keyboard: tab/caps lock not working

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Level 1

10 points

keyboard: tab/caps lock not working

my wireless keyboard has recently stopped recognising when i press tab or caps lock (and maybe function - but not sure best way to confirm), every other key is OK.

i have been using the aluminium bluetooth keyboard, as well as a standard PC wireless keyboard (with separate USB dongle). I have been switching between the two with no problem - until now.

I have checked all the keyboard and accessibility settings - they're not assigned. i tried reinstalling/disconnecting the other. is there a way to force the mac to recheck what keyboard is attached (with the 'press the key on the right of the left shift key' prompt?)

I am positive this isn't a hardware fault (albeit i can't say why!)

27" imac (late 2009)

OS X El Capitan

Posted on Jan 4, 2017 9:36 PM

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Answer 1

JovonaP.

Community Specialist

Jan 6, 2017 7:18 AM in response to captchaz

Hello captchaz,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It's my understanding that certain keys on your keyboard aren't working. I know these types of issues can surely impact use. I'm happy to help.

First, I recommend checking your System Preferences using the information below:

Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Accessibility, then click Keyboard. Make sure Slow Keys is turned off. If Slow Keys is on, you must hold down a key longer than usual before it’s recognized.

Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Accessibility, then click Mouse & Trackpad. Make sure Mouse Keys is off. If Mouse Keys is on, pressing keys in the numeric keypad moves the pointer instead of entering numbers.

Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Keyboard, then click Input Sources. Select “Show Input menu in menu bar.” Open the Input menu, then make sure the correct keyboard layout is selected.

To see the keyboard layout, click Keyboard, then choose “Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar.”

macOS Sierra: If keys on your keyboard don't work

Here's some additional information:
If your Apple wireless mouse, keyboard, or trackpad aren't working as expected

Have a great day!

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Answer 2

Teddy_B

Community Specialist

Jan 7, 2017 1:27 PM in response to captchaz

captchaz,

Thank you for trying the suggested steps and following up. Next, we recommend resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). Use the steps below:

Shut down your Mac.

Unplug the power cord.

Wait 15 seconds.

Plug the power cord back in.

Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.

Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac

If the issue persists, start up from macOS Recovery and test the keyboard behavior on the utilities window. To start up from macOS Recovery hold down Command (⌘)-R immediately after turning on or restarting your Mac.
About macOS Recovery

Cheers!

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Answer 3

captchaz Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 6, 2017 6:26 PM in response to JovonaP.

Thanks Jovona,

No, it isn't an issue with Accessibility, all the various 'keys' options are turned off.

Equally (while the right one is currently connected) its not an issue with the keyboard layout. (In fact this only changes the inner keys - numerical etc - not the cmd/tab/etc).

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