Left shift key is a problem

This is what I get on a page when the bottom row of keys are pressed in sequence from left to right:
No shift keys used: zxcvbnm,./
RIGHT SHIFT KEY USED: ZXCVBNM<>?
LEFT SHIFT KEY USED: BN
In other words, when I use the left shift key, the letters Z, X, C, V, M, <, >, and ? don't appear at all. What is causing this?

I have two last things to try. The first is a hard reset. The instructions for that are here: Performing a Hard Reset or Forced Reset
If that doesn't help, the last option is to try to restore your BIOS. The instructions are here: Restoring the BIOS
If that fails, it will most likely be a hardware issue. I am not certain of your warranty coverage, you can find that information from support, as well as your repair options.
Alternatively, you might be able to look your warranty status up here: Check your product warranty
HP technical support: 800-474-6836. If you live outside the US/Canada Region please click the link HERE to get the support number for your region.
TwoPointOh
I work on behalf of HP
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
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Left shift key problem help please

My left shift key is shifting my open page up out of the way and bringing me to my desktop page. My right key works fine. Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

Well, not sure about you new-fangled Snow Leopard users, but I'd check the Dashboard & Exposé preference pane in System Preferences and see if the Desktop shortcut is "Left Shift" instead of the normal F11.

How do I fix my left shift key? Any open windows leave and make the desktop visible.

How do I fix my left shift key? Any open windows leave and make the desktop visible. I have tired to go into system preferences and reset all of the keyboard settings to default but the issue hasn't gone away.

You are not running as administrator, I think, which may be required and the only way to properly work and register. Also check for compatibility mode settings, UAC and DEP, all of which may require to be adjusted for a legacy app like PS CS2 to run properly. Also turn off Aero and switch to a conventional visual theme. The brush issue may be related to that or is a more generic problem with your graphics card and mouse config, but since you didn't provide any info on that, it will be hard for anyone to advise.
Mylenium

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.

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.

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

Left shift key inserts ± (plus/minus symbol)

When I try to use the left shift key and hold it down for more than a half-second or so it will insert the ± symbol. Not being the speediest of typists, this has rendered the key useless (besides being a shortcut for that symbol, of course). This occurs in all profiles.
I am using a Macally ICEKey keyboard with the latest drivers. The behavior occurs when I set the keyboard to the "unknown generic keyboard" option, as well. I tried uninstalling the drivers and trashing the com.apple.keyboardtype.plist file, but the problem continued to occur after it went through the generic keyboard setup on reboot. I should also mention that the keyboard worked fine for a few months before this problem arose.
The only other USB keyboard I have is a generic Dell keyboard (that does work with a Windows box), but when I plugged it in after removing the Macally it was not recognized by my Mac, even after reboot.
Besides trying another keyboard that is confirmed to work with Snow Leopard, are there any settings I should change (the language and character settings are default English with an ANSI keyboard layout) or other diagnostics I could try?
Thanks,
Sam

I have a Macally keyboard (NetKey) and I know that Macally hasn't issued drivers or updates for Intel Macs for some time; I checked on their download page for your model and the latest driver is for "10.4 or above" (which means it's been there for quite a while), which may also mean that it may or may not work with Snow Leopard. I know the driver for mine does not work on SL and I've lost all the cool functions on it (media keys, etc), but I still like the keyboard. My iMac also recognizes the keyboard immediately without any drivers installed.
As for your question, have you looked in the Keyboard pane of System Preferences to see if for some reason that key has been assigned a special function?
And, as far as I know, just about any keyboard - especially USB - should work with SL as long as you don't plan to install any drivers that happen to be for Windows only for any special function keys or features. I don't know why the Dell wouldn't be recognized unless it is made to function only after some software (driver) install (which wouldn't be compatible with SL).

Left Shift Key Remapped, How?

MacBook Air running OS X.
Left shift key when depressed remaps my keyboard, how can I get it to not do this? Example below:
Right Shift Key - ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ?><
Left Shift Key - ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒÂ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸¿¯˘
Help please.
Kent

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
Step 1
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.
Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”
While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.
Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?
After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.
*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.
Step 2
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you boot, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, reboot as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.

Left shift key remapped into alt key

Hi Everybody
The left shift key of my Macbook air started to work exactly like the alt key, like it was remapped.
(the alt key works normally)
The solution of the problem might be simple but I couldn't find any way to change the behaviour in Maverick.
Can anyone help?
Thanks
and14

Try a restart.
Do a backup, using either Time Machine or a cloning program, to ensure files/data can be recovered. Two backups are better than one.
Try setting up another admin user account to see if the same problem continues. If Back-to-My Mac is selected in System Preferences, the Guest account will not work. The intent is to see if it is specific to one account or a system wide problem. This account can be deleted later.
Isolating an issue by using another user account
If the problem is still there, try booting into the Safe Mode using your normal account. Disconnect all peripherals except those needed for the test. Shut down the computer and then power it back up after waiting 10 seconds. Immediately after hearing the startup chime, hold down the shift key and continue to hold it until the gray Apple icon and a progress bar appear. The boot up is significantly slower than normal. This will reset some caches, forces a directory check, and disables all startup and login items, among other things. When you reboot normally, the initial reboot may be slower than normal. If the system operates normally, there may be 3rd party applications which are causing a problem. Try deleting/disabling the third party applications after a restart by using the application un-installer. For each disable/delete, you will need to restart if you don't do them all at once.
Safe Mode
Safe Mode - About
Do you have another keyboard you could test with?

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 is stuck after cleaning?

I recently had to clean my left shift key because it was sticking so badly, no other keys had the problem so I carefully took off the key cap and plastic doohickies as per a video. I cleaned the back of the key and a little around where it sets. After I put everything back the shift key is now locked. I can only type in capitals etc. Have checked caps lock and stick button in systems but to no avail. I restarted the computer and now it has booted in safe mode.
Please help!
cjk

Did you double check to make sure you replaced the shift key correctly?

HP Pavilion notebook left shift key not working

My reasonably new HP Pavilion has a problem with the left shift key not working. The Right shift is fine, as is the Caps Lock.
Windows version is 8.1 64 bit
Can you advise me on whether this is a driver issue or a hardware issue, in which case I will return to the supplier
Thanks, Helen

Dear Customer,
Welcome to HP Support Forum and we are glad to assist you
It looks like you are having issues with the Keyboard on your Notebook
We will surely assist you with this
Let’s start with a questions.
1. Was there any liquid split on the Notebook Keyboard
2. Is there any Dust settled on the Notebook Keyboard
3. Are there any Keys which are fallen off / Any Keys which are loose
Troubleshooting:
Step 01. Could you please check and verify if External Keyboard works fine or not?
Note: Please click on the below shown link to find more troubleshooting steps
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03738933&tmp_task=solveCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc...
Hope this helps, for any further queries reply to the post and feel free to join us again
**Click the KUDOS star on left to say Thanks**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.
Thank You,
K N R K
I work on behalf of HP

Left Shift Key Came Out

Hello, everyone. Upon cleaning my laptop, my left shift key came out. This computer isn't even a year old and I barely use it at all. I don't know if the mechanism underneath the actual key wore out or what not. However, when the key popped out, I was examining if there was anything broken and there wasn't anything at all bent or broken. All I had in my hand was the left shift key with a white plastic piece and with the actual key came attached a metal piece that was attached to it. So what I did was I attached the white plastic piece first and it went into place and I inserted the metal piece that was attached on the shift key into two seperate metal tabs and I snapped back into place.
What I don't understand is if this usually a common problem amongst keyboards, especially for Powerbook G4's. And if I did anything wrong as in attaching the shift key, please let me know or if there is anything I could possibly do.
Thanks for reading and hoping for some responses.

Hi Tenlions,
Keycaps do sometimes come off. It's nothing to be worried about. As long as they go back on ok and still work normally, there's no harm done.
The only thing to worry about is if they actually crack in half, or come off continually.

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.

Left shift key of my new macbook pro retina 13 is always pressed.

My 1 month old macbook pro retina 13 inch model has a problem now. Left shift key is always pressed which results in booting to safe mode.
Currently i have overcome the issue by pressing "option" while booting and used keyremap software to disable "left shift key". Since this a temporary solution, I would like to know what would have caused the shift key to behave like this. If the key not working would have been better, but it is always in pressed state.
Please let me know what I can do to rectify this. If keyboard to be replaced, approximately how much it will cost for the same? I am looking for a positive response....
Regards,
Jibin

Hi BobRz, you are probably talking about the screen display which normaly dims during low light conditions, and that's true. but my concern is the keyboard brightness, it suppose to increase in low light conditions, but instead it dims to the point that i can no longer see the letters on the keyboard. I have viewed a youtube video about the normal adustment function, and mine is doing the opposite

Left shift key is a problem

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