A few days ago, I wrote about my new keyboard and mouse set. I’m happy with it except for one thing… it skips letters sometimes. No predictable fashion. I wrote to Microsoft Support about it and a tech replied within a few hours. The tech proposed it could be an issue with one of the following:
1. Issue with the ports.
2. Use of Port replicators, hubs etc.
3. RF Interference.
4. Issue with the keyboard itself.
When I get a chance, I will try out the following:
Step 1: Try switching Ports
Connect only the USB plug, leaving the other PS/2 connector detached. This way both the keyboard and mouse will work as USB device. Please make sure that you are not using any port replicators or USB hubs to connect the device to the USB port. Please connect the USB connecter directly to the USB po
rt of the system. Now we need to correctly re-synchronize the keyboard /mouse with the receiver.
Step 2: RF Interference
Please ensure there are no devices, which are likely to emit Radio Frequency because this may cause interference with the signals which receiver gathers from the keyboard. Items such as Radio, Cell Phones, desktop fans, Fluorescent lights, Large metal objects, including computer cases and metal fur
niture may interfere with the signal of the mouse. Please keep the items away from the mouse and check the behavior of the mouse. Make sure that the receiver of the desktop set is close to the keyboard while testing.
Now check if you are able to use the keyboard as expected. I you still face issue please try the next step.
Step 3 – Test in Mskey utility
The MSKey Keyboard Tool is a diagnostic tool used to verify keyboard functionality. To test the keyboard in MSKey tool, please follow the below steps:
1. Click on Start, All Programs, Microsoft Keyboard.
2. Right-click on the “Microsoft Keyboard” icon and select properties.
3. Click on “Find Target” button to open the folder where the IntelliType Pro software is installed.
4. In the folder, locate the mskey.exe and double click on it to launch the tool.
(Alternatively you could click on Start, Run and type mskey.exe in the open box to launch the tool)
5. Press various keys to verify that the pressed keys match the keys identified in the Microsoft Keyboard Diagnostics window.
Now test if the keys work.
Step 4: Test on another system (I should’ve thought of this one!)
To isolate the possibility of any issue with the system, please test the device on another system.
4 thoughts on “Keyboard Skips Letters”
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I have the el cheapo Labtec set from K-Mart, with which I’m quite happy — it’s as good as any keyboard I’ve ever used (the mouse is another story, but you get used to it and the latest software helps a lot.)
It does the same thing now and again — seems to mean I should change the batteries, for putting in a fresh set works (I use NiMH rechargeables.)
I use a Fellowes cheapo wireless keybd/mouse combo. My keyboard used to skip letters, too, and in my case it helped to replace the battery, even though it was supposedly new. After battery replacement I had no further problems.
Now you have touched on the one area that labels me as an unrepentant fanatic. I started with the MS ergonomic varieties in the search for the “right” tool. They were good until I found out about and bought a SmartBoard from DataDesk Technologies. This is the typist’s penultimate. Check their web site and you will see. It is not a cheapo, but it is worth every penny. I bought a second recently for work because I was fearful of wearing out the first one carrying it back and forth. Yes, I did that. It hurt that the company had a production delay for nearly a year, but they are back now and there is a waiting list. Get one. Your wrists will thank you.
I have big problem with my keyboard. When I try to form, for example “â” “ë” the result is always “^^a” or “¨¨e”.
How can I resolve this problem? I worked with another keyboard but the problem remains….
Thanks for any help.