Mysterious sticky keys activation

[ZamRemo]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum. I am writing to you with a question and a problem which I have been able to find as a common problem online but no one has been able to solve it has yet.

Basically the computer randomly activates the Sticky keys feature even though I have deactivated it from the Ease of Access Center. I have unchecked the Shift key activation shortcut and disabled all features on it. None the less the "sticky keys" like feature activates itself. I have tried to use another keyboard but that doesn't work either. Further more the mouse works funny as well once this bug comes on. The mouse clicks on a browser start opening links in new windows rather than the same window. Addiotionally the keyboard alternates between small caps and capitals at random and at times it is as if the Caps lock has been reversed and even though the Caps lock light is off I am in capitals but the number keys are coming out as !"£$%^&*().

I am an avid gamer so during a game my mouse's right click stops working. Sometimes pressing both Shift keys at the same time helps or pressing the left Shift key twice helps to deactivate whatever this thing is. Sometimes it doesn't though. This is a very annoying occurence as I can not even type properly without having to deactivate this thing.

My keboard is a Logitech G15, a G9 mouse with a G13 keypad.

I have run CCleaner, MS Onecare Virus and Malware scans, Adaware to locate any issues but have failed to find any. I did run the free version of Registry Mechanic which found just a few things wrong with it but I was not convinced enough to pay $30 for the years subscription to fix the problems it found.

I would kind appreciate anyones help and please note that this is the first forum I am seeking help on therefore I shall not be trying other random solutions while I take some ones advice here.

[PCBruiser]

This is rather strange.  Usually when you see this problem, the keyboard switches under the key tops are sticking, and that causes the problem.  However, you tried another keyboard with the same results, so that suggests otherwise.  I suggest that the first thing you do is to uninstall all your Logitech drivers, reboot a few times, and then reinstall them using the latest drivers for your hardware downloaded directly from Logitech.  Let's see if that accomplishes anything.

This does not sound like malware either.

BTW, all those are USB based.  Do you connect them directly to the USB sockets on the rear of your system, or do you connect them via a USB hub or from front panel connectors.  And, what version of Windows are you using, including service pack.

[ZamRemo]

Sorry for the late response. Yes I connect all of those from the USB ports in the back. I am running Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit.

Could you tell me how I would find and uninstall the logitech drivers? Thanks

[PCBruiser]

Open your Control Panel to Programs and Features.  You will find the Logitech drivers listed there.  Click on them in the list and that will uninstall them.  Then reboot, and install the new drivers downloaded from Logitech's site.

[ZamRemo]

oK buD tried tHAT but it is stilL A PROBlem as you can see in my text. what are my OPTIONS NOW?

[PCBruiser]

Do you have, or borrow, an old keyboard that you can connect to the system temporarily?  If so, connect it and see if it is doing the same thing or not.  If it does, then the problem we need to deal with is in the system.  If it doesn't, then there is a problem with the keyboard itself, and it needs replacement, either under warranty by Logitech if it is still under warranty, otherwise you will need a new keyboard.

[ZamRemo]

Hi PCBruiser,

Tried another keyboard, same problem with that too. The Sticky keys function still randomly comes on even thought it completely shut off in the ease of accessibilty section

[Hoov]

I am going to stick my 2 cents in, When was the last time you cleaned the dust from the inside of the computer? Does the problem occur only after the computer has been on and getting hot? Or does it happen when its cold?

[ZamRemo]

It varies really. I will take your advice and clean the dust. What internal part specifically did you think is the cause of the problem?

[Hoov]

Just open up the side of the computer and look. If its dusty, you will see it everywhere. The one exception is the power supply. I don't recommend that you open that up unless you know about electricity and electronic components. Make sure you clean along the back edge where all the external connections are.  If you used canned duster, make sure that you keep the can upright. If you tip it over, the liquid state of the duster will come out and flash to a vapor, and it is super cold when it does that. Also don't use an air compressor, they also push out water vapor with the compressed air.  I also don't recommend a vacuum cleaner either.

[a_cup]

Could it be an ANSI bomb...?

[Hoov]

Possible, but ZamRemo is reporting a random activation. I think an ANSI bomb would cause a more regular problem.

[ZamRemo]

First of all Merry Xmas and happy holidays.

Well cleaned the inside. So far the problem still persists. But not as frequent as before.

[Hoov]

How often does it activate? And does it do so after hitting a specific key? Or a specific program runs?

[ZamRemo]

Hey.. after keeping an eye on the sticky key problem for the past couple of weeks, i have come to the conclusion there is no single program or keystroke that triggers it and it is complete random.