Left shift key doesn't work on some characters

In some applications, such as Excel and AOL, my left shift key doesn't work on some letters. Consequently, when I'm typing I get lower case letters when I've typed shift plus the letter to get a cap. Right shift works OK, but I'm not used to using it. It happens on i, t, and p, I've noticed so far. I don't know if it's the keyboard or the application. Word seems to work fine.
Would welcome any ideas on what is causing this and how to fix it.
Powermac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Is it possible that you have inadvertently switched to a different keyboard layout? Open System Preferences, then click on the Language & Text preferences. Within the Language & Text preferences click on the 'Input Sources'. You should see a long list of languages representing the various keyboard layouts that are available. Make sure that only the keyboard language you use is selected. If there are multiple languages selected then de-select the extras.
If you continue to have problems then check the 'Show input menu in menu bar' checkbox in the lower section of the preference pane. This will place an icon in the upper right menu bar (it looks like a flag representing the language you have chosen for your input device) that provides additional options. I suggest selecing the 'Show Keyboard Viewer' option and then try pressing the keys that you are having problems with to see how they show up on the keyboard viewer graphic. If you've set the correct language for your keyboard and the key sequences still don't match, then you may need to take your keyboard in for service. Better yet, borrow another keyboard to confirm that the keyboard is the issue.

Similar Messages

I updated to maverick, and maybe it's a coincidence but my left shift key doesn't work unless i really press it down. Is there any way to fix this without bringing it into the Genius Bar?

i updated to maverick, and maybe it's a coincidence but my left shift key doesn't work unless i really press it down. Is there any way to fix this without bringing it into the Genius Bar?

Plugins usually are installed externally to Firefox. However, you can disable them in Firefox so that Firefox does not use them.
SearchReset is supposed to automate the task of resetting certain preferences, but you still can edit them manually if necessary.
'''''Address Bar Search'''''
(1) In a new tab, type or paste '''about:config''' in the address bar and press Enter. Click the button promising to be careful.
(2) In the filter box, type or paste '''keyword''' and pause while the list is filtered
(3) Right-click '''keyword.URL''' and choose Reset. This should restore Google as the default for address bar search.
Does that work?
'''''Search Box'''''
Usually it works to choose your preferred search engine from the drop-down. To remove an unwanted search engine plugin, usually the Manage Search Engines... choice at the bottom of the drop-down takes care of it.
Do either of those work?
There might be another way to hijack that search box; I think some of the other frequent responders probably are more familiar with it than I am.

My left shift key isn't working, and i can't take it in for repair is there any other way

my left shift key isn't working, and i can't take it in for repair is there any other way

Sarwahhhh wrote:
my left shift key isn't working, and i can't take it in for repair is there any other way
Why not? If you are under warranty and/or have AppleCare, call them. Let Apple deal w/hardware problems. If you mess up, your warranty will be voided!
OOW: For DIY instructions check out the following:
iFixit
YouTube's “How To” tutorials.

Caps Lock, Shift key doesn't work

My MBA late 2010 caps lock, they shift key doesn't work. Is there anyone knows how to fix and solve my problem, please?

Hey reandel,
I'd check out the recommended troubleshooting steps within the following document:
One or more keys on the keyboard do not respond
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1381
Welcome to Apple Support Communities!
Best,
Delgadoh

Left Shift - w doesn't work

I'm unable to get a capital w when I use the left shift key. I am able to capitalize every other letter with the left shift key and I can get a capital W with the right shift key and the caps lock button. Anybody have a similar experience or have any recommendations to fix this?

Go to the System Preferences->International->Input Menu and check the box "Keyboard Viewer" option. Also check the box at the bottom which says "Show input menu in menu bar". Now, access the Keyboard Viewer from the input menu in the menu bar (it looks like a little flag representing the language you are using) so that it displays a pictorial representation of your keyboard.
With the Keyboard Viewer open try typing the 'W' and left 'shift' key combination together and observe whether the corresponding keys on the Keyboard Viewer highlight. This can help you determine whether you have a software issue, or whether your keyboard is not working correctly. I suspect software since the shift key seems to work with all of the other keys.
Is it possible that somebody accidentally set a 'Keyboard shortcut" in the keyboard preferences under the 'Keyboard Shortcuts' tab? If in doubt try pressing the 'Restore Defaults" button within the Keyboard Shortcuts preferences to see if that helps.

Wireless Keyboard backspace working in the opposite direction. Left Shift key won't work on T or I

Hi Everyone,
I have scanned the boards for hours and have found that there are several keyboard issues, but they all seem to be unique.
So this is my issue:
My keyboard which came with my iMac (late 2009) has decided that it has a mind of its own.
The left hand shift key will not work for T or I and the backspace button will not work in correct direction.
I have tried my keyboard on my iMac and my Macbook Pro with no success.
So if anyone has any suggestion it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Cymrukiwi

Is it possible that you have inadvertently switched to a different keyboard layout? Open System Preferences, then click on the Language & Text preferences. Within the Language & Text preferences click on the 'Input Sources'. You should see a long list of languages representing the various keyboard layouts that are available. Make sure that only the keyboard language you use is selected. If there are multiple languages selected then de-select the extras.
If you continue to have problems then check the 'Show input menu in menu bar' checkbox in the lower section of the preference pane. This will place an icon in the upper right menu bar (it looks like a flag representing the language you have chosen for your input device) that provides additional options. I suggest selecing the 'Show Keyboard Viewer' option and then try pressing the keys that you are having problems with to see how they show up on the keyboard viewer graphic. If you've set the correct language for your keyboard and the key sequences still don't match, then you may need to take your keyboard in for service. Better yet, borrow another keyboard to confirm that the keyboard is the issue.

My shift key doesn't work to pick up multiple files

My shift Key does not work when used to collect multiple files.

Murilo.mac wrote:
You shall hold the Cmd key if you want to select multiple files
Not if they are sequential, which is what the OP seems to want.

[Solved] Shift key doesn't work correctly

Hi!
I have a strange problem for a while. If I hold down the shift key and type the computer releases it itself. Example: I press down the shift key and type some upper case chars and suddenly I am writing lower case chars without releasing the shift key! I already tested another keyboard and nothing changed. And I have the feeling that the problem only occurs with Linux, not with Windows, which is installed on the same computer. But I dont know for sure, because I don't spent mach time with windows ;-)
Here is my xorg.conf:
Section "Device"
Identifier "nvidiacard"
Driver "nvidia"
EndSection
Section "Screen"
Identifier "screen0"
Device "nvidiacard"
EndSection
Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Builtin Default Layout"
Screen "screen0"
EndSection
And this is my /etc/hal/fdi/policy/10-keymap.fdi:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> 
<deviceinfo version="0.2">
<device>
<match key="info.capabilities" contains="input.keymap">
<append key="info.callouts.add" type="strlist">hal-setup-keymap</append>
</match>
<match key="info.capabilities" contains="input.keys">
<merge key="input.xkb.rules" type="string">base</merge>

<merge key="input.xkb.model" type="string">keyboard</merge>
<match key="/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/computer:system.kernel.name"
string="Linux">
<merge key="input.xkb.model" type="string">evdev</merge>
</match>
<merge key="input.xkb.layout" type="string">de</merge>
<merge key="input.xkb.variant" type="string">nodeadkeys</merge>
</match>
</device>
</deviceinfo>
Before that I had a static configuration with the same problem. Any idea?
Thanks,
Thomas
Last edited by Murray_B (2009-12-02 20:05:45)

Okay, the question if the problem occurs in console was good - no it doesn't!
I played a bit and started X11 with only xterm (no windowmanager) and there
were no problem. I had also no problem with openbox and xterm. So I moved
away my xfce-config and started with a clean one. No problem. I add
everything of my config again (one thing after another) - and there are no
problems any more!?!? Don't know what happened, but I could work again,
thank you!
Thomas

Right shift key doesn't work after BIOS update on Satellite A200-28P

For some reason, after I upgraded my Bios, my right shift key doesnt work and neither does my FOUR and SIX button, hence why i have written in words :(,
I tried reinstalling windows, hasnt made a difference.
I tried rolling back the drivers for the keyboard, as well as changing to the US version of the keyboard, nothing has helped.
Thanks

okay first problem is, my warranty was due to expire, so i brought an extension, and nothing has happened whatsoever on those regards, secondly, i ran a keyboard test, and i found out that it wasnt only the four six and right shift key which was now no longer working, but also the f2, f10, f11, f12,
I have used a external keyboard, which works :D but it annoying to use that when the whole point of a laptop is to have the inbuilt keyboard,
any suggestions on this

Command Option Left/Right Key Doesn't Work

10.6.8 Snow Leopard,
Command+Option+Left/Right Key stop working.
I couldn't move tab, or play previous movie file nor next one.
http://codereview.chromium.org/273032
I've tested the other keys work, but just CMD+OPT+Left/Right Arrow hadn't.
Is there any quick repair or solution?

10.6.8 Snow Leopard,
Command+Option+Left/Right Key stop working.
If this is not in the standard apple keyboard shortcuts and not something you added to the Keyboard Shortcuts preferencs then it's an app specific extension and not Snow Leopard's (i.e., Apple's) problem.

Upgrading from W 8.1 to 10, Key doesn't work

This laptop was purchased with Windows 8.1 pre-installed. The Windows 10 software is on my C drive and I tried installing it. The window asks for the Key. I've run the CMD wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey. It gives me a Key but the installation program says the key doesn't work. Some sites say all updates must be installed. Done!Some sites say ignore the key and proceed. I can't as the software is very snooty - the OK cell is grayed out. Any suggestions? As an aside, I can't believe all the fluff on the Internet about installing W10. BTW, I installed W10 on an old ASUS Eee PC without any problem.

Hello, Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum. Please, refer to this thread: http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-Systems-and-Software/problem-with-activation-after-upgrade-to-windows-10/td-p/5172044

3 letters + left shift key not working - 2 of them + right shift key working

Hi all,
as in subject, I have just bought a laptop g50-45, italian keyboard.
I encountered this problem:
"LEFT shift key" + "e" or "d" or "c" combinations do not work. Nothing happens.
"RIGHT shift key" + "e" or "d" work properly
"RIGHT shift key" + "c" do not work. Nothing happens
CAPS key + "e" or "d" or "c" work properly.
I noticed this issue before making any updates of windows 8.1
I tried making an update of the bios and later updating windows but the problem is still there.
I check with an external keyboard and everything work correctly
I don't think it could be a mechanical problem because "e", "d" and "c" keys alone work properly, so it seems more a software side problem.
Thank you for your help.

thanks, i thought there some quick procedure to do before heading to apple store. i was just wondering, it was working for a while, and then suddenly like that. i have macbook 10.6.8 software. intel core 2 duo. less than a year old, if i'm not mistaken.

Left shift key not working

left shift key not working.

thanks, i thought there some quick procedure to do before heading to apple store. i was just wondering, it was working for a while, and then suddenly like that. i have macbook 10.6.8 software. intel core 2 duo. less than a year old, if i'm not mistaken.

My left shift key stopped working right one is fine

my left shift key stopped working this morning. never had a problem tell I started using snapshot shift plus command

Keyboard Keys Do Not Respond

Help! Left shift key not working!

all of a sudden today my left shift key has ceased to work. the right key works fine, increasing the chance that it's hardware. I'd like to remove the key cap and see if re-seating it might fix it. I've looked in many places on how to remove it, but no luck. Is there a web site that shows how it's done for a G4 Aluminum? Thanks in advance.

Marco,
I've been having intermittent left shift key problems for several months. My laptop is now 3 days out of Warranty, Apple web site says so. Anyway, the only reliable fix I've found is to do a re-boot. I can also (sometimes) get reliable shifting if I slide my finger closer to the outer edge - meaning, no shift if pressed on one side of the key, sometimes shift on the other side.
I've also had success shifting in one application which seemed to "clear" the problem in the original application. Example: typing in Mail when left shift key stops working. Switch to MS Word, shift works fine. Switch back to Mail, shift works fine.
I have a feeling it's a combination of software and slowly failing hardware. I feel bad to have waited until after the warranty period, and now the problem is getting worse. My wife was just in for brain surgery, so you can't really blame me! She's doing fine.
So, my suggestion is to try rebooting to see if that clears a memory buffer problem. Kinda annoying, maybe a future software update will fix the software problem?

Left shift key doesn't work on some characters

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for