For some reason my settings are such that when I start up my computer
(windows XP pro) my keypad doesn't work. It will only start working once I
hold the shift button down and it makes 12 "bleeps" and a final 13th "blip".
Such a weird annoying thing. Know how I can change it????
Unexpected results from keyboards are usually pretty straightforward to
sort out: either a physical problem or a setting that needs to be changed.
If the keyboard is dirty, pressing one key may cause a different one to
"register" or repeat signals are sent because the key "sticks."
When everything is turned off, disconnect the keyboard and give it a good
cleaning. I use an eraser and/or a slightly damp cloth for cleaning the
surfaces. Look for pieces of cellophane or pet hair that may have worked
its way under the keys. Carefully extract if found (wooden toothpicks work
well for this). Turning upside down and giving a few whacks to dislodge
dust, dirt is my approach to cleaning most other debris. There are
"keyboard vacuum cleaners" available but I've never used one.
If liquid has been spilled on the keyboard - all bets are off. Try cleaning
but if it's still not right, replace it. Wet key contacts can "short" the
keyboard's internal circuitry. Waiting until the keyboard is completely dry
might help (can take a day or so if very, very wet) but damage could be
permanent and recovery impossible.
For the software side of things:
Check in Control Panel> Accessibility Options. Check settings for all
Keyboard and Mouse Features. In each section, uncheck the box to use the
feature. Also, click Settings and remove the check from the "use shortcut"
box. Restart the computer and try the keyboard and number pad again.
If there is add-on software installed for the keyboard, check settings in
that program as well.
