C Button doesn't work on MaCbook Pro

Question

Level 1

9 points

C Button doesn't work on MaCbook Pro

Suddenly when I try to type the "C" button on my MaCBook Pro it doesn't work in lower Case format... only upper Case... and not while holding ****... only while turning on the Caps loCk button.

When I hit the "C" key in lower Case mode, the "Edit" tab in Firefox is highlighted, but nothing else happens. Lower Case "C" doesn't work anymore. It's beComing quite the pain.

Can someone please advise?

I am running OS X Yosemite Version 10.10.5 whiCh is updated

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Feb 3, 2016 11:54 PM

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Answer 1

GhonaZ

Level 3

572 points

Feb 3, 2016 11:59 PM in response to Mauiloving

You can try an SMC reset Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Mauiloving Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 4, 2016 10:35 AM in response to GhonaZ

Thank you, but that definitely did NOT make a differenCe at all.

As you Can see I am unable to use the "C" key unless I turn on the CAPS LOCK.

If I push C without CAPS on then the "Edit" tab in the menu next to "File" is highlighted blue.

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Answer 3

Mauiloving Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 4, 2016 11:03 AM in response to Mauiloving

It looks like the Command Key is being utilized when I try and press the "C" key. Is it possible that I enabled the Command function somehow to activate when the "C" key is being pressed?

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Answer 4

Mauiloving Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 4, 2016 11:11 AM in response to Mauiloving

When I open the keyboard viewer I can hit the "C" key with the mouse on it works. I can also watch the keyboard viewer as I'm typing and when I watch what happens when I press "C" on the MacBook Pro keypad then the viewer shows the Command Key is highlighted. Pressing the "C" button is really just like pressing Command.

What did I do? I remember typing quickly last night and I must have hit a few wrong keys.

I can't even take a screenshot now to show an example 😕

Please Help

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Answer 5

my ginger

Level 5

4,904 points

Feb 4, 2016 11:32 AM in response to Mauiloving

You might need to go to system preferences keyboard and check what is set under modifier or keyboard shortcuts.. Although I'm using Snow leopard and do not see an option to change the command key to the c key.

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Answer 6

Mauiloving Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 4, 2016 11:58 AM in response to my ginger

I have already checked the preferences and modifier, but there isn't even an option to do what is happening now with the "C" key. I'm baffled as to how this could happen.

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Answer 7

my ginger

Level 5

4,904 points

Feb 4, 2016 12:13 PM in response to Mauiloving

I have to admit, I am too. I though you might have possibly hit the fn key and the c key at the same time, but that only affects the top row of f keys as far as I know. If I find anything helpful I will post it for you. Just as a thought, have you run repair permissions in disk utilities?

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Answer 8

Feb 4, 2016 12:46 PM in response to Mauiloving

go to settings/users and groups.

click the lock, enter your password and hit + for creating another user. name it.

log out from your existing user, via the apple menu. log into the new user.

this user is absolutely new and untouched. check if your c is working now.

if so, there is a problem in some settings in your normal user.

if c does not work, there is a problem deep in your machine.

this will not solve your problem, but will clearly point you into the right direction for further investigation.

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Answer 9

Mauiloving Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 4, 2016 7:13 PM in response to my ginger

I ran repair permissions in disk utilities and that did not help. Just for ***** I removed the hard drive and installed an old one. With the old hard drive installed the C key didn't work AT ALL. Nor did the Command key. Isn't that even more strange?!?

I am going to follow the advice by mdesignffm next. Please let me know if you think of anything else. Thanks for your help!

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Answer 10

my ginger

Level 5

4,904 points

Feb 4, 2016 7:48 PM in response to Mauiloving

You should as was posted, create a new user with full admin privileges to test.Because you may have a defective keyboard. The only other way would be by using an external keyboard to check.

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Answer 11

Mauiloving Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 6, 2016 11:13 PM in response to mdesignffm

After setting up the new user the "C" key did NOT work at all with the new account. Even more strange... it hardly worked when using CAPS lock. It was less functional under the new account than the previous user.

When switching back to the old user I am still able to only use the "C" key when hitting CAPS first or by using the Keyboard Viewer.

I have an external keyboard hooked up now and it works fine... the "C" key woks great without any issues on the external keyboard.

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Answer 12

Feb 7, 2016 2:41 AM in response to Mauiloving

so your keyboard is defect. bad news, but good news: problem solved. have it repaired.

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Answer 13

Mauiloving Author

Level 1

9 points

Feb 10, 2016 12:55 PM in response to mdesignffm

The "c" key is working today... not sure how or why.

It came on again as I was typing. Not sure what I could have pressed, but it starting working 2 days ago and then stopped working again until just now.

Anything troubleshooting tips or steps that might be possible?

Thanks for your help!

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Answer 14

Feb 11, 2016 1:32 AM in response to Mauiloving

as mentioned already, your keyboard is defect. you need to replace or repair it. maybe some contact spray will work, or maybe replacing some minor part inside, but not sure at all. anyway, you need to take a look inside.

i recommend to have it repaired by somebody professional.

if you want tp try yourself, you can find instructions here: http://www.ifixit.com/. afaik getting to the keyboard is a lot of work since you need to disassemble almost everything. some people find it easy. some people break their machines. it is up to you.

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