Lay My Hat Forum

Topcat · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 9:56 pm Post subject: Strange computer behaviour

Hi, I don't know if anyone can help me. My computer has decided to throw a very strange wobbly. Suddenly, for no reason that I can think of, it's started wrongly interpreting keyboard commands. In addition, what pops up is a series of weird graphics.

For instance, if I click on the hyphen I geta green graphic at the bottom of the screen which says 'Volume' and shows a graduated bar. If I press the star button I get a funny yellow graphic at the top of the screen. I can't really describe it. It looks a bit like a megaphone. And if I press the forward slash I get a graphic of the front of a radio.

This is not only irritating, it means I can't use any of those keys. Does anyone have ANY idea what's going on?

TC

KathyG · Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 2420 Location: Le Faou, Brittany

Have you tried re-booting it Topcat?
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Topcat · Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2011 10:26 pm Post subject:

Several times.
TC

KathyG · Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 2420 Location: Le Faou, Brittany

Oh.

I've never seen anything like that, TC sorry can't help you. Sad

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Topcat · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:15 am Post subject:

Weird, isn't it? And meanwhile I can't use some of the keys. It's really frustrating.
TC

gam · Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Posts: 292

If it's a PC, do you have a spare keyboard you could try to see if it's a hardware fault? If a laptop it may accept a usb keyboard plugged in.

If not a keyboard hardware fault, that only leaves a software/firmware issue or a settings problem (the latter being unlikely if some keys are unavailable).
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Topcat · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:44 am Post subject:

I might be able to borrow a keyboard.
Thanks

la vache! · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:01 am Post subject:

Have you checked your keyboard settings on the control panel?

gam · Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Posts: 292

Topcat · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:53 am Post subject:

The keyboard settings are set at standard, and are claimed to be acting normally.

I don't seem to have fn button. I've been trying every button on the damn thing!

I think I'm going to have to get a geek in.

Thanks anyway,
TC

KathyG · Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 2420 Location: Le Faou, Brittany

This might help TC.........http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000305.htm
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J B · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 9:54 pm Post subject:

Sounds 'physical' to me.

Maybe a key stuck somewhere?

Perhaps one of the odd ones like AltGr or Fn or Ctrl

Have a good shake, rattle and roll with it Confused

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Topcat · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 10:04 pm Post subject:

I've tried everything. That website is useful, Kathy, but it didn't get to the bottom of my problem. And I've been through every key on the damn key board. Nothing is stuck. I haven't tried a different keyboard yet; I'll see if i can borrow one from the office tomorrow.

Thanks, anyway.

TC

mpprh · Joined: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 880 Location: Languedoc, France

Is your anti virus up to date ?

Peter
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HelenB · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 7:44 am Post subject:

My laptop keyboard started doing something similar a couple of weeks ago. I'm now using a wireless keyboard until I get it replaced.