Hardware Issues with Keyboard Commands

[abr35]

I'm having a problem with Orbiter 2016, running on an HP Pavilion Windows Vista. Orbiter does not accept any key commands with the exception of Alt-F4. I searched the forums and tried the "Focus Follows Mouse" check box that was suggested but nothing changed. I also ruled out AOL datamask which was a key scrambler. Is there anything I can do to fix this problem?

Thank you!

 

[PhantomCruiser]

Laptop or desktop?

 

[Dambuster]

What happens if you try the onscreen keyboard?

 

[abr35]

It's a desktop. Tried the windows onscreen keyboard and it did not work. The clock is moving so I know the simulation is running.

 

[Ripley]

Can you see the mouse pointer move around?
Is it alive?
I mean, does Orbiter window actually have focus?

 

[abr35]

Mouse pointer operates just fine. Can click on everything.

 

[Hielor]

Is your keyboard input language English?

 

[abr35]

It's been in English and I have never changed that setting.

 

[DaveS]

It's been in English and I have never changed that setting.

Could you check if you have any keyboard software installed that might be hijacking the keyboard? If you do, try deactivating that software and see if it helps any.

 

[abr35]

The one part of AOL Datamask I could not disable was called "Entry Protect" and it's a key scrambler. I'm sure that is it, but I can't disable it. Trying to end task gives me an "Operation could not be completed. Access denied." Anyone have experience with this program? Can I make an exception that prevents it from scrambling keys when Orbiter is the focus window?

 

[Ripley]

Didn't you write

...I also ruled out AOL datamask which was a key scrambler...

Ok, what about this?
http://www.dell.com/support/article/it/it/itbsdt1/SLN209416/FR

You know how to run msconfig and selectively disable unwanted services that run at startup?

 

[abr35]

That worked perfectly. Thank you!

 

[Ripley]

Good to know!

 

[dbeachy1]

Out of curiosity, what does this "key scrambler" do (besides break programs like Orbiter)? What is its purpose??

 

[orb]

what does this "key scrambler" do

From the sound of its name, it should be sending random keystrokes when you use keyboard for whatever purpose (maybe a protection from keyloggers?).

 

[abr35]

From the sound of its name, it should be sending random keystrokes when you use keyboard for whatever purpose (maybe a protection from keyloggers?).

That is exactly it. It only ever interfered with Orbiter

 

[4throck]

For gaming or serious work you need to remove all non essential stuff from Windows startup.
Most of that software can be run latter if needed.