Specific modifier keys not responding

I'm having a big issue, and I'm hoping that other PowerBook Pro users can help me to see if I have an isolated issue. I've been doing considerable testing on this to narrow the problem, and have had several calls to Applecare with no real resolution (until I'm ready to drop it off at an Apple Store).
Here's the issue. After repeated uses with an external pointing device (usb mouse, bluetooth mouse, usb Wacom tablet, wireless bluetooth Wacom tablet), by clicking and dragging certain modifier keys become disabled. The best example is when using photoshop (but the issue can be duplicated in any application). In Photoshop, clicking and dragging with an external mouse (or pointing device) with the paint brush tool selected, paints on the canvas, then holding the option key should turn the paintbrush into the eyedropper tool. After about 15 to 20 strokes with the paintbrush, holding down the option key no longer will result in the eyedropper tool, until pressing the cmd key to break out of it.
As I said before this bad behavior is only reproduced with an external device, and will occur in any application. The keys that this affects are the option key (as noted), the shift key, and the control key on the left side of the keyboard only. This can be also reproduced in any application. Even in TextEdit. The behavior in TextEdit will result with the same issue. Here's what the normal behavior should be; holding down the option key changes the cursor to a Plus symbol and dragging over a few lines of text will select text out of sequence, much like drawing a box around text to select it. Holding down the Shift Key and the Option Key will change the cursor to the plus symbol, but will start a selection from the start of the line to the position of the cursor. And obviously pressing the control key while clicking will bring up a contextual menu.
The bad behavior starts off by selecting text over and over about 20 times. Without pressing the cmd key, press the option key. Does the cursor turn into a Plus sign? What happens when the control key is held, and the mouse is clicked? Does a contextual menu appear? If this is not the same as the expected behavior, then there is an issue.
I've checked the Modifier Keys option in the Keyboard section of the System Preferences and all the keys are mapped appropriately.
Please try this out, and tell me your results. I'm trying to determine if I have an isolated issue, or if this is something consistent among the MacBook Pros. If you try it, post what OS version and type of MacBook Pro you are working with.
Thanks

Do you have any of the apps running that are listed here:
http://www.bugge.com/Family-and-friends/Illy/other.html

Similar Messages

10.4.11 Policy Key Not Responding

I opened my activity monitor to check on a current process then noticed in red, Policy Key Not Responding. It had 4 hangs as well. I have repaired disk permissions and that is about it. My question is, is there a security problem of some sort when my Policy Key is not responding and secondly how can i fix this. Thanks for the help.

Here is what is listed when I check the info from the process. Its parent process is called Window Server 64. Not sure what any of the below means.
/Applications/PolicyKey.app/Contents/MacOS
/Applications/PolicyKey.app/Contents/MacOS/PolicyKey
/System/Library/CoreServices/CharacterSets/CFUnicodeData-B.mapping
/System/Library/CoreServices/CharacterSets/CFCharacterSetBitmaps.bitmap
/Library/Caches/com.apple.IntlDataCache.sbdl.501
/usr/lib/libxml2.2.dylib
/System/Library/Frameworks/Carbon.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/HIToolbox.fram ework/Versions/A/Resources/Extras.rsrc
/usr/lib/dyld
/usr/lib/libSystem.B.dylib
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreFoundation.framework/Versions/A/CoreFoundation
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/CarbonCo re.framework/Versions/A/CarbonCore
/usr/lib/libobjc.A.dylib
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/OSServic es.framework/Versions/A/OSServices
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/Metadata .framework/Versions/A/Metadata
/System/Library/Frameworks/Security.framework/Versions/A/Security
/System/Library/Frameworks/Carbon.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/OpenScripting. framework/Versions/A/OpenScripting
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/P rintCore.framework/Versions/A/PrintCore
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/L aunchServices.framework/Versions/A/LaunchServices
/System/Library/Frameworks/Carbon.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/HTMLRendering. framework/Versions/A/HTMLRendering
/System/Library/Frameworks/Carbon.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/NavigationServ ices.framework/Versions/A/NavigationServices
/System/Library/Frameworks/Carbon.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/HIToolbox.fram ework/Versions/A/HIToolbox
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/SearchKi t.framework/Versions/A/SearchKit
/usr/lib/libstdc++.6.0.4.dylib
/usr/lib/libicucore.A.dylib
/usr/lib/libcrypto.0.9.7.dylib
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/C olorSync.framework/Versions/A/ColorSync
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/CFNetwor k.framework/Versions/A/CFNetwork
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/A TS.framework/Versions/A/ATS
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/I mageIO.framework/Versions/A/ImageIO
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/I mageIO.framework/Versions/A/Resources/libJP2.dylib
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/I mageIO.framework/Versions/A/Resources/libTIFF.dylib
/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/C oreText.framework/Versions/A/CoreText
/System/Library/Frameworks/CoreAudio.framework/Versions/A/CoreAudio
/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DesktopServicesPriv.framework/Versions/A/Deskt opServicesPriv
/System/Library/Frameworks/Foundation.framework/Versions/C/Foundation
/dev/null
/dev/console
/dev/console
obj=0x0243aea0
obj=0x02503ee0
obj=0x0243aea0

My iPod touch 4 home key not responding half of the time

My iPod touch 4 home key is not responding half of the time when closeing apps and when iPod is asleep

You can try the standard fixes:
- Reset. Nothing will be lost.
Reset iPod touch: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at
least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Restoring from backup
- Restoring to factory defaults/new iPod.
- If under waranty, try to get it fixed/replace under the warranty.
- FIX for iPod Touch Home Button: Apple Support Communities

Modifier Keys Not Restoring to Default

I changed my modifier key mapping so that I could use a Windows keyboard with my MacBook Pro (late 2008). I set the Control key to function as the Command key and vice versa. Now it won't change back.
I've changed the key selections. Restored Defaults under Keyboard & Mouse. I've performed a Disk Utility. I've confirmed nothing is selected under Speech.
At a loss and kind of miffed. Makes using my laptop quite inconvenient when not at my desk.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

OK, I've solved the problem. Here's how you fix it:
1. Plug in the external keyboard and set the modifier keys to work correctly with the external keyboard.
2. Change the modifier keys back to default settings. Try the laptop keyboard to insure the modifier keys work correctly.
3. Go back to the modifier keys section and in the "Select keyboard:" drop down pick the external keyboard.
4. Change the modifier keys to work with the external keyboard.
5. Test both keyboards, they should now work.
You might not have to do all these steps, but that's what I did and it worked. Good luck.

Apple Bluetooth Keyboard : ESC Key not responding

I'm using an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard with many Apple products (MBA, MBP, iPad) and i have a big problem : The ESC key is not responding. Everything else is working on my keyboard except the ESC Key. Do you know how to fix it ?

Hello:
It is, of course, possible that the KB has failed....
Try resetting the PRAM. If that does not help, I think it is time for a new one.
Barry

Volume Keys Not Responding

I purchased a new wireless keyboard just recently. I have attempted to increase/decrease volume with the function keys at the very top of the keyboard. They have not responded. After thoroughly searching the communities and repeating steps others have followed, I am still not able to use the volume keys. I need help.

you need to reset your SMC... heres the link
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Open Firmware startup keys not responding

Hi there,
My Command-Option-O-F combination at powerup is not responding to get me into the Open Firmware.
Any thoughts?
Cheers,
Aaron

Intel Macs do not support Open Firmware rather they use the EFI - extended firmware interface. You can start up in safe mode, single-user mode, or verbose mode. See the following:
Startup key combinations for Intel-based Macs.

Portege M400 Fn Keys not responding

My function keys on my laptop are suddenly not responding.
I've never had a problem with them prior to this, but I'm not sure how to fix them at this point.
When I hit the function key by itself, the green light beneath F11 still responds, but that's really the extent of the activity.
I've had the laptop for almost a year, and I'm running an XP OS.
Any comments or suggestions are much appreciated.
Thank you!

Hi again ;)
I mean the Common Modules is a Toshiba driver which is necessary and important for the FN button usage.
You can find it on the Toshiba driver page:
http://eu.computers.toshiba-europe.com -> Support & Download -> Download Drivers
There you have to choose your notebook series, OS and then you could download it.
Then unzip the package and reinstall it on your notebook.
Hope this helps

Soft keys not responding

hi
i followed the steps in the tutorial http://www.thetechlabs.com/tutorials/flash/creating-a-flash-lite-application-with-flash-cs 4-and-actionscript-20/ but when i run the application in the device central emulator, the soft keys do not respond. i even edited the action script code to change the text in the textboxes when the soft key is pressed but there is still no response.
Thanx

Hi dahaka2010,
Has your problem been solved?
On what profile/s and what content type/s were you trying it out? Wallpaper, Screensaver and Embedded in HTML for example do not have soft key functionality. Some profiles also might not support soft keys altogether.
Thanks,
Nandi

F keys not responding

I'm running tiger still but my F1 thru F11 keys do not respond does anyone have a idea how to fix this?

Do they work if you hold fn and hit them ?
If so open System Preferences/Keyboard & Mouse, click the Keyboard Tab and uncheck "Use all F1, F2 etc, keys as standard function keys"

Thinkpad S440 Keys not responding

Hello Community!
I have a Thinkpad S440 from 09/13 and in the last few weeks the p-key as well as the o, the 0 and sometimes ü,ö,ä (German keyboard) are not responding.
They don't react to keypresses, however, after pressing them a few times they become responsive and do so every press of the key, unless I leave them alone for a while, then they become unresponsive again.
It's not dust or dirt, I've been using pressured air to clean it it changed nothing.
Now I've been told that this might be a problem with the fixation of the keyboard, the way it stops and starts certainly points to this.
Now, do I have to send it in?
I know how to open the thing and I have professionals around who might do it but I'm afraid of voiding the warranty.
What shall I do?
Thanks for reading!

I opened the backcover and had a look.
However to look at the keyboard you'd have to remove basically every component of the interior and neither me nor anyone I know dares to do that.
I tightened every lose screw I could find, one screw at the battery showed clear signs of unprofessional usage too.
This seems to have made the problem A BIT better, the keys work more often but not well at all so it's definitely a problem with a connector.
I think I can't but use the warranty.
I don't feel too well with sending my laptop with a lot of sensitive data but I think I'll have to.

Escape key not responding, along with FN keys -Sattelite L300

ok so this has been occuring for a little while, not sure since when, but very recently
basicly, the escape key wont respond to programs, and neither will most of the FN keys, FN F10+F11 work, the LED's light up, but the rest of the FN's do nothing
the escape key responded to a keyboard testing program, it came back as responsive and working, but in programs such as a 3D engine and MSN Messenger, escape refuses to respond and work as it should
it hasnt always been like this, theyve worked before, ive had the laptop since christmas, had to take it back because the wireless card broke

Go to:
http://eu.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/download_drivers_bios.jsp
and download the TVAP package for Vista (32bit I assume).
Uninstall the current TVAP in Control Panel -> Programs and Features
Reboot and install the new TVAP
ps. You need to burn the Recovery Discs yourself, ensure you use good quality media to avoid problems.

F12 key not responding

I don't know for what reason my MBP's F12 key is not responding, making it impossible to show the dashboard just by pressing F12. Well, to be precise, there is indeed a little response: there is a dull sound signifying you just did something wrong when I pressed F12. Anybody got a clue?

mbp233 wrote:
No, it's not assigned to anything else.
I'm guessing you've done this already, but just to make sure, open Sys Prefs, Keyboard, and check the box for "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys."
Then go to Keyboard Shortcuts, Dashboard&Dock, and check the box for "Dashboard . . . F12."
Close Sys Prefs and see if it works.
If that doesn't work, log in to another account and see if it works the way you want it to in that account. If so, it's a software issue, probably a corrupt preference file in your main account. If not, it may be a hardware issue.

Osx 10.5.8 keys not responding

My keyboard on my Mac Book has keys which are not responding and some which have different characters when pressed.
My first thought is that my kids have changed stiings while using it, but I cannot find how to change settings back.
Does anyone know how I can fix this problem as I can't use laptop to log in to my account and I am using a standard usb keyboard.

mobyzone133,
what are you trying to do in the Finder for which you’re receiving no response?

Keys not responding on wireless keyboard

When I turn my computer on, my keyboard does not respond. I have to re-start the system in order to get it to respond (every time). I have changed the batteries, for the mouse and keyboard. I have moved the keyboard closer to the system, and that has done nothing. Any suggestions?

@Chanda123 ,
Hello and thank you for posting on the HP support forum. First thing I would need to know is how does the wireless mouse and keyboard connect to the notebook.
Does it have a USB stick to make the connection?
If it does is there any other issues with the USB port you are using?
If you plug a regular mouse into the same port will it respond?
Please post back with as much information you can and include what kind of wireless mouse and keyboard you are using.
Thank you again and have a great day.
Please click the "Thumbs Up" on the bottom right of this post to say thank you if you appreciate the support I provide!
Also be sure to mark my post as “Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others who face the same challenge find the same solution.
D5GR
I work on behalf of HP

Specific modifier keys not responding

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for