I can't get any of my Windows applications to accept input from the keyboard
I have a Dell Mobile Precision model M4700 on which I'm running Windows 10. My keyboard is a wireless Logitech model K750, which I connect using a Logitech Unifying USB receiver. I have three such receivers connected to the computer. Two of them are connected directly to the laptop, while the third is connected to the docking station. Each time I start the computer, a Logitech utility pops up and asks me whether I want to consolidate the unifying receivers. I always decline, because I want to be able to use peripheral devices even when the laptop is not mounted in the docking station. Anyway…
The other day I noticed that I couldn't use my keyboard to enter text into Microsoft Word. I tried entering text into Notepad, with the same result!? So far, I haven't found an application that will accept input from the keyboard. When I tap a key on the keyboard, I do get an audible response through the system's speakers. I am able to use the keyboard to log into Windows. So, it appears as though the problem isn't manifest until Windows is loaded.
I have a disability which prevents me from using the keyboard effectively. I use speech recognition software to interact with my computer. Consequently, I have no idea how long this has been a problem. However, I'm fairly confident that, in the past, I have used the keyboard to enter text.
It has occurred to me that I might have unintentionally disabled keyboard input, but if the keyboard or Windows has that capability, I wouldn't know how to do it. If someone could tell me where to look for the source of this problem, I would appreciate it.
The other day I noticed that I couldn't use my keyboard to enter text into Microsoft Word. I tried entering text into Notepad, with the same result!? So far, I haven't found an application that will accept input from the keyboard. When I tap a key on the keyboard, I do get an audible response through the system's speakers. I am able to use the keyboard to log into Windows. So, it appears as though the problem isn't manifest until Windows is loaded.
I have a disability which prevents me from using the keyboard effectively. I use speech recognition software to interact with my computer. Consequently, I have no idea how long this has been a problem. However, I'm fairly confident that, in the past, I have used the keyboard to enter text.
It has occurred to me that I might have unintentionally disabled keyboard input, but if the keyboard or Windows has that capability, I wouldn't know how to do it. If someone could tell me where to look for the source of this problem, I would appreciate it.
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ASKER
Following John's recommendation, I accessed Window's Ease of Access facility to determine whether the keyboard had been disabled. It had not. However, I found that something called Filter Keys had been enabled. I don't recall having done that myself, so it might have been set by default. Anyway, I disabled it and my keyboard began functioning normally again. I didn't conduct any exhaustive research on the functioning of the Filter Keys feature, so I have no idea why it disabled my keyboard. Ultimately I did consolidate my Logitech Unifying Receivers, but that was after I got the keyboard working again.
Thanks for the update and I was very happy to help you.
ASKER
Following John's advice I went to the Control Panel and then to the Ease of Access Center. Within the ease of access center, I clicked on the link labeled, "Change how your keyboard works." At the top of the dialogue box is the title, "Make the keyboard easier to use." Beneath that title are several sections, one of which is labeled, "Make it easier to type." The "Make it easier to type section includes an option called "Turn off Filter Keys." I found that interesting, because a couple of days ago I had noticed a mysterious icon on the Windows taskbar. It appeared to be a small clock, but it was so small I couldn't tell you what it was supposed to be. Anyway, when I hovered over it with the mouse pointer, it revealed itself as something called FilterKeys. I couldn't recall having seen it before and didn't know what FilterKeys was, so I endeavored to remove it. However, I couldn't find it under Control Panel. When I searched the Internet, I discovered that FilterKeys is a Windows feature. Based on its description it sounded harmless, so I left it alone.
Based on the description of its function, it didn't sound reasonable to me that FilterKeys could be contributing to my problem. Regardless, I decided to disable it anyway. Voilà! My keyboard is back! Just to ensure that this was the fix, I'm going to monitor things for a couple of days. Thereafter, I will close this ticket.