Keyboard Illumination keys don't work on my Macbook Pro

On my 2008 MacBook Pro the keyboard illumination keys don't do anything. The screen icon that comes up has a circle with a slash through it. Any Thoughts?

Uncheck the Automatially illuminate option in System Preferences > Keyboard. See if you can adjust manually then.

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The dash key has stopped working on my macbook pro

help!!the dash key has stopped working on my macbook pro mid 2010 and its amazing how much i need to use it has anyone else had this problem with keys and would they be able to fix it at the genius bar at my apple store

Well if you took it completely apart and couldn't get it to work by operating the silicone "cone" then the trace or contactor must be corroded or discontinuous. The only repair is to replace the keyboard. Sorry.

Wireless keyboard function keys don't work even though updated

Hi,
like i read in different threads, many others had this problem too.
The function keys of my bluetooth keyboard (aluminium 2009) don't work even though i did firmware update for mighty mouse AND the keyboard firmware update. I also unset the option 'use function keys with fn......' option in system preferences. I also tried disconnecting and connecting the device. In system profiler the entry says it is (still) firmware version 80.
What can i do?
I'm thankful for any hint.
Best, Jörg

wrote this in another thread, but it is relevant here, too.
Wanting to buy a keyboard and reading this thread (and others), I went to a local Best Buy. They had quite a few of the wireless keyboards out. They had MC184LL(A) models and (B) models.
ALL of the (A) models worked perfectly with the iPad (typing, brightness, volume, ipod functions, etc).
NONE of the (B) models worked other than basic typing.
They had a stack of maybe 50 new wireless keyboards on the shelf. All but two of them were (B) models.
I bought one of the two (A) models. It is working perfectly on my iPad.
Rob

New wireless keyboard & volume keys don't work

I just replaced my wireless keyboard because a few of the keys stopped working. Now the volume keys don't work on the new one. When I push them one of them brings up my widgets and the others minimize the screen. Any Ideas?

Put truly fresh batteries in the keyboard.
Un-pair and re-pair the keyboard with the computer.
Attempt the PRAM reset again.
If you do not get the 2 boot chimes then I would suggest you reset using a USB keyboard. Any USB keyboard will do. If you don't get the 2 chimes when using a USB keyboard then either you are not holding down the keys correctly / early enough or there is something wrong with the computer itself.
If you do get the 2 boot chimes you can then go back to the wireless keyboard and re-pair it.
Take a peak at this article. It is fairly exhaustive in troubleshooting suggestions for this type of issue: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3048
Hope that helps.

Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard: Special Keys Don't Work

The keyboard has function keys that are programmed to perform special operations. The Apple website explicitly states:
“The extended layout has a full complement of keys, including document navigation controls, a numeric keypad, and special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more.”
Unfortunately, two of these keys don’t work, even after a special software update is installed:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/keyboardsoftwareupdate11.html
The manual that comes with the keyboard provides instructions on how to program the keyboard, but those instructions either don’t work or are incorrect.
I've posted more about this and other keyboard issues here:
http://web.mac.com/resourcesforlife/journal/writings/Entries/2007/8/21Apple_Aluminum_WiredKeyboard.html

I am using a PowerMac Dual 2.5 GHz G5 system and had trouble with the F3 and F4 function keys. The various suggestions and instructions as provided on several of the discussion threads didn't work for me.
Here's what worked for me to resolve the problem:
1. Go here and download the Pacifist utility which helps in exploring installation packages:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/12743
2. Go here and download the Apple OSX update for PowerPC:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdateppc.html
OR... get the version for Intel found here:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosx10410comboupdatev11intel.html
3. Using the Pacifist utility, open the OSX Update dmg file you just downloaded. You will be able to navigate to /System/Library/Core Services. Click on Dock.app and click the install button. When it's uncompressed, it will ask if you would like to update or replace. Click replace. There is an option to repeat this response for all files. Complete the process and then exit the Pacifist utility program.
4. Go here and download the Apple Keyboard Software Update:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/firmware_hardware/keyboardsoftwareup date11.html
5. Install the Keyboard update and all functions should automatically work.
If the above steps resolve the problem for you, please click on the "Solved" button above. Thanks.
I've posted a lengthy review and support document for the new Apple Aluminum Wired Keyboard here:
http://web.mac.com/resourcesforlife/journal/writings/Entries/2007/8/21Apple_Aluminum_WiredKeyboard.html

Bluetooth Keyboard - Some key don't work

Hi friends,
I have a 2011 (intel based) 27'' iMac with the bluetooth keyboard. I have two non working keys (control and 1).
There's a way to repair it? My iMac doesn't have warranty and I would like to repair it. What can I do??
Note: I remove the key and see everything fine, but still don't work.
Sorry for my bad english.
Kelvyn.-

Hey KDCruz,
Thanks for the question. Let's see if we can isolate the issue further, the following article has some great troubleshooting steps:
One or more keys on the keyboard do not respond
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1381
Thanks,
Matt M.

I have a Mac Mini, 7 years old, new keyboard function keys don't work. How can I correct this?

I've unclicked "use all F1 F2 keys as standard functions" and tried doing fn at the same time as F10 or F11 or F12, but I cannot control the sound from the keyboard. F10 darkens the background. F11 hides the windows I have open. F12 brings up the dashboard. How can I reset these to function as sound keys?

Just tried that. It didn't make any difference. I know it's not the keyboard; I went back to the Mac store and they tested it on a current computer and it worked exactly like it should.
It's a new metallic keyboard, replacing an older metallic one whose x, s, w, 2 keys just stopped working. It's a plug-in, not wireless.

New apple keyboard Fn keys don't work

Hi,
Posting this in PowerMac G5 and OSX Tiger as I am not sure if it is a hardware or software issue.
I just recently bought a new aluminium apple keyboard and am very very happy. EXCEPT:
When I first plugged it in, all the hotkeys/fn keys (the default ones such as play/pause/skip track/volume/brightness) all worked fine... but I had 3rd party SizzlingKeys installed... that sprang into life, and suddenly all the Apple default key functions stopped working.
I uninstalled Sizzling keys, trashed all relevent files, restarted... nothing.
Tried to reset them via SystemPreferences... didn't work.
How can I make these come back to life?
Thanks

I've used SizzlingKeys in the past. It was novel for a few months but conflicted with keyboard commands I was used to in other applications. The iTunes library on that computer is no longer used. However, I see that SizzlingKeys 1.7.2 is still installed. Preferences depict only two SizzlingKey options enabled: Play/Pause and Almost Mute. The rest have their checkboxes clicked off. Here, at least, there is no conflict with the Apple keyboard functions on that G4 computer running Panther.
It seems awfully odd that a removed application could still be causing a conflict. If SizzlingKeys is the culprit and nothing else worked, I (perhaps not you) would be inclined to reinstall it. Whatever iTunes actions are mapped to F1 through F4 and F7 though F12 can be disabled or changed within the SizzlingKeys Preference Pane. There is even an option to disable SizzlingKeys altogether. Should you then decide to remove it again, do so after disabling everything in the Preference Pane. Between this and the Keyboard Shortcuts button labeled "Restore Defaults" (Keyboard & Mouse Preference) the problem should be resolved.
(FYI: If you were using a notebook computer, there would be another option to toggle that requires the extra Fn key to the right of the Control key to be pressed for access to special Apple functions. But since you posted this in the G5 forum, this apparently doesn't apply.)

Keyboard volume keys don't work after waking from sleep

This problem has existed for many months on my 2009 Mac Pro. I'm running 10.6.3. The problem is reproducible 100% of the time. I use external speakers. Sound output is set to "Line Out."
1. Boot machine. External speakers work fine. Volume keys on keyboard (F11, F12) work correctly.
2. Put machine to sleep.
3. After waking from sleep, F11 and F12 no longer control the volume of the external speakers. The "pop" noise when hitting F11 and F12 is emitted from the internal speaker. The mute key (F10) does work for the external speakers, however.
4. The keyboard volume controls become responsive again by switching the sound output from Line Out to another output option and then back to Line Out.
This bug is a huge hassle. Does anyone have a solution?

I have several mid-2009 8-core Mac Pro's, all running Snow Leopard, and all have been having this problem as well.
I will not guarantee this is going to work for anyone else....but we have found a (slightly inelegant) workaround for it that has been working for several weeks now without fail.
Prior to putting your MacPro to sleep, run the volume all the way up and leave it there. Afterwards, put it to sleep as usual. We use the keyboard to do this, but I would imagine any method should have the same affect. However, I've not experimented.
Anyway...this has worked 100% of the time for us. The only downside of it is that you have to remember to run it up before....and then back down after waking (else that first alert sound or music file you play will really wake YOU up!)
If this works for anyone else, let me know.
Apple should never have let this one out the door with this bug. Especially, as Apple Support is....wanting, at best.
...sT

Wireless Keyboard (Aluminium) keys don't work with MBP

My brand new keyboard quickly pairs and works fine with both the iMac and MacBook. However, after a very tedious pairing process (ie, many attempts to find keyboard, then many to accept pairing code), the only keys that are recognised using the MBP are the top row (but not not the eject button), the four arrow keys, the command key and the tab key.
I've seem similar problems with the keyboard in the forum, but for me this relates only to my MacBook Pro.
Does anyone have any ideas? All software/firmware updates have been installed.

It seems the solution is to turn the AirPort off/on because it is interfering with the Bluetooth on the MBP! I also switched on interference robustness.
Why doesn't Apple provide a warning about this?

Aluminum Keyboard Function Keys don't work correctly

I just bough a brand new aluminum wireless keyboard and some of the function keys aren't working, from F1 through F7. F9 works like F3 should and F12 like F5. It's so bizarre. Otherwise the keys all work fine. I've updated everything, tried working through the forums workarounds on the aluminum keyboard, and so far it didn't work for my computer. I'm pretty frustrated. Has anyone figured out the solution? I'm running 10.6.7 and have updated all my software.

One last key combo to try, while holding SHIFT fn try toglling volume brightness... and see if that works. It'a been years since I've used anything but my built in keyboard.
At this point Run software update with the keyboard connected and see if there may be an update for that.
Try a SMC reset:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.
try a pram reset:
Resetting NVRAM / PRAM
Shut down your Mac.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.
After resetting NVRAM or PRAM, you may need to reconfigure your settings for speaker volume, screen resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone information. If issues persist, your Mac's logic board battery (not a portable Mac's rechargeable battery) may need to be replaced. The logic board battery helps retain NVRAM/PRAM settings when your computer is shut down. You can take your Mac to a Mac Genius or Apple Authorized Service Provider to replace the battery on the logic board.
If still no joy, contact Apple, or go to the store and find out what you may need to do, This was the bullet in my gun, I'm sorry I could not resolve this for you.It's probably something simple, or maybe your machine is too old to suport this device.
Best of luck.
If they get you going, please post back so others may find out the fix:>

Aluminum Keyboard Arrow Keys don't work in Excel?

My new Power Mac G5 came with a USB aluminum keyboard. The arrow keys no longer work with Excel as they used to (they move the window rather than the selection). Is there a fix for this?

Kenichi - THANK YOU. AND your memory is right on. I tried to search for Scroll Lock in Excel help and got nothing so tried your solution and it worked.
Seasons greetings
Martin

Tab key is not working on my macbook pro on any app including the key combos. It has snow leopard.

Hi All,
I have a macbook pro with snow leopard on it. The tab key is not working now suddenly. It doesn't work on any browser or applications like word or excel. The key combos with Tab also doesn't work.
Thanks,
Daniel.

I noticed the same problem started a few days ago on mac pro with logic fcp keyboard but caps lock also stopped working. I cleaned under and around the tab and caps lock keys thoroughly but no dice. If I change usb ports the keyboard is plugged into caps lock lights up briefly and if I tweak keyboard setting tabs to force it to re-recognise the keyboard the tab and caps lock functions work while I have the keyboard system panel open and attempting to "identify keyboard" but back to not functioning when I close it. There have been a few postings about this problem but haven't come across the solution yet. Any ideas...

Apple wireless keyboard function keys don't work with ipad2

I have a brand new ipad2 and just purchased an apple wireless keyboard. The keys work fine for typing, but the keys across the top don't seem to work at all. I play music, but none of the music control keys work. The keys on functions 1..12 appear to be totally dead.
I have seen several posts from people who seem to have this problem, but I see no answers. Did I purchase a lemon or what?

wrote this in another thread, but it is relevant here, too.
Wanting to buy a keyboard and reading this thread (and others), I went to a local Best Buy. They had quite a few of the wireless keyboards out. They had MC184LL(A) models and (B) models.
ALL of the (A) models worked perfectly with the iPad (typing, brightness, volume, ipod functions, etc).
NONE of the (B) models worked other than basic typing.
They had a stack of maybe 50 new wireless keyboards on the shelf. All but two of them were (B) models.
I bought one of the two (A) models. It is working perfectly on my iPad.
Rob

Keyboard playback keys don't work

Recently re-installed OSX Leopard on my imac, all updated but have completely lost the use of playback buttons on my wireless keyboard ie, play, pause, track skipping and all volume buttons. Pressing these will often cause the error sound. The keyboard is only 4 months old and replaced one which use to disconnect constantly. It is connected via bluetooth as the Apple wireless keyboard as it should be.

Your profile says Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.8)
Leopard is OS X 10.5.x
Which are you using?
If it's back to 10.5 from 10.6, note that that the new keyboards only have full functionally with SL 10.6.8 and above.

Keyboard Illumination keys don't work on my Macbook Pro

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