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Hello,
I have a 2008 Intel Macbook Pro, and after using an external Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, the internal keyboard and mouse no longer work. Does anyone know how to reactivate these? I have tried restarting and disconnecting the external keyboard and mouse, but it doesn't seem to work. Thanks.
Mac Pro
Try disconnecting the external devices and then reset the SMC (no peripherals required).
Barry
Thanks for the response. How exactly do you do this? I thought it entailed holding down some keys while you restart the computer, so how could you do it without a keyboard connected? Sorry for being a little slow about this kind of thing.
Ok I looked it up and I'm going to try this. Thanks again.
😀
Barry
Alright well I tried and it didn't work, but thank you for trying to help. If you can think of anything else let me know.
Have you looked at system preferences? The external devices may be there. If they are, delete them.
Barry
When I try to, it says, "You cannot control your computer if you turn Bluetooth off at this time as you would lose your input devices."
Is that the message you get when you click on the minus sign? The message you got is normal if you try to turn Bluetooth off with BT devices connected.
Barry
Is that the message you get when you click on the minus sign? The message you got is normal if you try to turn Bluetooth off with BT devices connected.
Barry
No, when I click on the minus sign, it says, "This is the only keyboard connected to your computer. If you remove this keyboard, you will no longer have access to it. Are you sure you want to remove it?" This scared me so I clicked no. Should I try clicking yes?
I Have never used an external device on my MacBook Pro so I do not warn to give you bad advice and I do not know what will occur.
i Might reinstall OS X from the recovery disk. In any event, be sure you gave a good backup before you do anything.
Barry
Ok, thanks. But the thing is, I can't get to the recovery disk, because my keyboard automatically turns off when my computer goes off, so I can't hold down the keys necessary. This was actually what made me realize I should get the internal keyboard working again. What is the difference between installing OS X from the recovery disk, and just doing it normally?
By normally, what do you mean?
If you restart ( while holding the proper keys) you should be able to get to the recovery disk. The external KB should still be connected.
Barry
Oh whoops, nevermind that last question.
But I'm not able to get to recovery. I've tried it a few times, and the keyboard goes off as soon as the computer turns off. I hold down command and R, but it just restarts normally since the keyboard turns off.
This article gives a bit of background information (not particularly helpful):
Apple Wireless Keyboards: Using startup keys
However, I would try a restart while holding the option key down to see what happens. I would also reset the SMC while the wireless devices are turned off.
Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
Barry
External Keyboard Deactivated Internal Keyboard
