Jump to content

What to Do to When Numbers on a Computer Are Typed as Symbols


Recommended Posts

When your keyboard produces something like "@#$%^&*!" when you press the number keys, it may seem like your computer has an attitude problem. What's more likely is that you accidentally enabled the Sticky Keys feature in Windows. Sticky Keys allows users with physical limitations to lock the Shift key and other modifier keys so they can complete complicated combos such as Ctrl-Alt-Del by pressing one key at a time. You can usually disable the feature from the keyboard, but in some cases you may have to modify your Windows settings.
 

Instructions

 

1.

Press the "Shift" key twice in a row. In most cases this unlocks the Shift key, allowing you to type numbers again. If this doesn't solve the problem, or you want to turn off Sticky Keys, continue to the next step.

 

2.

Press the "Shift" key five times in a row. Usually this sequence turns the feature on or off, even on a Mac. If this doesn't work for you, or you want to completely disable Sticky Keys, complete the next steps.

 

3.

Click "Search" on the Windows 8 Charms bar, click "Settings," and then type "ease of access" into the search field. Select "View Current Accessibility Settings" from the search results. If you're using Windows 7 or Windows Vista, select "Ease of Access" from the Control Panel.

 

4.

Select "Make the Keyboard Easier to Use" from the options in the Ease of Access Center.

 

5.

Clear the check mark from the box next to "Turn On Sticky Keys," and then click "Apply." Windows disables the feature and your number keys will start to behave themselves.

 

Tips & Warnings

 

·         If you prefer to leave the Sticky Key feature enabled, but want to adjust the settings to make the feature easier to turn on and off, leave the check mark in the box next to "Turn On Sticky Keys" and click "Set Up Sticky Keys" instead.

 

·         You can access the Sticky Keys settings on a Mac OS X system by clicking the "Apple" menu, selecting "System Preferences," and then clicking "Universal Access."

 

·         Information in this article applies to Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...