Shift Key re: 24" IMac

My wife has a new 24" IMac. She has noticed lately that while typing her shift key does not work when capitalizing a word. We have changed key boards and the same thing happens. She has noticed this using Reunion. Not sure if it's related to the Mac or the program????

If it only happens in Reunion, then that's the culprit. If it doesn't work in all apps, then try booting into safe mode (restart, holding down the shift key). Details at http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107392 If that doesn't work, zap the PRAM (restart, holding down the CMDOPT+PR keys until you get three bongs), and see if that fixes the problem. If neither solve the issue, take or send it back to the seller/repair facility.

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My iMac will not boot up - held shift key - spinning gear does not advance - will not advance to home page??

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Held shift key - right after pushing power button

That is typically indicative of either a hard drive corruption or a hardware failure. What happens if you just let the Mac sit forever? Does it boot to a folder icon?
How old is your iMac? You may be able to run Hardware Diagnostics by booting up holding down the "D" key as well.

Wish you could tap the Shift key to set next key press in caps on iMac

I really wish in Mac OS that you could 'tap' the Shift key to set up the next key press in capitals. In Lion, on my iMac desktop, the present arrangement requires you to hold down the Shift key while hitting the letter you want to capitalise, as has been the case since time began. On my lovely iPad2, you just tap the shift key once and the next keypress is in caps - SIMPLE and efficient. I have been yearning for this simple change to the OS since way before the iPad came along, but now you can use it in iOS5 and NOT in Lion, it's really frustrating. i find i am now failing time after time to select caps in Lion...
Please, oh wise ones at Apple: take a few minutes out from whatever fresh ramification of iCloud you are concocting and giVe uS bETter cAps.

There is this, but it might do more than you want:

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).

Mail: cannot multiselect several emails using "shift" key

Very strange: we have several Macs using Snow Leopard. For some reason on my Imac only, I cannot multi-select several emails at one time to delete them. This function with the shift key works on all the other Macs. I have rebuilt the mailboxes, checked all the preferences, run "disk utility" for repairing permissions. Using 10.6.3. It's just annoying to have to delete one by one rather than grouping continguous emails. I also can't select multi emails using the "command" key.

I found it's working OK when I'm actually on site with the computer. I discovered it is only NOT working while at a remote location & accessing the computer. I don't understand why working remotely causes this to happen, but it's not a huge issue.

Shift key only working on some letters ?!?

Ok - this just started ...
I can get capitals by using cap-lock on all keys.
Please help - obviously this is pretty annoying.
with the regular shift it works as below.
letters in upper case work with both shift keys
letters in lower case work with neither shift key
letters that work with only the right key as noted:
AAAA
bbb
ccc
DDD
EEE - only with right shift key?
FFF
GGG
HHH
IIII - only with right shift key?
JJJ
KKK
LLL
mmm
nnn
OOO - only with right shift key?
PPP
QQQ
RRR
SSS
TTT - only with right shift key?
UUU - only with right shift key?
vvvv
WWW - only with right shift key?
xxx
YYYY - only with right shift key?
zzzz - - only with right shift key?
~!#$%^&*()_+{}|:"?? - left & right carrot also do not work - rest of symbols seem to be ok

Keyboard failure. Hopefully you have Applecare. Hopefully it didn't fail after spilling liquid on the keyboard, but if so hopefully you have a separate keyboard (this is an iMac forum) rather than the MacBook you list in your signature.

WIreless keyboard shift key problem

I have an Apple wireless keyboard which was working fine for the past 10 months, until this morning. Now, when I press the shift key, it types an "I" and whatever other key I hit. Also, there are occasional random capital letters when I type without pressing the shift key. I've tried things like resetting the PRAM, going into keyboard preferences and resetting to the defaults, and unpairing/repairing the keyboard to my iMac. It is definitely the keyboard, as I plugged in the USB keyboard from my daughter's iMac, and that works fine. Also, I've tried to get support, but can't get past Apple telling me my serial number is invalid (Thanks so much to srodney for a VERY clear explanation of how to find that miniscule serial number!)
Thanks for any help you can give!

Keyboard: lower case letter or letters stop working.
Friends, I have solved this problem and used it several times successfully. In my case, it was the lower case “a”, the only letter that would not register and because my password contains an “a” I could not even restart and log in without a work-around. Tried numerous keyboards, cables, and all the rest. A safe boot fixed the problem so I knew it was a corruption glitch. Short version: I just did this two hours ago - July 18, 2009 - only the second or so time in a year, although it took me a lot of preference experimentation the first time to sniff it out.
In my case, went to my “user/library/preferences” folder and dragged onto the desktop the preference “loginwindow.plist” (not the one that starts "com.apple", at least in my case I didn’t need to get rid of that one). Restart and voila! Problem solved. Trash the old "loginwindow.plist" as a new one is created when you restart and you lose no data. To their credit, Apple was very helpful back when it happened the first time, and it was a real conundrum to them as well. I got lucky that it was not too obscure a problem so I didn't have to go through all the preferences and remove them one by one for hours. I found the guilty party fast. Now ya know! Maybe it'll work for you. And a general thanks to all the good people who write these notes and have saved my sanity many, many times. Finally a chance to pay it forward.

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.

Aperture beachballs every load, unless I hold the shift key on boot

I am using the latest Aperture. I had recently re-done MobileMe password. Some unknown process kicks in a few seconds after starting Aperture.
If I force quit and then restart Aperture holding the SHIFT Key down, I can get into it in a normal fashion, but I can't find the process that creates the beachballing. Any thoughts and ways to determine this. I have redone permissions, etc.

If your sig is correct and you are indeed using a G5 iMac you have about the weakest box that will even run Aperture. Expect terrible performance. Sorry. Also, do update your OS to 10.4.11.
FWIW the Sandy Bridge MBPs with HD 6750M graphics are the first mobility-type boxes that are not limiting to Aperture. Strong new iMacs too will be out soon, very likely next week.
In any event here is some generic advice I posted in another thread:
Aperture is a heavy pro graphics app that is very demanding of hardware. Your Mac's CPU, GPU and/or RAM are probably limiting to Aperture so we need to do what we can to optimize. Some steps:
• Set Previews to only be built manually, and only tell Aperture to build Previews when you are not otherwise editing in Aperture.
• Keep the internal drive underfilled for speed, which sooner or later usually requires using a Referenced-Masters-Library with Masters on external drives. Back up originals before importing into Aperture or any other images app.
• The Aperture Library should be on an internal drive.
• Turn off Share Previews with iLife and iWork.
• Remember that HDs slow as they fill and keep the internal drive underfilled. Approx. 70% full maximum is a good guideline.
• If page outs increase significantly during operation, max out RAM and/or try to run Aperture by itself. On my C2D MBP with its max of 3 GB RAM I always did a restart prior to a heavy Aperture session to clear any memory leaks and make sure no other apps were open. Browsers in particular will often suck RAM Aperture would otherwise be using.
IMO all Aperture users who can should routinely bump RAM to at least 8 GB.
• Some users have observed that it can take a new Aperture installation time (weeks) to stabilize. So do not panic; and allow Aperture to continue background work by not fully shutting down the computer. Personally I never fully shut down Macs except during electrical storms.
• I recommend always repairing Permissions immediately _before_ and immediately _after_ every install of any kind.
Some folks consider it a waste of time but after years of listening to others have problems while I have had problem-free usage of heavy graphics apps (Aperture, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Painter, etc.) on multiple Macs I am fully convinced that although repairing Permissions is not a "fix" it is very useful maintenance for users of heavy graphics apps.
HTH
-Allen Wicks

It appears that my shift key is stuck, everything including numbers is capped. Can this be fixed?

It appears that my shift key is stuck, everything including numbers is capped, can this be fixed?

Yes since it is on a iMac simply replace the keyboard.

Shift key always on

My shift won't turn off on my iMac. I thought it was keyboard so switched with another one and have the same issue. Help me please, can't log in to anything while shift is stuck on

Hi, sorry I did not respond sooner, I am moving house. Well, I did not reinstall Lion that night but went to bed instead. Next day I tried logging on again and everything was working perfectly and has been since. I don't know if all the actions I took the night before made any difference or not (removed shift keys, sprayed with compressed air, pressed repeatedly a hundred times, cursed them etc) but since then I have changed my login name and password to be in entirely upper case so that if it happens again I can at least login to my machine. Good luck!

Shift key prevents typing some letters

I cannot type capital t, b, g, or the percent sign (shift+5). What I notice about these keys is they are all in a vertical 'column' so I am suspicous that it is a hardware issue.
I have the full-size brushed metal / white keys wired keyboards. Switching USB ports does nothing but switching keyboards fixes the problem. This makes me almost certain that it's a hardware issue, though the problem did start right after the 10.8.2 update was installed..
It's strange because each key works individually, 5tgb, and the SHIFt KEY WORKS FINE ON bOtH SIDES but shift+t, shift+b, shift+g, and shift+5 types nothing.
If anyone knows what could cause this or has tips for cleaning the keyboard, any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Specs:
Intel iMac late 2008
Mac OS X 10.8.2

First try resetting the SMC, this may take several attempts for it to work. You will find instructions by clicking iMac SMC and PRAM reset. If this does not work then try another USB keyboard, if that works OK that indicates your keyboard needs to be replaced.

I cannot type a capital i using the left shift key. also keyboard now putting the cursor in a different place than where i type. Checked speech keys, all fine. Batteries fine.

i cannot type a capital i using the left shift key. also keyboard now putting the cursor in a different place than where i type while i am typing. Checked speech keys, all fine. Batteries fine. Also used the keyboard check program on the imac, shows key ok.
wireless mouse will suddenly scroll down horizontally and won't stop. when i am on a webpage it will bounce back to the previous page without my doing so. i have tried adjusting the mouse several times, turning it on and off, and now am using my wacom mouse which also seems to have issues with this computer. i have only had this a few months and getting very frustrated.

Can you try a different keyboard to see if the problem persists? Also, you have 90 days of phone support when you buy a mew mac.

I cant use the X key on my imac wired keyboard, the key viewer shows the two commands keys pressed when i hit x and the caps lock light is always on....thank you

I cant use the X key on my imac wired keyboard, the key viewer shows the two commands keys pressed when i hit x and the caps lock light is always on....not really sure what happened, but i didnt do anything different from my daily stuff
just an update....when i hit the right command key it respond normal (cmd v cmd c...etc) but when i hit the left command key it shows the x and two commands pressed as well as it delete what i'm working on i.e like backspace but takes out everything at once
thank you

Hi Moe,
Sounds mostly likje a bad KB, do you have another to test with?
Or...
One way to test is to Safe Boot from the HD, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, Test for problem in Safe Mode...
PS. Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive
Reboot, test again.
If it only does it in Regular Boot, then it could be some hardware problem like Video card, (Quartz is turned off in Safe Mode), or Airport, or some USB or Firewire device, or 3rd party add-on, Check System Preferences>Accounts (Users & Groups in later OSX versions)>Login Items window to see if it or something relevant is listed.
Check the System Preferences>Other Row, for 3rd party Pref Panes.
Also look in these if they exist, some are invisible...
/private/var/run/StartupItems
/Library/StartupItems
/System/Library/StartupItems
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Using shift key to capitalize

I use several iMacs and MB Pros. In all but one, holding down the shift key will produce a string of capitalized letters, no need to use the caps lock key. Cannot make the deviant iMac ( 1 yr old, 10.5.8 ) give me caps by holding shift key down. Happens in all programs and using different Apple keyboards. Have made multiple adjustments in International and Universal Access with no success.
Would be easier to train the keyboard than to retrain my typing for this one computer.
Thanks ( <- typed while holding down shift key )

HI,
Try Resetting the PRAM
Carolyn

Shift Key re: 24" IMac

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