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IE8 disables special keys on keyboard

V

VolkerD

Flightless Bird
Some time ago I noticed that all the special keys (media controls, IE, mail,
calculator as well as Internet hot keys etc.) on the Natural Keyboard Pro are
not working when and only when IE8 is running (foreground as well as
background/task bar). This occurs with IntelliType Pro v5.50 as well as with
the latest v7.1. The problem occurs in IE itself as well as any other
program and the OS itself as long as IE is running.
If IE is not running, the special keys are working as they should.
This issue has occurred only a little while ago (I cannot say exactly when),
and I supsect that some recent Microsoft update might be the culprit.
Until a few weeks ago, this problem was not present.
I would be grateful for help and a solution.
 
J

Jeffrey W. Bowen

Flightless Bird
Hello VolkerD,

Do you use Automatic updates, or do you visit the update site custom area to
pick the updates you want? If you don't visit the website, then go there and
choose "custom" and see if there is a driver update for your MS Natural
Keyboard or see if there is a direct link you can go to for your keyboard to
update the driver.

Is your keyboard connected by usb, ps2 or wireless? If it is usb, or
wireless disconnect the keyboard or wireless receiver for at least 20 or 30
seconds and reconnect. Another thing you may want to do is shut down your
system until the computer shuts off and disconnect or switch off its hard
power switch (at the back of the computer box) for 20 to 30 seconds and turn
it back on and see if that fixes your issue.

Turning the power off on your computer may help clear out any 'old' memory
about your keyboard that could be causing it to 'get confused' rendering
your special keys to become useless even if only when a certain program
runs. The 'old memory' may include IE information that may interfere with
your special key assignments (imho).

Does your keyboard include its own software that automatically makes these
keyboard assignments? If so, uninstall and reinstall the software for your
keyboard.

If uninstalling/reinstalling software and updating drivers doesn't help,
post back here and/or do a search for your problem on the Internet and the
MS knowledgebase to see if you can find another solution for your problem.

I hope this helps or someone else is able to provide a better solution.

Good luck.

--
Peace,

Jeffrey W. Bowen
Remove NO SPAM entries from email address to send personal email.

Please post replies of successes or failures so we all can benefit from each
others' experiences.



"VolkerD" <VolkerD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:69BDC29F-93A7-4E28-A6E1-C7F793BD6A0A@microsoft.com...
> Some time ago I noticed that all the special keys (media controls, IE,
> mail,
> calculator as well as Internet hot keys etc.) on the Natural Keyboard Pro
> are
> not working when and only when IE8 is running (foreground as well as
> background/task bar). This occurs with IntelliType Pro v5.50 as well as
> with
> the latest v7.1. The problem occurs in IE itself as well as any other
> program and the OS itself as long as IE is running.
> If IE is not running, the special keys are working as they should.
> This issue has occurred only a little while ago (I cannot say exactly
> when),
> and I supsect that some recent Microsoft update might be the culprit.
> Until a few weeks ago, this problem was not present.
> I would be grateful for help and a solution.
>
 
V

VolkerD

Flightless Bird
Hello Jeffrey,

thanks for your reply.

I do not use Automatic updates but visit the update site custom area to pick
the updates I want.
I have tried the "old" driver (v5.50, the last one that "officially"
supports the MS Natural Keyboard Pro) as well as the latest v7.1 that also
supports it but does not show it as a choice of model in its scroll box any
more.

My keyboard is connected by USB.
I have, of course, tried to shut down my system and restarted (several
times, and with different driver configurations).

The keyboard works without special drivers as a standard keyboard, but it
includes its own software (IntelliType Pro) that automatically makes these
keyboard assignments and supports the additional keys. I have uninstalled
and reinstalled the software as well as tried different versions.

As I mentioned, everything works fine as long as IE is not running, and it
used to work fine also with IE until perhaps two weeks ago.

So I still hope for some help.

Best wishes
VolkerD
 
J

Jeffrey W. Bowen

Flightless Bird
Thanks for your reply VolkerD,

I found a site that discusses how to use the MS Natural keyboard.

According to the author of the site, Microsoft recommends that you connect
your keyboard to both the usb and ps2 ports. Later the author states that it
must be connected to the ps2 port for the hot keys to work. I don't know
enough about this to say whether that is correct or not, . . . also because
you did not have this problem before IE 8.

You may wish to try this or check your instructions to see if that is the
solution suggested in your manual or readme file of your keyboard although I
am not confident that will solve your problem.

Have you tested your keyboard with the latest Firefox version to see if it
works with your keyboard? My guess is it will work fine with that. This is
just a suggestion if you can't get help fixing the problem with IE. I use
Firefox sometimes with Facebook instead of IE 8 because it seems to work a
little smoother with some apps than IE does.

It could be that this problem is so new that Microsoft may need to be
directly alerted through their support technicians (this is just a newsgroup
hosted by Microsoft) so they will know the issue exists. Once they know,
they may be able to provide a patch.

Anyway, I will continue to look for a solution. I'm sorry I couldn't provide
much help for now.

Good luck
--
Peace,

Jeffrey W. Bowen
Remove NO SPAM entries from email address to send personal email.

Please post replies of successes or failures so we all can benefit from each
others' experiences.


"VolkerD" <VolkerD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:FD668020-3EF8-41E6-AC48-661AA06AA8AC@microsoft.com...
> Hello Jeffrey,
>
> thanks for your reply.
>
> I do not use Automatic updates but visit the update site custom area to
> pick
> the updates I want.
> I have tried the "old" driver (v5.50, the last one that "officially"
> supports the MS Natural Keyboard Pro) as well as the latest v7.1 that
> also
> supports it but does not show it as a choice of model in its scroll box
> any
> more.
>
> My keyboard is connected by USB.
> I have, of course, tried to shut down my system and restarted (several
> times, and with different driver configurations).
>
> The keyboard works without special drivers as a standard keyboard, but it
> includes its own software (IntelliType Pro) that automatically makes these
> keyboard assignments and supports the additional keys. I have uninstalled
> and reinstalled the software as well as tried different versions.
>
> As I mentioned, everything works fine as long as IE is not running, and it
> used to work fine also with IE until perhaps two weeks ago.
>
> So I still hope for some help.
>
> Best wishes
> VolkerD
>
 
V

VolkerD

Flightless Bird
Hello Jeffrey,

thanks again for your reply.

I was not quite precise when I described how my keyboard is connected - it
is indeed (and has always been) connected to the PS2 (=keyboard) port and to
the USB port. My mouse (Logitech G9) is (and has always been) connected to
one of the USB ports on the keyboard. This configuration has never changed,
and both the keyboard and the mouse (including the forward/back navigation
buttons on the mouse also under IE) are working flawlessly.

Normally I use IE (because there are several plugins that I do not want to
miss, especially RoboForm and the Quero toolbar), bu I also use Opera, and in
Opera all the special keys including Internet navigation are working without
problem (as long as IE is not running in the background!).

That is why I am reasonably sure that the problem is connected with some
"keyboard hook" that has become integrated in IE, probably by one of the more
recent security updates.

I would be grateful for any other help.
Best wishes
VolkerD
 
J

Jeffrey W. Bowen

Flightless Bird
Hello VolkerD,

Thank you for your response and explanation why you prefer IE. I like IE
better as well, but do use Firerfox when I suspect an issue is related to IE
itself that may be fixed by a patch or until I can fix it myself.

I don't know about the Quero toolbar, but I do know that Roboform has an
adapter for Firefox that can be installed during installation or downloaded
and installed at: http://www.roboform.com/browsers.html

I use Roboform Pro for both IE and Firefox with all of my information and
passwords saved on a flash drive so that none of my vital information is on
my computer.

I am going to take a shot in the dark though and suggest you try running IE
without any add-ons running. Click on Start, and right click Internet
Explorer and choose 'Browse without Add-ons'. If your keyboard works
properly then, you know that one of your add-ons may be causing the problem.

Another thing to try if you do not use the Roboform hot keys is to disable
that feature in Roboform. So open Roboform and go to View - Options.

Click on 'Keyboard', and clear the check box next to 'Enable Roboform
Shortcuts in Browser'. It could be that Roboform uses some of the same key
macros that your MS Natural Keyboard uses.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

--
Peace,

Jeffrey W. Bowen
Remove NO SPAM entries from email address to send personal email.

Please post replies of successes or failures so we all can benefit from each
others' experiences.




"VolkerD" <VolkerD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1CDC9CB3-9F50-4425-9D37-E63D17941350@microsoft.com...
> Hello Jeffrey,
>
> thanks again for your reply.
>
> I was not quite precise when I described how my keyboard is connected - it
> is indeed (and has always been) connected to the PS2 (=keyboard) port and
> to
> the USB port. My mouse (Logitech G9) is (and has always been) connected
> to
> one of the USB ports on the keyboard. This configuration has never
> changed,
> and both the keyboard and the mouse (including the forward/back navigation
> buttons on the mouse also under IE) are working flawlessly.
>
> Normally I use IE (because there are several plugins that I do not want to
> miss, especially RoboForm and the Quero toolbar), bu I also use Opera, and
> in
> Opera all the special keys including Internet navigation are working
> without
> problem (as long as IE is not running in the background!).
>
> That is why I am reasonably sure that the problem is connected with some
> "keyboard hook" that has become integrated in IE, probably by one of the
> more
> recent security updates.
>
> I would be grateful for any other help.
> Best wishes
> VolkerD
>
>
 
R

Robert Aldwinckle

Flightless Bird
"VolkerD" <VolkerD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:1CDC9CB3-9F50-4425-9D37-E63D17941350@microsoft.com...
> Hello Jeffrey,
>
> thanks again for your reply.
>
> I was not quite precise when I described how my keyboard is connected - it
> is indeed (and has always been) connected to the PS2 (=keyboard) port and to
> the USB port.



Always disclose your OS when you are looking for help. ; }

FWIW I have a Microsoft Internet keyboard (PS2) with IntelliType 7.0
and a Microsoft Wireless keyboard with Intellitype 7.0 working on
XPsp3, VistaSP2, and W7rc, and the same wireless keyboard working
on a W7 Tablet with whatever default software it has in it. All OS have
IE8 installed and all those combinations allow the function keys, e.g. Home
and Mail button, etc to work as expected.

So I suspect you will find that there is some other interference operating
in your case which you will have to diagnose using clean-boot troubleshooting
techniques.


Good luck

Robert Aldwinckle
---


> My mouse (Logitech G9) is (and has always been) connected to
> one of the USB ports on the keyboard. This configuration has never changed,
> and both the keyboard and the mouse (including the forward/back navigation
> buttons on the mouse also under IE) are working flawlessly.
>
> Normally I use IE (because there are several plugins that I do not want to
> miss, especially RoboForm and the Quero toolbar), bu I also use Opera, and in
> Opera all the special keys including Internet navigation are working without
> problem (as long as IE is not running in the background!).
>
> That is why I am reasonably sure that the problem is connected with some
> "keyboard hook" that has become integrated in IE, probably by one of the more
> recent security updates.
>
> I would be grateful for any other help.
> Best wishes
> VolkerD
>
>
 
J

Jeffrey W. Bowen

Flightless Bird
Hello Robert,

VolkerD mentioned that the problem does not occur with other programs or the
operating system itself. It only occurs when he is running IE 8.

So in his previous posts he already established that it is *not* the OS that
has the problem but that the problem only occurs when IE 8 is running
regardless of what other programs he may or may not be running in the
foreground.

He mentioned that he uses Roboform which I know assigns its own browser hot
keys. I have asked that he go into the Options menu of Roboform and disable
this feature and see if the problem persists.

I also asked him to try running the browser without add-ons and see if the
problem disappears.

He has not replied yet to say whether either of my suggestions helped or
not. So I will assume either he hasn't seen my latest post or he hasn't had
a chance to try my suggestions or reply back yet.

If you can find any other suggestions for his problem related to conflicts
with IE 8 and other add-ons that might interfere with his keyboard
assignments, I am sure VolkerD would appreciate it very much, because if my
suggestions don't work, I am out of any other suggestions but to contact
Microsoft and let them know of the problem so they can provide a patch.

I do agree though that it is always a good idea to state the brand of
computer and its specs as well as the OS and other software being used
besides the one in question. It does usually help get at solutions a little
quicker. :)

--
Peace,

Jeffrey W. Bowen
Remove NO SPAM entries from email address to send personal email.

Please post replies of successes or failures so we all can benefit from each
others' experiences.


"Robert Aldwinckle" <robald@techemail.com> wrote in message
news:u7Rzr15nKHA.3664@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>
> "VolkerD" <VolkerD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:1CDC9CB3-9F50-4425-9D37-E63D17941350@microsoft.com...
>> Hello Jeffrey,
>>
>> thanks again for your reply.
>>
>> I was not quite precise when I described how my keyboard is connected -
>> it
>> is indeed (and has always been) connected to the PS2 (=keyboard) port and
>> to
>> the USB port.

>
>
> Always disclose your OS when you are looking for help. ; }
>
> FWIW I have a Microsoft Internet keyboard (PS2) with IntelliType 7.0
> and a Microsoft Wireless keyboard with Intellitype 7.0 working on
> XPsp3, VistaSP2, and W7rc, and the same wireless keyboard working
> on a W7 Tablet with whatever default software it has in it. All OS have
> IE8 installed and all those combinations allow the function keys, e.g.
> Home
> and Mail button, etc to work as expected.
>
> So I suspect you will find that there is some other interference operating
> in your case which you will have to diagnose using clean-boot
> troubleshooting
> techniques.
>
>
> Good luck
>
> Robert Aldwinckle
> ---
>
>
>> My mouse (Logitech G9) is (and has always been) connected to
>> one of the USB ports on the keyboard. This configuration has never
>> changed,
>> and both the keyboard and the mouse (including the forward/back
>> navigation
>> buttons on the mouse also under IE) are working flawlessly.
>>
>> Normally I use IE (because there are several plugins that I do not want
>> to
>> miss, especially RoboForm and the Quero toolbar), bu I also use Opera,
>> and in
>> Opera all the special keys including Internet navigation are working
>> without
>> problem (as long as IE is not running in the background!).
>>
>> That is why I am reasonably sure that the problem is connected with some
>> "keyboard hook" that has become integrated in IE, probably by one of the
>> more
>> recent security updates.
>>
>> I would be grateful for any other help.
>> Best wishes
>> VolkerD
>>
>>

>
>
 
V

VolkerD

Flightless Bird
Hello Jeffrey,
Hello Robert,

Thank you for your kind and comprehensive replies.

It seems I must apologize for not taking the time first to properly
investigate the issue myself before asking for help. I should have thought
of trying to start IE without add-ons before blaming Microsoft updates as the
most “obvious†culprit.

Well, that’s what I did now, I have started IE without add-ons and I was
able to isolate the problem -- it was the FlashGet v3.3 BHO (after updating
from the formerly rock-solid v1.96 to v3.3) which I did not think of before;
it was the only new item except for Microsoft updates.

Consequently I have first disabled and finally uninstalled FlashGet v3.3,
and the problem is completely gone.

Thanks for your support, and please again accept my apologies.
I greatly appreciate sour support.

Best Regards,

VolkerD
 
J

Jeffrey W. Bowen

Flightless Bird
VolkerD,

You are very welcome. I am glad you were able to fix your problem. :)

--
Peace,

Jeffrey W. Bowen
Remove NO SPAM entries from email address to send personal email.

Please post replies of successes or failures so we all can benefit from each
others' experiences.

"VolkerD" <VolkerD@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:83E448FF-38BD-48DE-B5EA-42F92691E4AE@microsoft.com...
> Hello Jeffrey,
> Hello Robert,
>
> Thank you for your kind and comprehensive replies.
>
> It seems I must apologize for not taking the time first to properly
> investigate the issue myself before asking for help. I should have
> thought
> of trying to start IE without add-ons before blaming Microsoft updates as
> the
> most "obvious" culprit.
>
> Well, that's what I did now, I have started IE without add-ons and I was
> able to isolate the problem -- it was the FlashGet v3.3 BHO (after
> updating
> from the formerly rock-solid v1.96 to v3.3) which I did not think of
> before;
> it was the only new item except for Microsoft updates.
>
> Consequently I have first disabled and finally uninstalled FlashGet v3.3,
> and the problem is completely gone.
>
> Thanks for your support, and please again accept my apologies.
> I greatly appreciate sour support.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> VolkerD
>
 
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