Keyboard question

[Pete E]

I just bought a new computer with a new keyboard.Yesterday it started adding letters I did not type.Every time I type e I get ew.Some letters don`t get others added,some do.I signed off and restarted the computer.Same thing.Is this the keyboard?Is there some setting that got hit to include extra letters?Seems like I need a new keyboard unless someone has an idea.

Pete

[bigbdm4]

... in response to Keyboard question, posted by Pete E on Dec 26, 2003

Were you typing in English?  I know that in Brazil some word processing programs will automatically fill in extra letters or other punctuation marks, for example the snake over the "a" in São Paulo.  Are you using Microsoft Windows?  Which company made the keyboard?  Did you install the proper driver?  You can go to the manufacturer's web site and download the latest drivers.  Hope you saved the sales receipt.  Take it back if you can't make it work right.  I love and use the Microsoft Natural, I recommend it, but I am a typing geek, so to each his own.  

Good luck!

Big B

[wizard]

... in response to Keyboard question, posted by Pete E on Dec 26, 2003

Pete:

The electrical current in SA is not as stable as that in the US... Voltage/Amperage can vary greatly as the demand for electricity spikes... If you are not careful, you can fry a motherboard... I don't think it's the keyboard... It's more likely the keyboard interface on the motherboard...

My suggestion would be to get a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) to smooth out the spikes in the current... It will take incoming current, convert it to DC, store it in a battery, then convert it back to AC to power your computer... This will provide even voltage to your system...

Mark

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Keyboard question, posted by wizard on Dec 28, 2003

I bought a surge protector,but it doesn't have a power source in it.Would a surge protector with a battery backup protect the computer better?Sometimes the computer just shuts down,a flash power outage I think.
I would think the surge protector would protect the computer well enough even though it shuts down and I lose everything.
I was thinking of just taking my keyboard in to the place that installed the modem,but maybe I need to take the whole computer in? I would think the surge protector would save the mother board from damage,but I definetly got a problem.Not only is the internet connection very poor but now its difficult to even type,I have to keep going back taking out the extra letters.
Alot of computer issues have been very frustrating.

Pete

[NightRaven]

... in response to Re: Re: Keyboard question, posted by Pete E on Dec 29, 2003

"I bought a surge protector,but it doesn't have a power source in it"  Surge Protector vs Power Suppy or Power Conditioner  BIG difference there. Assuming that you have a good brand of surge protector and not one of those cheap over glorified mini-extention cords AKA a power strip. They are good vs one heavier hit or lots of little hits. This may not be your current problem though.
You said "even though it shuts down and I lose everything." Please be more specific here. Do you mean that while you are using it, it and only it, restarts suddenly possibly even during a boot? If so you could be looking at bad RAM chips, they can come from the factory bad and or just go later. I get lifetime warranties on all my RAM as I have had to replace them more than once due to them "going bad" at one year and once at 2 months. As for your MB its possible for you to pass enough current touching it (directly, dont panic about picking up your tower or notebook) to fry it and you would not even notice a static charge, I dont open my case without a ground strap on. That being said they are less sensitive than they used to be and most people I know dont use a ground strap and have been fine.

[NightRaven]

... in response to Re: Keyboard question, posted by wizard on Dec 28, 2003

You mean he is "brownout,spike city" and doesnt have ONE? Does he at least have a surge protector? ($20.00 circut breaker/modem not withstanding) OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD ummm let me guess, NO Firewall or AV either or Voltage/step Converter?

Pete: If the society for computer safety hears about this they are gonna shoot you!!!! Multiple TIMES!! In a sesitive location bellow your belly button and above your mid-thigh!!!! HINT: Have children fast!!!

Second half IS a joke. The first half is not. Tell me you didnt, even if you did, tell me you didnt.

[NightRaven]

... in response to Keyboard question, posted by Pete E on Dec 26, 2003

Get the board tested. You said new. Was it (the board) a demo model? Other than the board being fried, a problem with the MB links or ports or maybe the drivers(does the keyboard work in emergency start up areas but then not under main OS?). The demo model part, you can set keyboards up with your own private keyboard shortcuts\macros. Friend of mine's wife messed up once and set the letters "c" and "m" to close out any open window. If it was a floor model then only the gods know what has been done to it. But there could be (should be) a way to clear all non standard (ie factory) shortcuts for it. Check the manufacturers website.

[Pete E]

... in response to Re: Keyboard question, posted by NightRaven on Dec 26, 2003

Thanks,
It worked fine for awhile.I guess I'll haul it down to the guys that installed my modem and have them test it.

Pete