Tech: Keyboard problem ?

Subject: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 09:59 AM

Any ideas why my keyboard has developed a problem typing double leters...???

It is a random intermitent malfunction..
If I type at my normal sped it is more frequent.

A workaround, is being patient and typing realy slowly.

Obviously I'm to impatient.
.. and my por reading vision dont pick up on al mistakes
if I quickly prof read before posting.

At the moment I ned to remember to spel check.
Yes that's not hapening to wel either...

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 10:06 AM

Hewlett Packard product ??

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 10:10 AM

Further to the last post, if it is a HP problem, one person suggested you think of a time the system was working properly and do a system restore. (However, I have no idea what that means.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 10:46 AM

Lenovo PC & keyboard.

Right now I dont know if the keyboard is failing,
or if it's a software driver isue.

It's something I ned to try to identify with a rebot.
But I dont have time for that chore this side of the wekend..
I can't remember if it's a usb keyboard,
or the old fashioned conector.

It's not easy acessing the back of the PC to have a lok
down in the tangle of cables.
But I could lok into system setings when I have time.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 10:48 AM

"Hewlett Packard product ??"

Nah. Hewlet Packard.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: leeneia
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 11:00 AM

Turn the kb upside down and tap it on the back to knock out dust and link. Then try it again.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: DaveRo
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 11:13 AM

There are some Windows settings that can cause it. Google it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 12:35 PM

Is this a desktop?

If it's a desktop, keyboards aren't that expensive. You can probly find one on ebay for ten bucks American. If it's a laptop, it still might could be fixed. But it's more complicated. In other words, not for the faint of heart.

What happened between now and the last time it was working properly?

Is it possible that you got some food crumbs or liquid into the KB?

How old is the device?

I second the idea to turn it upside down and (gently!) shake it, in case something you don't know about might have gotten into it.

I can't imagine how the operating system could have caused it. But I guess anything is possible.

Best o luck!

Saul

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 12:44 PM

I have an ancient Sony Vaio laptop, circa 2006, running Vista :-). I don't use it for much but I have a music editing program on it that I love and I don't need to go online. But in recent weeks about half the keys have gone on strike. At first it was just the letter r, but the issue has spread to lots of other keys now. I don't s'pose anyone knows if I can do anything...? I have other options so it's not life and death, but I'd love to keep the old bugger running for a bit longer...

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 01:05 PM

Thanks for replies..

I've already got the basics covered;
spare brand new wired and wireles keyboards,
when I can remember which boxes I stored them in.

Fod and drink is never alowed in my litle computer den,
and dust hasn't setled on the keyboard.
[powerful air bulb pufers and brushes.]

My best gues is a setings glitch due to lengthy time since last rebot.
But I dont have time for software troubleshoting right now.

Hopefuly a rebot wil clear it.
If not, crack on loking for a spare keyboard.

I'm just amused by this malfunction,
and curious what's causing it.???

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Monique
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 01:13 PM

Solution here or write "keyboard doesn't type double letters" in a search engine.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Jos
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 01:19 PM

It managed to do THREE question marks - do they not count as letters?

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 02:48 PM

Jos - I wondered if anyone would notice...???

"...???" is a litle stylistic conceit 'trademark' habit of mine.

So to have a litle fun with this, I've ben making extra efort just for this...!!!

[which also proves my point.]

I ned to take a pause of at least one second betwen key preses for "." and "?" [and "!"]...

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 02:50 PM

.. though I could just copy and paste it...!!!???...

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Nick
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 03:54 PM

What operating system? Windows 10?

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 04:09 PM

Nick - Win 8.1.

The PC has ben runing along with this keyboard for years.

I wouldn't be surprised if the keyboard neds replacing by now.
But a rebot sometime son wil hopefuly resolve the problem..

..if not, replace the keyboard, rebot again, and se what hapens.

In the meantime, i do ned to have a few minutes on gogle...


[Monique - thanks for that link..]

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 19 Nov 20 - 09:31 PM

Check what is running in your background.

I was "gifted" Rubber-Ducky, and Turtle. Both powerful tools.

Capturing keystrokes refers to the action of recording or logging the keys struck on a keyboard in a confidential manner so that people who use your computer are not wary of being supervised.

Run a port audit.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Thompson
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 04:29 AM

Keys couldn't have got a bit sticky?
Apparently you can find a setting to turn "Use filter keys" off - looks like it's in the system preferences, but I can't understand the accent of the helpful techie in this video.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 05:40 AM

Before you throw away the kb, try Leeneia's advice plus vacuum cleaner. Then the dishwasher - make sure to let it dry for another day before replugging. Good luck!

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: leeneia
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 11:43 AM

Steve, can you hook up a new keyboard to your 2006 computer with a USB and use it instead of the built-in keyboard? You might want a separate mouse, as well. In 1994 I had a job with that set-up. My computer was a laptop, but nobody expected me to do secretarial work with the irritating keyboard on a laptop.

Grishka, you're kidding, right? Neither vacuum cleaner nor water should ever go near a computer.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 12:31 PM

Leeneia, after your suggestion I've just ordered a keyboard/mouse set for under fifteen quid. I had no idea they were so cheap. It's a Teknet wireless job with a single dongle for both mouse and keyboard so that only one USB port is taken up. My risk: you are totally indemnified against the setup not working!

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 01:41 PM

Leenia, a keyboard, when unplugged, is simply a piece of plastic and metal, and can do no harm to a computer whatsoever.

As for the dishwasher, I have never tried it; the water may be too hot. Rinsing with a detergent is a better idea; use a shower afterwards to remove the detergent and any dirt left over.

If you replug the kb while still wet, it won't function properly and may indeed cause some harm.

A vacuum cleaner is an unplugged computer's good friend, inside and outside. Dust is the enemy. (We had that topic before, Leeneia. May our readers form their own opinions.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 02:13 PM

aaaaaaaaaaaabbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbccccccccccccccdddddddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeAAAAAAAAAAAAABBBBBBBBBBBCCCCCCCCCCCCCCZZZZZZZZZZZZ.......!!!!!!!!!?????????

..etc...

Following Garg's reminder to check for internet nasties,
I opened up malwarebytes to update it's definitions..

As it was taking too long to open [usually due to insufficient RAM issues]
I looked for it's icon in the lower right corner toolbar concealed menu.

That's when I discovered an icon for "FilterKeys"..

So, there.. an immediate suspicious suspect.
Didn't know if it's something legit I opened last week by accidental key shortcut,
or malware..

So scanned PC with Malwarebytes.

Malwarebytes did not report any problems [.. but that don't ever mean 100% safe result..].
So I then did a manual Win [8.1] update and rebooted.

The icon has disappeared from the task bar,
and the double lettttttttttters problem
now seems to be resolved...

I'm still never entirely convinced there's no undetected malware,
and aint got enough time to read up on FilterKeys purpose in life.
But as it's my mudcat and other dodgy websites internet PC,
where I only use false names and accounts,
it's a problem I can live with...


[Now some clever techie will probably scare me with..

"aaaahhh.. but if that PC is connected to your router and home network...."

errrmmm... I'll keep my head in the sand on that level of security risk for the time being...]

cheers mudcat mates..

Thompson - noticed your spot on line of investigation,
after got back online..


Please comment, and continue to use this thread as you like
for keyboard related talk...

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: DaveRo
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 02:21 PM

There's a keyboard shortcut to invoke Filterkeys. You presumably hit it accidentally.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 02:31 PM

DaveRo - yeah, after reboot and googling, I tested it.

That opened up a systems page.

But NOT that mystery task bar icon.

So, still some suspicions;
and more malware scans required tonight..

cheers...

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: DaveRo
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 02:44 PM

And yet, there are very many forums posts from folk who have accidentally turned it on and wonder why they can't type double letters.

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 02:56 PM

Yeah.. why would microsoft set that booby-trap for unsuspecting users...??????????????

oh.. microsoft.. oh.. right...

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: DaveRo
Date: 20 Nov 20 - 03:14 PM

Why does this 'feature' exist? For years the only setting was the key repeat interval, which is kind of the opposite of this.

My guess is that cheap keyboards, and thin ones in newer laptops, have less well engineered key switches.

My main keyboard dates from the last century, and has old-fashioned ckicky keys. (It's made by Hewlett Packard as it happens.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Nov 20 - 05:14 PM

You are a genius, leeneia. My new keyboard/mouse set arrived yesterday, cost fourteen quid, and works like a dream, totally fuss-free. My ancient laptop has a new lease of life.   That's a pint I owe you!

Subject: RE: Tech: Keyboard problem ?
From: leeneia
Date: 27 Nov 20 - 12:29 PM

I'm not going to read all these posts to figure you what y'all are talking about, but there is a feature under Accessibility which ignores repeated strokes so that a person whose hands tremble or shake can prevent the keyboard from typing all those extra letters.

I have days when my my own hands type extra letters, but it's not so bad that I have to turn on the feature.