Jeanne

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Dear Jeanne,

First, you would have to determine the cause of your keyboard problem. It is possible that this is a physical problem with the keyboard, and you will only be able to fix it by replacing the keyboard. If you are using a desktop, this is a quick, easy, and fairly inexpensive solution. If you are using a laptop, you might want to try an external, usb keyboard, since replacing the laptop keyboard will probably involve returning the laptop to the factory.

Before you replace the keyboard though, you might want to visit the keyboard section of your control Panel and see if someone has changed the settings there.

You did not tell me what version of Windows you are using but in Windows 7, this is what you would do.

1. Click on “Start” and then click on “Control Panel”.
2. In the Control Panel window, click on “Ease of Access”.
3. Under Ease of Access Center, click on “Change how your keyboard works”.
4. At the very bottom of the window, click on “Keyboard settings”.
5. In the Keyboard Properties window, make sure the “Speed” tab is selected.
6 In the Character repeat section, you can move the sliders to make the repeat delay shorter or longer. Move the sliders and see if it makes a difference with your problem.

Elizabeth

You are the best! I cannot even guess at how many times you have helped me.
But now I have a problem. I have Windows XP and Word 2003. My keyboard in Word will suddenly change. That is, the keys type different letters. I have to shut down Word, wait a few minutes, and reopen it. Then it’s fine again for a while.

One way or the other, God bless you. Janet

Dear Janet,

We will have to do a little bit of troubleshooting to find the cause of the problem before we can figure out how to fix it.

Let’s start with Word.

Does the problem only happen in Word? Next time this problem occurs, close Word, but then open Notepad and try typing. Do you have the same problem?

If the problem is also happening in other programs like notepad, you might want to try a new keyboard. Be sure to shut the computer off before changing keyboards (unless they are both USB keyboards). In fact, trying a USB keyboard would bypass the keyboard connector on your motherboard in case the problem is in the connector.

If the problem only happens in Word. You can try uninstalling Word. Restart your computer, then install Word again.

These are the first two things that I would try. There are other things to try as well, but these are the easy steps that can be done at home.

Elizabeth

Thanks, Deborah

Dear Deborah,

I am not sure if there is a simple solution for your laptop or not, but I can give you some pointers for troubleshooting the problem.

Let’s start with the actual keyboard shortcut for opening a new tab in Internet Explorer. If you hold down the Ctrl key (located in the bottom left corner of your keyboard) and press the letter T you will open a new tab.

Now that we know that this is the shortcut you are activating every time you type the letter T, we need to figure out what is causing this shortcut to be activated.

1. It could be that you are accidentally pressing on the Ctrl key every time you reach to type the letter T. Try typing and pay attention to where your hand is resting on the keyboard. Also make sure you are not leaning on the keyboard when you are typing.

2. The Ctrl key on your keyboard might be stuck. Since this is a laptop, it could be a difficult problem to fix, but you can test the theory by plugging in a USB keyboard and see if the same problem occurs. If you don’t have the problem while using an attached keyboard, you can use the keyboard to type. Replacing a laptop keyboard would be difficult and expensive.

3. If you have determined that the problem is with the laptop keyboard being stuck, and the laptop is still under warranty, make sure you files are backed up, then call the manufacturer and see if they will fix it under warranty for you.

Elizabeth

The “Win” key is between the Ctrl key and Alt key on the bottom row of your keyboard.

Alt+F4 Close the active window

Alt+Tab Switch to previous active window

Alt+Esc Cycle through all open windows

Win+Tab Flip 3D (not available in all versions of Vista)

Ctrl+Win+Tab Persistent Flip 3D

Win+T Cycle through applications on taskbar (showing its live preview)

Win+M Minimize all open windows

Win+Shift+M Undo all window minimization

Win+D Toggle showing the desktop

Elizabeth

Robbie

Dear Robbie,

Yes, there is an easier way, just use a keyboard shortcut for “Paste Special”.

You can do many common tasks in Power Point, and many other programs using keyboard shortcuts. This makes your work faster and easier.

Once you highlight your text in Word, you can copy the text using the Ctrl + C keyboard combination (hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and press the letter C)

In your Power Point presentation, click where you want the text to go, and use the keyboard combination for paste special which is, Ctrl+Alt+V

While holding down the Ctrl and ALT keys, tap the letter V.

I hope this helps your work go more smoothly.

Elizabeth

Dear Computer Lady,

Love your newsletter and the good information.  This is kind of an unusual question: A couple of keys stick on my keyboard. I don’t know what to do other than buy a new keyboard.  Is there anything I can use to clean it and how would I go about it?

Shirley

Dear Shirley,

Your computer keyboard can take a lot of abuse from dust and dirt, it is a good idea to clean it on a regular basis, and there are some things you can try when you get stuck keys like you have.

Before you begin though, you might want to consider just purchasing a new keyboard. You can get them at any office store, and basic models are under $20. You should also be prepared to purchase a new keyboard if cleaning the stuck keys doesn’t work, or in the event that you can’t get the keys back on the keyboard when you are done cleaning them.

First, collect your cleaning supplies. Get some canned compressed air, lint-free cloth, mild liquid dishwashing detergent, a small screwdriver (for removing keys), cotton swabs, and 90 percent isopropyl alcohol. Before you begin cleaning your keyboard, you need to shut down your computer and unplug the keyboard from the back of your computer. Never plug or unplug your keyboard or mouse while the computer is running, you can damage the port on the computer.

Start by shaking out any loose debris. Put a large piece of old newspaper on a table, turn the keyboard over, and holding it a few inches above the paper, shake out any loose debris.

Now, take your can of compressed air and use it to loosen and remove dirt by directing the air stream between the keys. Alternate the air with repeated shaking over the paper again.

To remove oils from your hands, dried on spills and other dirt from the surface of the keys, put a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent in warm water. Use a cloth dampened in this solution to gently clean off the key surfaces, and wipe the keys with a dry cloth.

If you are cleaning the keys on your laptop computer, or if your keyboard is mechanical (makes a clicking noise when you press the keys) you have done all the cleaning you can do. Only continue with the following steps if you have a membrane keyboard with stuck keys.

Take your screwdriver and gently pry off the stuck keys. Don’t forget which key goes where, and don’t try to take off the larger keys like “Enter”, “Shift” or “Tab” they can be hard to get back on and often have extra parts keeping them in place.

Use a cotton swab to clean out under the key, and the underside of the key itself. Use the alcohol only if you need to, and when you have gotten everything nice and clean and dry, replace the key and see if it will work freely.

Once your keyboard is completely reassembled and dry, plug it back into your computer, turn the computer on and see how it works.

Elizabeth