Keyboard wont type letters

Ive accidentally pressed some combination of keyboard keys that has caused my Mac mini's keyboard to no longer type letters. It will however type all numbers. Also the mouse appears "stuck" on zoom. How can I fix this?
TIA

I had this problem today and that fix: turning off "mouse keys" in the Universal Access Pane of System Preferences, did the trick. I had tried everything else. A simple fix! Thank you very much for the reply to the above member. It worked for me!

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MacBook stuck with shift key enabled and numbers not working - even the keyboard app in languages wont type lowercase nor numbers?! Anyone know whats up? no spillage...cant understand why the keyboard app wont do anything.

Anyone have a clue? I can understand the keyboard being broke / shift key being stuck but why in the world would I not be able to type the numbers on the language keyboard app on the operating system? Numbers show up on the app but when I press them I still get the special characters like #^&#* and it wont type lower case. Nothing has ever been spilt, just stopped working one day. Rebooted from Time Capsule restore dated a month ago and its still doing it. (problem started two weeks ago). Only way to get lower case or numbers to actually show up is the copy and paste.
Any help would be amazing!
Details on computer: 13 inch MacBook6, 1 (Late 2009) / Intel Core 2 DUO / 2.26GHZ / 2GB / Memory running Mac OS X Lion 10.7.5

If you can afford it, I would recommend replacing the topcase and keyboard as Apple suggests. If like me, you can't afford it or are open to a hack fix, then read on.
The problem
Yesterday, a little water spilt on my 13" MBP keyboard. I turned it around immediately, drained out the water and used tissue to suck it all up but the keyboard was still acting funny. I turned it off and left it out in the sun for a couple of hours and turned it on again but problems remained. Like Rickdubya, my warranty had run out just a month ago and I knew Apple would not cover this under warranty. I tried to clean the shift keys and left it overnight with some rice on them with hopes that the moisture might get sucked out. Nothing worked. (The rice bit is an urban legend that seems to work with some electronics). Went to the Apple Store this morning and was told that they wouldn't even take out the key and clean it, and that the entire top case would have to be replaced. A total bill of 156 Euros which I cannot afford. I had a USB keyboard that would let me use the Mac for the moment so I decided to try to work out a fix.
Symptoms
- Boots in safe mode everytime (which I later found out was because the shift key is pressed)
- Cannot login because password is in lower case or has numbers
- Cannot boot in super user mode and try to disable keys or override password as some commands won't work in uppercase (I wouldn't recommend this anyway because its super user mode)
- All text is in caps and numbers are symbols as though shift key is always pressed
- Audio doesn't work
- Keyboard viewer would not always show the shift key pressed. The key seemed to get pressed at random
Fix
1. Hold the Option button down on boot to bypass the Safe Mode ensure a normal boot
2. At the login screen, plug in a USB keyboard and enter your password to login
3. Change your password to one that uses all caps and no numbers
4. Download and install KeyRemap4MacBook .
5. Use a combination of the functionalities of the Keyboard Viewer and KeyRemap4MacBook to figure out which shift key is the problem. In my case, I found out that it was only my left shift key.
6. Disable the left/right shift key on KeyRemap4MacBook and click on the 'Reload XML' button to make that take effect.
If only one shift key was the problem, then you are done. If both shift keys were shorted, then its likely other keys are too. In which case you should probably just replace the entire thing. If you think other keys are not affected, then you can use KeyRemap4MacBook itself to remap the shift functionality to a lesser used key like the Left Option key.
7. Under System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items , add KeyRemap4MacBook as an application that should start on login. This will ensure that your disable/remap of the shift key is active everytime you login.
Usage change/Things to remember
1. Remember to hold down the Option key everytime the computer boots or reboots to bypass safe mode. The fix above is at the software level. The key is physically still shorted at the hardware level and will affect boot.
2. Remember that at the login screen, the disable/remap is not active. So your password now has to be all caps and only letters.
As soon as I can save some money, I will get my topcase and keyboard replaced but until then this solution works great with minimal change. Hope this helps!

I have an iPhone 5 and every since 2 days ago the screen has been freezing and whenever I try to type or just open or close an app it won't let me and it types letters on the keyboard by itself and I don't know what to do ?

My iPhone 5 is frozen and when I touch the screen nothing happens? Um it's been going on for 2 days and when I try to type something the keyboard types letters by itself and then when I go to home and try to tap an app it won't let me or open a folder and sometimes it happens and other times it's fine for like an hour until it starts glitching again and freezing. My screen is also cracked but I don't think that's the problem. What should I do cause I have no idea and it's really annoying.

Hey, There are afew things you can try.
- Simply turn your phone off and back on again
- Hold down your home button and your lock button and let goes as soon as the screen goes black (Phone will power down) - Then turn on your phone and hey presto!
- Back up your iPhone to your PC, then restore it..
this ones last cause I think you may have tried it already..
- Close all open applications
Hope this helps!
Kieran.

When I type letters keep repeating and I did change the keyboard

When I type letters they keep repeating. I have already changed the keyboard.

Hi there Thernon,
You may want to double check the key repeat settings. Take a look at the article below for more information.
OS X Mavericks: Set how quickly a key repeats
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13736
-Griff W.

I can't type letters or numbers in my keyboard

I have a Mac mini with an apple wireless keyboard and mouse. A 3 year old kid used it and now I can't type letters or numbers. I went to System preferences and I don't know what to do. Please help me.

Hello:
I don't think the child could have changed anything in the system - although anything is possible.
Trysomething that might help:
1. Reset the SMC
Since you cannot (from your post) use the keyboard, other troubleshooting steps are not possible.
Barry

MY MACBOOK KEYBOARD ONLY TYPES IN CAPITAL LETTERS

my macbook keyboard only types in capial letters

And you posted here with a different computer?
...If not, does the Caps shift around by itself?
Are you using an external keyboard at the same time
and if so, was the Shift key locked on it? You can
choose to set Keyboard settings to ignore input from
the internal keyboard or trackpad, not sure on external.
{Or have you posted with a USB external keyboard?}
I'm presuming the issue is not as obvious as the lighted
'Caps Lock key' that shifts this function on/off. There
may be something sticking in the MacBook keyboard
or perhaps it has some kind of defect issue going on.
Good luck & happy computing!

Keyboard producing extra letters when typing and impacting system performance

I’m having some issues with my Mid-2010 MacBook Pro 15. The Apple tech guy was baffled at the symptoms I was experiencing; he was unable to help (the MacBook Pro itself has not been inspected) so I thought I would see if anyone else had a view as to what the issue could be. I’m happy to fix it myself if possible (I’m quite comfortable with doing repairs/upgrades/general maintenance on Macs and PCs at large) and would rather avoid a hefty fee from the Apple store or other repair services if it can be avoided (unless the error is due to faulty hardware where Apple will fix free of charge).
The issue lies with using the internal keybaord. Most of the keys on the keyboard work just fine, a couple don’t, however when I use the internal keyboard it significantly slows down animations (i.e. clicking on the Applications icon on the dock will take a good 5-7 seconds for it to finish the pop-up). There hasn’t been any liquid spillage or suffered from any falls so I’m not quite sure how this problem came about. These are some of the issues/symptoms I’m having which may help in a diagnosis:
-Shift key is stuck and the Mac will boot into Safe Mode on its own. Holding down the Option key upon pressing the power button until the spinning gear appears will allow the Mac to boot normally. I can use an external keyboard and the Mac runs just fine. However, if I use the internal keyboard....
-Animations run slowly and it cannot load graphics programs such as iMovie. (An error message pops up, but I do not have this latop with me at time of posting this to find what it is. If you need to know what the error message is, let me know and I will post it here when I get home). Even though I’m in ‘normal mode’ for less of a better term, using the internal keyboard will result in the Mac performing like it is in 'safe mode' until…
-Pressing any key on an external keyboard. The slow animation issue is resolved (i.e. clicking on the Application icon on dock pops up in less than a second as per normal) and the Mac will return to running as normal and everything is very responsive. iMovie will now load correctly (without the error message).
-Some letters when pressed on the internal keyboard will type another letter directly after it (e.g. If pressing ‘q’ it will type as ‘QT’ (in caps due to the Shift key being stuck), same for pressing ‘t’ will display as “TQ”. This also happens to ‘a’ as it will type ‘AB’ and ‘b’ where it will display ‘BA’. In total about 6 or 7 keys around the keyboard are affected where pressing one key will result in it being typed in caps AND a second correspoding letter. Pressing that second corresponding letter will also type in caps and it's "linked" key.
-Selecting individual files with the track pad (after pressing a key on the internal keyboard) will pick multiple items within a folder as if you were clicking and dragging to select multiple files. If I click on one file and move the cursor (without holding the click or ‘touch to drag’) to a file below, it will select everything between the two selections. Pressing a key on the external keyboard returns everything including the track pad back to normal
I’ve performed a clean install of Snow Leopard which took a little longer than usual. The install disc took some time to actually load into the installation screen, roughly 5-7 minutes longer. The external keyboard doesn’t appear to work on boot up until I get to the log in screen. I’ve cleaned inside Mac from what minimal dust was there. Finally, I’ve been unable to reset the PRAM or SMC as the laptop boots into Safe Mode due to the Shift key being stuck and the external keyboard not being recognised until I reach the log in screen to enter my password. Other keys don’t appear to be working (i.e. holding down C to boot from disc and other key commands on start-up do not work), the only key on the internal keyboard that appear to work on boot is Option which allows me to bypass the 'auto-safe mode' boot.
I’m quite sure this is hardware related and if feasible I will fix myself, if not I’m happy to use an external keyboard (except when needing to perform boot commands which is where I’ll run into some issues).System specs are as follows:
MacBook Pro 15 - Mid 2010 (April)
2.4GHz Intel Core i5
4GB RAM
160GB hard drive
NVIDIA GeForce GT330M 256MB
I’d appreciate any possible answers you have. Apologies if this has been posted elsewhere, I’m quite sure this is a unique issue so I’d be surprised to learn someone else has had this problem too after all the hours of research I’ve done!
Thanks.

lol, I was going to add "as long as it's not doing that all the time" ...but was hoping for the quick fix. You might want to check your Activity Monitor and see which program or background process is causing the activity ...have you installed anything lately that coincided with this problem? You also might want to try booting into Safe Mode to see if things still persist.

My OSX 10.5.8 won't type letters f,r and number 4

my OSX 10.5.8 won't type letters f,r and number 4, also the caps lock will not work, How can I fix this?
It happened after I held the D tyring to get the computer to do a self diagnostic.
I was also trying to change the language on the computer to English,
I think the problem is related to this,
Should I reset the PRAM? Anyone MacBook Pro Experts Out There?

Apple offers some basic advice on troubleshooting this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1381
I realize your situation may seem different, but see if these tips are helpful.
A PRAM reset would be in order if the former doesn't work.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
If none of this works, it may be that there's an issue with the keyboard or software. In that case, you'd best visit your local Apple Store/Genius Bar for help.

My Macbook keyboard wont work !!

Most of my keys wont type out and then lets say i press the "C" key it types out cd3 that happens with my number keys as well as other keys ...
help any way to reprogram my keyboard or do i have to take it in? i no longer have warrenty

Hold down the power button until it shuts down, then restart.

I am unable to sign in to my wi fi network on my ipod because the keyboard wont come up. what do i do?

i am unable to sign in to my wi fi network on my ipod because the keyboard wont come up. what do i do? please help me out

First, try a system reset. It cures many ills and it's quick, easy and harmless...
Hold down the on/off switch and the Home button simultaneously until the screen blacks out or you see the Apple logo. Ignore the "Slide to power off" text if it appears. You will not lose any apps, data, music, movies, settings, etc.
If the Reset doesn't work, try a Restore. Note that it's nowhere near as quick as a Reset. Connect via cable to the computer that you use for sync. From iTunes, select the iPad/iPod and then select the Summary tab. Follow directions for Restore and be sure to say "yes" to the backup. You will be warned that all data (apps, music, movies, etc.) will be erased but, as the Restore finishes, you will be asked if you wish the contents of the backup to be copied to the iPad/iPod. Again, say "yes."

Trying to install Adobe Photodeluxe (elements 13) I have box and cd sleeve with serial number, But registration won't let me type letters only numbers allowed. Help please.

Trying to install Adobe Photodeluxe (elements 13) I have box and cd sleeve with serial number, But registration won't let me type letters only numbers allowed. Help please.

You possibly have a redemption code which has to be converted into a serial number.
https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/find-serial-number.html

Wireless keyboard gives wrong letters

wireless keyboard gives wrong letters

[shameful mode on]
Sorry. I don't have my Mac in front of me.
I'm using windows right now.
[shameful mode off]

HT201269 Can apple fix my ipod , only the bottom keyboard wont work and it takes me forever to slide it & my screen is cracked and i dont have insurance can they replace mine & how much ?

can Can apple fix my ipod , only the bottom keyboard wont work and it takes me forever to slide it & my screen is cracked and i dont have insurance can they replace mine & how much ?

Apple will exchange your iPod for a refurbished one for this price. They do not fix yours.
Apple - iPod Repair price
A third-party place like the following maybe less. Google for more.
iPhone Repair, Service & Parts: iPod Touch, iPad, MacBook Pro Screens
Replace the screen yourself if you are up to it
iPod Touch Repair – iFixit

HT201178 keyboard wont connect

i had to change the batteries in my keyboard and in the time it took me to do that, my computer went to the screen saver and is password protected and now my keyboard wont connect... so im bassically locked out of my computer which is a mac mini.. what makes me mad is that its connecting to my ipad and macbook but not my mac mini

hi merrykaylita
first of all, can you tell us which model of lenovo you have?

HT1338 My keyboard does not have the number sign: # . How do I get my keyboard to type this?

My keyboard does not have the number sign: # . How do I get my keyboard to type this?

It depends on your keyboard layout.
From the menu bar, select
 ▹ System Preferences... ▹ Keyboard ▹ Keyboard ▹ Show Keyboard & Character Viewers in menu bar
Now select
Show Keyboard Viewer
from the menu with a keyboard icon in the menu bar, towards the right. By pressing modifier keys, you can see what characters correspond to any key combination. You can also produce a character by clicking it in the viewer.

Keyboard wont type letters

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