Keyboard, keys all messed up

[Guest]

ok, I'm typing this from a friends computer, because the only way I can type
anything on my computer is to use the on screen keyboard. Way too slow

I'm running xp professional and recently bought the microsoft comfort
wireless keyboard and mouse. They both worked fine for a few weeks, untill
the other day I went to type up a letter and all the keys are messed. Caps
lock is now back space, K is now S, and so on. There are all kinds of keys
which just beep when you press them. I've tried updating the keyboard
drivers, I've tried going back to the corded keyboard. Has anybody had this
happen? help me please!!

 

[Glen]

As far as I know no system setting will change the letter keys about. They
are in the same position for all nationalities. A different keyboard layout
will alter some keys but not letter keys. Have a look in keyboard properties
in control panel and see if anything is altered in there. The only other
thing I can think of is spyware/malware of some kind. Run MS antispyware,
adaware, spybot S&D with updated definitions and a good antivirus program.

MS Antispyware
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Adaware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Spybot S&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/

Glen P

 

[Guest]

Hey Scot,

This happens all the time with my wirelss Sony Vaio keyboard. I think it
occurs when I accidentally depress the Ctrl key when going for the Shift (or
both of them at the same time). I have been able to return it to normal by
holding down the Ctrl and Shift key (left shift) together and for maybe five
seconds. It doesn't always put it back to normal the first time, sometimes it
takes several attempts. I don't really know what causes it (other than my one
aforementioned possibility) and I have found no other Help info on this issue
at all. You're the first one I've read talk about having the same problem.
But it can be fixed! I think it works the same way toggling the Sticky Keys

 

[Guest]

Ok, I'll give it a try. I currently have an anti virus program running, and
have been using a spyware program. perhaps I'll try these programs instead.
I'll also give the Crtl, Shift combo, hope it works.

 

[Guest]

OK, well I've tried everything thats been suggested thus far with no success.
I have no viruses , spyware,adware, or anything else. tried the left shift
and ctrl combo. Anything else, or maybe I have to reinstall windows? can I
re-install right over top of my current setup and keep my documents and
programs???

 

[Glen]

Yes you can do a repair install. Just make sure you install it over the top
of the original installation.

Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Glen P

 

[Guest]

ok, I before I go ahead and reload windows, is there any possible way to
re configure my keyboard? BIOS, etc. Or can I just repair the keyboard with
a repair install?? I really don't want to reload if I don't have to I have
alot of data, documents, pics, etc that I'm going to have to try to backup.
At this point I'm either going to be burning alot of cds, or buying myself a
external hard drive. Any other way of doing this would be appreciated.

 

[Glen]

I don't know if a repair install will fix the problem. It depends on what
caused the problem in the first place. What I can tell you is a repair
install will keep all your work, data, files intact. It installs windows
over the top of itesf repairing any problems. I dont know of anything that
will change your letter keys around. A different countries keyboard layout
will put some keys in different places but you said letters were mixed up.

Two things to do. Have a look in control panel, regional and languages and
make sure all are set to your country, then check keyboard properties in
control panel. Once done, if no change go to start, run and type "sfc
/scannow". This will need your XP CD but is quicker than a reapir install
and might fix the problem. Failing that a repair install. Its always a good
idea to have backups of your most precious files you can't afford to loose.

Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Glen P