinion seem to be that any USB keyboard should work.

I have this otherwise well working keyboard and I didn't want to spend money on an Apple keyboard.

Do I have to buy an Apple keyboard to use boot key commands??? I don't think I can borrow an apple keyboard from anywhere and I need to be able to boot into recovery mode...

Mac mini (Late 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Mar 3, 2013 3:00 AM

I have this question too

Q: Boot key commands with non-Apple keyboard

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by BDAqua,Helpful

BDAqua Mar 3, 2013 10:07 AM in response to JoaPalmer
Level 10 (123,506 points)

Mar 3, 2013 10:07 AM in response to JoaPalmer

Hmmm, should work, if you have access to a PC KB, Windows key usually is CMD key.

Does holdimg alt key at bootup show boot choices?
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by JoaPalmer,

JoaPalmer Mar 3, 2013 3:24 PM in response to BDAqua
Level 1 (11 points)

Mar 3, 2013 3:24 PM in response to BDAqua

I currently don't have access to any other keyboard. Everyone has notebooks nowadays... :) But I will fix that eventually I suppose.

But isn't it strange as the keyboard seem to work in all other aspects...?
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by BDAqua,Helpful

BDAqua Mar 3, 2013 3:47 PM in response to JoaPalmer
Level 10 (123,506 points)

Mar 3, 2013 3:47 PM in response to JoaPalmer

It is indeed strange that it doesn't work, unless...

Firmware password protection in Mac OS X ...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

It would block usage of all the startup keys, like C, N, T, D, CMD+s, CMD+Option+p+r, CMD +v, Option boot will show a lock, and Shift, as well as booting from anything but the Hard Drive.
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by JoaPalmer,

JoaPalmer Mar 4, 2013 1:04 AM in response to BDAqua
Level 1 (11 points)

Mar 4, 2013 1:04 AM in response to BDAqua

Well thanks but there is no such thing set up. The computer is brand new out of the box two days ago. Nothing special installed or set up. I am planning to change the HDD to an SSD and for that purpose I need to be able to boot to an external USB drive's Recovery partition. But it doesn't work if I can't access the boot keys.

Well, I shall try find another keyboard then. Thanks for helping.
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by BDAqua,

BDAqua Mar 4, 2013 1:14 AM in response to JoaPalmer
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Mar 4, 2013 1:14 AM in response to JoaPalmer

That new & the problem, I'd try to take it in with your KB & see what gives.

Oh, did you instal any Logitech software?
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by JoaPalmer,

JoaPalmer Mar 4, 2013 4:37 AM in response to BDAqua
Level 1 (11 points)

Mar 4, 2013 4:37 AM in response to BDAqua

Thanks but no. I haven't installed any kind of drivers on the system. The ONLY software installed is a Firefox browser. Othterwise the setup is a brand new OSX 10.8.2 that came with the system.

Furthermore nothing else installed than firmware or boot software shouldn't be able to stop from using boot key commands?
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by BDAqua,

BDAqua Mar 4, 2013 9:09 AM in response to JoaPalmer
Level 10 (123,506 points)

Mar 4, 2013 9:09 AM in response to JoaPalmer

No, nothing new should stop it.
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by Kevin Lewis,

Kevin Lewis Nov 5, 2014 6:12 PM in response to JoaPalmer
Level 1 (10 points)

Nov 5, 2014 6:12 PM in response to JoaPalmer

In case anyone is having this issue...I found a solution for this on my wireless K750 logitech keyboard. I needed to reinstall the OS after buying an open box item from Best Buy. Holding down Function>Windows key>R did the trick for me at startup.
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by MatejZimic,

MatejZimic Mar 18, 2015 12:33 AM in response to JoaPalmer
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Mar 18, 2015 12:33 AM in response to JoaPalmer

Hi,
little late but someone else can help.

I presed only "alt" key without the letter "r".

Nice day, Matej
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by Wolfsky,

Wolfsky Feb 22, 2016 12:01 PM in response to JoaPalmer
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Feb 22, 2016 12:01 PM in response to JoaPalmer

For others, on my iMac from 2009 on a Dell traditional keyboard holding down the alt key works to get into the boot menu
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Q: Boot key commands with non-Apple keyboard

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by BDAqua,★Helpful

by JoaPalmer,

by BDAqua,★Helpful

by JoaPalmer,

by BDAqua,

by JoaPalmer,

by BDAqua,

by Kevin Lewis,

by MatejZimic,

by Wolfsky,

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by BDAqua,Helpful

by BDAqua,Helpful