Windows keyboard -- Command key not recognized at startup

Question

Level 2

145 points

Windows keyboard -- Command key not recognized at startup

I know the Command key maps to the Windows key on Windows keyboards. But it only seems to work once the Mac has started up. In other words, it can't be used to issue special startup commands, such as to zap PRAM.

Does anyone out there successfully use the Windows key as the Command-key at startup?

Background:

My brother is a switcher with a Mac mini with a Windows keyboard. He has a startup problem that has been diagnosed as a potential PRAM problem. But he couldn't zap his PRAM. In fact he hasn't been able to do any startup functions that require the Command key. He uses the Windows key as command key during normal operation, but it isn't recognized at startup. He tried many times, and I'm certain he was holding the keys down at the correct time. Afterward he borrowed a Mac keyboard, and was able to zap the PRAM with it with no problems.

Do all Windows keyboards have this problem?

mini Mac OS X (10.4.6) 1 GB RAM

Posted on May 19, 2006 1:32 PM

Reply

Answer 1

BGreg

Level 6

17,558 points

May 19, 2006 2:38 PM in response to Richard Tench

Use a program like DoubleCommand which allows you to define keys for alternate uses. For example, I use it on my PowerBook to define the backwards slash key for the forward delete function. It works on Tiger, and PPC and Intel mini's.

Reply

Answer 2

Richard Tench Author

Level 2

145 points

Jun 1, 2008 10:31 PM in response to Richard Tench

I think the answer is you're out of luck -- you have to borrow someone's keyboard. (Since it's at startup and no programs are running yet). Because of this, running a mini with a Windows keyboard makes little sense you since you will eventually need to hold a key down at startup.

Reply

Answer 3

Boece

Level 5

6,264 points

Jun 4, 2008 7:13 AM in response to Richard Tench

The OP concludes (I believe erroneously) that Windows keyboards can't be used in startup situations. I would suggest that the problem likely was that the keyboard in question either was:

1. a PS/2 keyboard being used with a converter
2. a wireless keyboard
or
3. a keyboard attached thru a KVM switch

In general PC keyboards directly attached via USB should work just fine.

Reply

Answer 4

Richard Tench Author

Level 2

145 points

Jun 4, 2008 9:22 AM in response to Boece

Ah. In our case it was a USB keyboard, plugged into the mini. It worked completely normally, except had no effect at startup. Perhaps it's only just some keyboards.

Reply

Answer 5

AndyO

Level 6

17,064 points

Jun 4, 2008 9:26 AM in response to Richard Tench

Perhaps it's only just some keyboards.

It is - most seem to work just fine. However, thank you for posting to clarify!

Reply

Answer 6

Richard Tench Author

Level 2

145 points

Jun 4, 2008 9:33 AM in response to AndyO

Just to close off... AndyO are you saying that you have successfully zapped PRAM at startup with a Windows keyboard... or used any other keyboard sequence that involves holding down the Windows key at startup?

Reply

Answer 7

AndyO

Level 6

17,064 points

Jun 4, 2008 9:47 AM in response to Richard Tench

Yes, using various keyboards including generic Dell models, a Logitech, and an early IBM USB device. There is a possibility though with some keyboards - perhaps those with a number of extra function keys - that MacOS doesn't recognize the keyboard and waits until it is told what the device is by the usual 'keyboard not recognized' dialog/assistant. In those instances I would imagine the keyboard would fail at modifying boot options because in effect the system would have to be booted fully and go through that recognition sequence first!

Reply

Answer 8

Richard Tench Author

Level 2

145 points

Jun 4, 2008 10:19 AM in response to AndyO

Thanks!

Reply