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CTRL ALT DELETE doesn't work on new keyboard

Hi Experts,

I just replaced the keyboard at my office to have a wirless one from LogiTech, it works fine after software installation, however one thing, we have a security option implemented at the office to lock the PC after a number of minutes of Idleness, to log back in I need to push Alt+Ctrl+Delete simultaneously, this doesn't seem to work on the new keyboard, I looked up the keyboard and found that there is a function lock key that might affect this, I tried turning it on and off with no use. There is no Caps lock or Num lock on, and when I try to open the LogiTech software settings all I find are setting for the mouse and not keyboard. Where is the problem?

Thanks

If system is sleeping, keyboard is asleep too, so it might not function, until system is awake. Try wake up keyboard, either with some installed function button on keyboard, or ba turning it off and on again.
Hope this might solve your problem.

ASKER

It doesn't work even when it is awake, while I'm logged in, I should be able to use the same combination to lock the machine and to display task manager.

That doesn't work either

Have you tried both the left and right CTRL buttons and ALT buttons?

ASKER

yep. Neither works

>>> "we have a security option implemented at the office to lock the PC after a number of minutes of Idleness" <<<

So this isn't just your standard old screensaver kicking in and requiring a password, or the standard Windows Power Saving modes?

What is the security option and how is it implemented?

If it uses the "SendKeys" command, then this is known to enable or disable some keys like NumLock and probably others too. This could be a related issue, but we would need to know how this security setting works if it isn't through standard Windows configuration.

may be disables.

if setting are similar, enable.

http://www.redhat.com/docs/manuals/enterprise/RHEL-4-Manual/desktop-guide/s1-ddg-lockdown-disable-ctrl-alt-delete.html

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ASKER

BillDL:,

for the questions about the security and screen saver really I'm not sure, I don't get the normal screen saver, just a little box that says locked after some time so I assume this is in security settings

ASKER

BillDL:,
CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu This works
CTRL+C: Copy This works
CTRL+V: Paste this works

ALT+TAB: Switch between open programs makes the internet explorer scroll down
ALT+SPACE: Display the active window's system menu Same thing
ALT+F4: Close the active window scrolls down the URLs in internet explorer

SHIFT+DELETE: Delete selection bypassing Recycle Bin Works

ASKER

silemone:

I'm not sure what exactly to do with the link you posted, please explain. couldn't find any gconf

ASKER

whats funny is when I reconnect the old keyboard it still works, so it is definatley something to do with the new wireless one

Is this a bluetooth or laser or infrared keyboard pls? Model #?

ASKER

I have no idea, and now I have left the office, it was cordless X something, I will need to get back to you in the morning

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I agree. Definitely some issue with the ALT key, because those few keyboard shortcuts have been standard ones for all Windows versions since 9x.

The one thing that is likely to be making a difference is that they were tested on Internet Explorer as the active window.

To be absolutely sure, it would be best to test them out in the applications or functions described in these linked pages:

Standard Windows:
http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut.htm#1

Microsoft Word:
http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut/word.htm

Internet Explorer:
http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut/ie.htm

Grouped by Application:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/126449
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/computing/access/windowsxp-shortcuts.html

So far, it looks to me as though the Alt Key is behaving like the Windows Logo Key when used in combination with others.

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see if it's enabled. If not enable it. the link shows where to go and see if your settings are the same as the diabled settings. if so, its disabled and needs to be enabled.

ASKER

flubbster:,

Its a LogiTech Cordless EX 110 keyboard. I will try that software and post back

ASKER

Using the keyboard tester, I can see when I press Ctrl or Delete they show up on the screen as green. IF I click the ALT button nothing happens

Another guess - is your wireless keyboard maybe mapped to Apple or Mac? If so, ALT key could be interpreted as Apple key, which is unusable under Windows. Change mappings with provided software.

ASKER

BillDL

I tried all the combination in the first URL and it is apperant that as you guys said something is wrong with ALT button, for the combinations below

Alt + F File menu options in current program.
Alt + E Edit options in current program
F1 Universal Help in almost every Windows program.
Ctrl + A Select all text.
Ctrl + X Cut selected item.
Shift + Del Cut selected item.
Ctrl + C Copy selected item.
Ctrl + Ins Copy selected item
Ctrl + V Paste
Shift + Ins Paste
Home Goes to beginning of current line.
Ctrl + Home Goes to beginning of document.
End Goes to end of current line.
Ctrl + End Goes to end of document.
Shift + Home Highlights from current position to beginning of line.
Shift + End Highlights from current position to end of line.
Ctrl + Left arrow Moves one word to the left at a time.
Ctrl + Right arrow Moves one word to the right at a time.

All of them worked except the ones with ALT in them

ASKER

Labsy:
Do you mean what make is the PC? not sure, the screen says IBM and I think the box is too, it says Think Centre on it

No, not PC, but your wireless keyboard - it might have been that software for keyboard is by default ready setup for Mac/Apple emulation, so keay on keayboard are mapped to fit Mac/Apple standards.
I think your keayboard software, which you installed probably, should have some settings to enable key mappings to fir PC, Apple or such.

Samooramad, let me rephrase my answer :)

Your wireless keyboard should came shipped with some software and drivers. did you install it? Or did you just plug it into USB and start using?

If you did NOT install keyboard software, then this might be causing your problems - install software and drivers, and try CTRL-ALT-DEL then.

If you INSTALLED software and drivers for keyboard, then you should open control panel for this software, which might be a separate keyboard program, or integrated into existing Keybard tab in Windows Control panel. See there, if there is any option to set different key-mappings, for example, setup some special keys, setup MC or PC amulation etc.

ASKER

yeah I actually tried this before. I think something is wrong with the software, first time I installed, only the mouse settings came up, then I reinstalled and the keyboard tab came up, I have been looking at the documentation on the keyboard and supposedly there is an option under keyboard where you can disable keys, so I thought maybe that is what is happeneing here, howeve I don't have that option displayed, not sure where to go from here now

Maybe uninstall software and try without it.
...or download latest software bundle from Logitech site, uninstall and reinstall latest drivers and software.

Samooramad

It would seem that your keyboard should have come with the "SetPoint" software on the installation CD that, once installed, allows the user to check key mappings and change if wanted.

SetPoint Runs in System Tray (Notification Area) with Logitech icon, and you can Click or Right-Click the icon then choose the "My Keyboard" tab to configure it. You can also open it from Start Menu > Programs > Logitech > Mouse and Keyboard > "Settings".

The latest release of this software for your Logitech Cordless Desktop EX 110 Keyboard/Mouse Combo is SetPoint version 4.4 released 28th January 2008. There are two versions for Windows XP, 32-bit (most common) and 64-bit:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/433/154&cl=us,en?osid=1&file=

The download is a shocking 60 MB in size, but that's possibly because it contains resources for many languages and you choose your language during installation.

32-bit Installer:
http://www.logitech.com/pub/techsupport/mouse/setpoint440.exe

64-bit Installer:
http://www.logitech.com/pub/techsupport/mouse/setpoint440_x64.exe

If you don't know whether your computer is running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows XP, then Right-Click on My Computer and choose Properties. Ask if unsure.

Right-Click either of the above links and choose "Save TARGET As" to download and Save the installer package. I DO NOT suggest allowing it to run over the Internet. Download it to a folder and then run the installer with as few programs running as possible.

Be sure to Uninstall the existing SetPoint software from Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs and restart the computer before installing the latest version.

Uninstalling SetPoint software in Windows XP: http://tinyurl.com/5jjl97

Doing a clean uninstall and reinstall of SetPoint software in XP: http://tinyurl.com/5kfr58

After installing, read:
C:\Program Files\Logitech\SetPoint\Readme(.txt?)

Issues with "My Keyboard" tab not displaying in SetPoint software dialog: http://tinyurl.com/5cs5ak

There are some FAQ on the Logitech site, but none directly relate to your problem. There is no User Manual or Quick Start Guide available there for download either.

Hopefully an uninstall and then installation of the latest SetPoint software will correct the problem.

ASKER

Done. Still doesn't work, and I don't see anywhere in the keyboard settings tab that I can remap keys. Also I just found out the print screen button doesn't work either

Read this page again and see if it is possible you have been affected by the bug that so far has not been resolved by Logitech:

Issues with "My Keyboard" tab not displaying in SetPoint software dialog: http://tinyurl.com/5cs5ak

ASKER

hmmm. I live in saudi Arabia where some URLs are blocked, for some reason this is, still can't open it. Can you post the text or a screen shot here?

sorry for any inconvenience

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ASKER

well the keyboard tab appeared after the reinstall, but I didn't see anywhere were I could map keys of the keyboard, so I am not sure if my installation is still missing something or or if this feature is not available

Here's the instructions from the Logitech FAQ attached as a text file you can save and open in Notepad.
Logitech-EX-110-SetPoint-Instruc.txt

ASKER

This only gives me an option to modify their custom keys for email launching and calculator and so on, there is no place I can see where I can assign standard key like shift or alt or whatever

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ASKER

Launch program only works by selecting one of the key options they give you (not all keys are listed) only the special function ones, so I think this is out of the question

on the keystroke assignment:
I tried to assign Ctrl+Alt +Del to task manager, there is a text box where you are supposed to press the key you want to assign and the program automatically fills up the box for you, when I press that combination together, it only shows Del + Ctrl as pressed and no Alt, so even this is not detecting it.

ASKER

ok it seems we have exahsted all options, I think I will just have to try and replace this set or chuck it up to money I will never get back. I do appreciate the help though, very thourough.

Thanks to all

ASKER

BILLDL, Thanks you gave the most time and details and thus get the most points. great efforts

Thank you samooramad. It is a shame that we have not been able to solve this problem. I am sure that there must be a simple explanation, but one that we have not yet thought about.

Have you contacted Logitech support? Maybe they are aware of such a problem and have a patch.

Customer Support Contact Details:
http://logitech-en-emea.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logitech_en_emea.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=6861

United Arab Emirates Phone: 0800 441 4294

Email Customer Support:
http://logitech-en-emea.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logitech_en_emea.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php?

It might also be worthwhile adding a new question to the Keyboard section of their forum:

http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/