Cant type commas or full stops

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Level 1

10 points

Cant type commas or full stops

Im using an old iMac (27-inch, Late 2013 - Catalina 10157) - first the wireless keyboard stopped working on the numeric keys - I suspected a liquid spill but could not get it working again despite drying out so I switched to a wired keyboard

This was fine for a while but the full stop and comma keys have now stopped working hence they are missing on this message!

I have tried resetting the SMC and PRAM - no joy

Any ideas for a fix or is the iMac on its way to the desk in the sky? I am using the virtual keyboard for emergency full stops and commas

TIA

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 8, 2023 01:27 AM

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Answer 1

hareand Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 9, 2023 10:38 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

I dug out a REALLY old Compaq keyboard, initially MacOS didn't recognise it but after clicking one key it's working and the full stop button is fine. So it was the keyboard as you suggested. I thought the Apple hardware would be more robust, so that's both the fancy wireless keyboard and the almost as fancy wired keyboard that failed. The decades old Compaq is fine. Thanks!

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,050 points

Feb 8, 2023 06:00 AM in response to hareand

I agree it's not the Mac, however it could be the keyboard. Please do a Safe Mode restart per the instructions in the link.

Also, by chance do you have any third party:

• Antivirus

• Cleaning

• VPN

• Security

or any other third party "maintenance" apps installed?

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Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,050 points

Feb 9, 2023 12:10 AM in response to hareand

Please uninstall the VPN. First it is completely unnecessary unless your employer provided it and mandates you use it. It does NOT need to running to create havoc with Mac OS. My recommendation is to uninstall, then restart in Safe Mode and then restart normally and re-test. If you decide to try another keyboard, I would recommend buying one from www.macsales.com. They have a large selection to choose from based on your needs.

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,050 points

Feb 9, 2023 10:37 AM in response to hareand

Sorry that did not work, well if you are going to replace your keyboard as mentioned earlier please try Macsales.com, they specialize in Macs and everything they sell works as it has been tested. They also give great service. Also, they are considered the "best" overall for Mac accessories such as keyboards, DVD drives, HD's, mass storage solutions, etc....

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