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daboar
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: keyboard interference

I am getting a character (]) which keeps repeating when I am doing any typing, rendering my computer unusable for search or word processing.  I have called Apple Support.  They had me switch from my wireless keyboard which came with my iMac to a plug-in keyboard, but the problem persisted[.[[[As [yo[u[ [can[ see [[itd['s[ [happ[ening again.  [Any sugges[tions[/[?[[

Posted on Apr 21, 2016 8:53 AM

by Tom Gewecke,Solvedanswer
Tom Gewecke Tom Gewecke
Level 9 (79,060 points)
A:

seventy one wrote:

 

I notice it is very close to the return key.   Check it out for a small piece of grit slipping down the side of the key pad.Use a stiff hair brush, like a new toothbrush, and brush around the keypad.

 

Alternately, have you had a minor liquid spillage.

But he has the same problem when using a different keyboard.....

Posted on Apr 21, 2016 12:52 PM

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daboar

Q: keyboard interference

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  • Helpful answers

  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Apr 21, 2016 9:00 AM in response to daboar
    Level 6 (15,113 points)
    Peripherals
    Apr 21, 2016 9:00 AM in response to daboar

    I notice it is very close to the return key.   Check it out for a small piece of grit slipping down the side of the key pad.Use a stiff hair brush, like a new toothbrush, and brush around the keypad.

     

    Alternately, have you had a minor liquid spillage. 

  • by Thomas-M,

    Thomas-M Thomas-M Apr 21, 2016 9:01 AM in response to daboar
    Level 1 (67 points)
    Servers Enterprise
    Apr 21, 2016 9:01 AM in response to daboar

    But run through this - Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac. If you do the SMC reset don't forget to turn back on Find My Mac as the SMC reset turns it off. I have run in to random occurrences of key repeats happening at random but on on the login screen for me.

    If that doesn't work, then try safe mode just to see if it happens then.

  • by Tom Gewecke,Solvedanswer

    Tom Gewecke Tom Gewecke Apr 21, 2016 12:52 PM in response to seventy one
    Level 9 (79,060 points)
    Apr 21, 2016 12:52 PM in response to seventy one

    seventy one wrote:

     

    I notice it is very close to the return key.   Check it out for a small piece of grit slipping down the side of the key pad.Use a stiff hair brush, like a new toothbrush, and brush around the keypad.

     

    Alternately, have you had a minor liquid spillage.

    But he has the same problem when using a different keyboard.....

  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Apr 21, 2016 9:10 AM in response to Tom Gewecke
    Level 6 (15,113 points)
    Peripherals
    Apr 21, 2016 9:10 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

    Good point, Tom.   I clearly didn't read it properly.  Think it's time for my evening glass. 

  • by daboar,

    daboar daboar Apr 21, 2016 12:55 PM in response to Tom Gewecke
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 21, 2016 12:55 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

    Actually, the problem was with the keyboard and a spill.  The only reason the problem persisted with a plug-in keyboard was because Apple phone support did not suggest that I remove the batteries from my wireless keyboard, so the computer was still reading it as well.  The Apple Store gave me a new keyboard and was most helpful, but I appreciate your help.

  • by Tom Gewecke,

    Tom Gewecke Tom Gewecke Apr 21, 2016 1:25 PM in response to daboar
    Level 9 (79,060 points)
    Apr 21, 2016 1:25 PM in response to daboar

    daboar wrote:

     

    The only reason the problem persisted with a plug-in keyboard was because Apple phone support did not suggest that I remove the batteries from my wireless keyboard, so the computer was still reading it as well.

     

    Wow, I would never have guessed that you could be typing on a good keyboard but the machine thinks you are hitting damaged keys on another one that is also connected.  Happy to hear it got fixed.

  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Apr 21, 2016 2:11 PM in response to Tom Gewecke
    Level 6 (15,113 points)
    Peripherals
    Apr 21, 2016 2:11 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

    So at the end of the day i got it right, Tom.   It was the minor spillage I thought had occured.

  • by Tom Gewecke,

    Tom Gewecke Tom Gewecke Apr 21, 2016 2:19 PM in response to seventy one
    Level 9 (79,060 points)
    Apr 21, 2016 2:19 PM in response to seventy one

    Yes, you nailed it!