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| Author | Extensions Disabled/Stuck Shift Key (Read 8924 times) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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BigBang
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on: October 21, 2008, 10:52
Hi, it been a while since I've had the PowerBook 3400C dusted off and I just can't get my head around why every time I start it, the Extensions are disabled. I've sussed out that the Shift key is stuck as when i type I get all caps ... I can't double-click to open anything and I've searched high and low, through the prefs but there isn't anything that works ... I've tried google but I seem to have lost the touch there too. I've just reinstalled OS 7.6 and want to update to OS 7.6.1 but I can't even select any links in the Netscape browser. I know some may say toss it out but I don't want to. Every time I think it's given up the ghost it comes back to life... I know there's got to be an answer to this somewhere, someone must know what I did to cause this as it was working perfectly last time I used it ... |
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wove
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1024 MB  Posts: 1363 
Reply #1 on: October 21, 2008, 18:51
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To confirm the problem is with the onboard keyboard and/or trackpad and as a possible temporary fix, you can disconnect the built in keyboard and use an ADB keyboard and mouse. If the external keyboard (with the internal keyboard disconnected) and mouse allow you to use the 3400 as expected, then you can assume you need a new keyboard. The keyboard for the 3400 is the same keyboard used on the PB 190, PB5300 and the PB3500 (Kanga). bill
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dpaanlka
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1024 MB Posts: 1646
Reply #2 on: October 21, 2008, 21:52
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Try launching KeyCaps and see if the Shift button is pressed down on the on-screen keyboard.
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BigBang
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Reply #3 on: October 22, 2008, 01:13
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Thanks for the responses, guys  If I can source an ADB keyboard/mouse, do they need to be Apple products? Will the mouse plug into the keyboard like my iMac, or otherwise? The Shift key is blacked out in KeyCaps, too. Another thing is when the lid is down and I connect the power adapter and turn the mains on, I hear the startup chime as I'm unlatching the upper case ... but that's probably unrelated and the screen bezel is possibly contacting with the power button when the lid is closed.
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wove
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1024 MB Posts: 1363
Reply #4 on: October 22, 2008, 03:25
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Many 3rd party ADB keyboards and mice have software to enable extra features, but all I have ever seen do default to pretty standard Apple keyboards and mice without those drivers present. It is not uncommon for a Powerbook with a dead main battery and dead PRAM battery to start the moment it is plugged into the mains. Many of these sorts of setting are set in the PRAM and revert to some nebulas state when the batteries die or they have set for a long time. This may prove to not be a problem once you have the 3400 back into normal use. bill
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Lichen Software
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128 MB Posts: 252 
Reply #5 on: October 22, 2008, 12:48
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Go to Wegener Media. Direct link to the part you need: http://www.wegenermedia.com/kangap.htm New keyboard ( or refurbished - do not know), $19.99 Not too hateful. I used these guys when I upgraded my 1400. I got a 30 Gb hard drive for it. HTH Dave
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BigBang
| Guest
Reply #6 on: October 23, 2008, 23:43
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Many thanks guys, for the helpful replies and the direct link is useful. I borrowed an ADB keyboard from a Power Mac 5500/225 and find that when connected, the onboard keyboard takes precedence. Is this normal? So, when I boot with the ADB connected, the Extensions are still disabled. I have to press a few keys on the ADB before it takes over from the inbuilt keyboard and both keyboards work. My double-clicking to launch items is working from the ADB, which is good but confusing. Is the Track Pad and inbuilt keyboard the one unit? One other really weird thing from the twilight zone: I thought that tapping the Shift key would unstick it .... I also tapped the Control key and it stuck down too ... then the PowerBook emited a strange sort of beeping song ... an actual melody ... then the Ctrl key came unstuck after I kept tapping it. I haven't been able to replicate this either.
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wove
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1024 MB Posts: 1363
Reply #7 on: October 24, 2008, 03:29
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The trackpad and the keyboard are separate devices on the PB5300 (I am pretty sure they are separate on all Powerbooks.) When you plug in an external keyboard, you will have 2 keyboards and a malfunction in either will effect both. To eliminate the effects of a stuck shift key on the onboard keyboard you will need to disconnect the onboard keyboard. And until you disconnect it you will experience startups with extensions disabled. If the keys on the internal keyboard are stuck because of some sticky residue left from something being spilled on it, you might be able to wash it dry it and have it working again. These keyboards can be washed in the dish washer. Use the top rack, not the hottest water and no detergent. Don't let the dishwasher dry it. Remove it after washing, shake out as much water as you can and let it dry for 24 hours before reinstalling it. bill
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BigBang
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Reply #8 on: October 25, 2008, 13:40
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Well, I disconnected the inbuilt keyboard and whaddy-ya-know ...  Extensions are still disabled at startup ! How bizarre, and I need to tap a few keys on the ADB before it's recognised ... Does this point to anything?
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