Keyboard Input Problem

Reset the SMC and PRAM (maybe needed 2-3 times) per the instructions in Intel iMac SMC and PRAM resets

Those are accented characters and as such are normal if you hold down keys…

How to type accents, emoji, and symbols on your Mac - Apple Support

The question is are you holding down keys on the keyboard? If not the OS or keyboard may be having issues. The escape key should close that dialog.

if you really are running OS 10.7.3 you should apply some updates, 10.7 has some bug fixes since that version (or remove the version from your profile - it is often outdated). Edit it via you profile page…traveller221

TO disable that pop up feature, try

http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_using_and_disabling_the_charact er_picker

Mine is doing exactly the same thing. Has anybody given you a fix?

IlliniBird wrote:

Has anybody given you a fix?

Did you try the fix that was given here just above?

Not yet. Truthfully, I'm a little scared to do this.

IlliniBird wrote:

Not yet. Truthfully, I'm a little scared to do this.

Scared to do what?

The PRAM reset is an Apple created method to reset some very basic settings. The only time it causes issue is when your hardware is failing - in which case there are broader issues. It is practically harmless & is recommended by Apple for certain issues.

Personally I think you need to clarify that you are not just holding down keys, that causes this popup unless you turn the feature off as linked by Tom Gewecke.

it's by far the simplist and safest possible fix for this. Or you could try reinstalling your os.

I am new to Apple and am very reluctant to perform some of the things suggested without my "safety net" who is my Senior Apple Tech advisor. We will try some of these ideas once I contact him again. Thank you for your suggestion.

That's a wise position to take, advice from the internet can be dubious sometimes 🙂

Let us know how it turns out for you.

SEe

I get strange symbols while typing and the only way to get rid of them is to turn off my computer!!

FOr for a similar problem

Your welcome.