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Question

Computer acts like ctrl key is stuck

Aug 16, 2017 2:01PM PDT

For about the last 2 months my desktop computer acts as if the ctrl key is held down. This problem has been intermittent and random and seems to have to discernable rhyme or reason for its cause. I've tried tapping ctrl repeatedly, alternating with alt and shift and the function keys. Even bringing up the onscreen keyboard doesn't solve anything as it still refuses to type normally. I've lost countless hours of game data due to being unable to press the esc key to save and I've also been completely unable to complete my work while at home because it just won't type. The only solution I've found is restarting but the problem may come back in as little as an half an hour. Any help would be great.

Post was last edited on August 16, 2017 5:59 PM PDT

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Edit
Aug 16, 2017 2:01PM PDT

Not sure why it censored a the word shift

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LOL because you left out the "f" in the word shift
Aug 16, 2017 6:00PM PDT

you know what that spells Grin I fixed it for ya.

Cheers!
-Lee

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Clarification Request
Have you tried a new keyboard?
Aug 16, 2017 2:08PM PDT
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Pretty sure that won't work
Aug 16, 2017 3:39PM PDT

Because the problem persists with the on screen keyboard means it isn't hardware Abe my keyboard is a 2 year old logitech g510

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I offered more than try a new keyboard.
Aug 16, 2017 3:49PM PDT

If all fail, the OS has been damaged and you get to reload. Sad to hear all the usual fixes failed you.

However, once in a while a new member will only read the first idea and then reply "It's not that."

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Neither will work.
Aug 17, 2017 6:49AM PDT

If it was a keymapping problem it would be happening constantly although as ive said its intermittent and random

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Then sad news.
Aug 17, 2017 7:28AM PDT

It's either a totally banged up OS or a hardware issue you haven't worked out.

Your reply however tells me you are not trying Sharpkeys but falling into the trap of waiting for the "right answer." If so, the right answer is costly. Take it to the repair counter and let them fix it. I am here to help you avoid that but you must try the usual fixes.

If the usual fixes fail, and it's not hardware then I worry about the banged up OS or keylogger/infections. Once in a while a member will come back with "Nope, I have Norton" or other protection suite and this just shows they are new to these issues.

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Just tired of wrong answers
Aug 17, 2017 6:23PM PDT

To clarify the keymapping issue that you are so insistent on bring my problem. There are several times when this happens that I never even touch the control key so there's that too. But you may be onto something with the keylogging infection, what kind of program would you suggest for detecting that?

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I've met folk that only want the right answer.
Aug 17, 2017 6:43PM PDT
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Fixed for now
Aug 24, 2017 10:36AM PDT

I did the scans you recommended and rebound left ctrl to right ctrl with sharp keys. Its been more than a week and the issue hasn't come up yet. Not sure which was the fix; regardless, thanks for the help and I'd like to apologize if it seemed like I was flying off the handle, this issue has been bothering me for months.

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I understand.
Aug 25, 2017 9:43AM PDT

I get cranky too when a problem sticks around too long. But I'm cheap. I try the cheap fixes before I move to the "yes, fixes it everytime" methods.