Keyboard Doesn't Work on Desktop

Once in a while, my keyboard stops working. My mouse (apple) works fine. The trackpad works fine. I can go on the Internet and type things in. But it DOES NOT work when I'm at the desktop trying to rename a file. It also stops working in applications when I'm trying to key in information (i.e., entering new type size). However, the keyboard works in the actual document. If I restart my computer, everything is back in working condition. What is causing this??

JDee,
I ran Disk Utility. My info was set up incorrectly—I'm already running OS X 10.4.5. The only thing that is happening when thisoccurs is that I am running big applications simultaneously, or I have several documents open at one time. However, I had the same documents open, the same number of applications open and running simultaneously, and never encountered the problem. The problem doesn't appear to be application-specific, tho. I don't know at what point the problem "kicks in," since I am not paying attention to my desktop. Towards the end of working, I may create a file on my desktop to transfer some files, or try to rename a document, and that's when I realize that my keyboard is not working. Or when I 'm trying to change typesize (in Word), or inputting numbers when changing art size in PowerPoint (these are just examples). Everything else works when this problem occurs—I can create a new document and type text. But I can't type anything in that box to change the typesize. I need to use the menu. I can launch Safari and type in a new address in the URL line. I can go to any Web site and type in my username. I can launch Entourage, create a new e-mail, and type a message. But I can't rename a folder or document on my desktop.
I try closing down all the applications, but there is no change. Then I restart my computer, and everything is fine.
It's obviously not my keyboard. I thought maybe low RAM, but if I recreate the same scenario and the problem doesn't occur, it can't be that, right? I am perplexed.

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